Shrewsbury – Elizabeth Janet “Jan” (Ducimo) Erikson, 82 of Shrewsbury, formerly of Longmeadow, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on May 12, 2021.
Born and raised in Worcester, Jan was the daughter of the late Frank “Pete” and Marion (Perritt) Ducimo. She graduated from Commerce High School and married the “love of her life,” Earl Erikson, who affectionately referred to her as “the Duchess.” They then built their life together in Longmeadow, with love and devotion for each other, until Earl left her side in 2013. Jan then moved to Shrewsbury to be closer to family.
During their time together, Jan and Earl enjoyed traveling and seeing the world. They often took cruises and enjoyed the opportunity to ballroom dance. Over the years, Jan held various jobs; her last and favorite was being a crossing guard for the city of Longmeadow, public school department.
Jan is survived by her sister, Carol A. Surabian of Shrewsbury; her brother, John N. Ducimo and his wife Sharron of North Carolina; sister-in-law Phyllis Ducimo of Worcester; and brother-in-law Roland Erikson and his wife Joyce of Florida. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, extended family, and longtime friends, including Father Riley, Elizabeth Capurso, and Rose Morace. Her sister, Barbara E. Maciejewski; brother Francis P. Ducimo; and brother-in-law Stephen Surabian predeceased her.
Jan was a woman with a strong Catholic faith all her life. In Longmeadow, she was a faithful and devoted member of St. Mary’s Church, attending mass daily, teaching Sunday school and volunteering whenever needed. After moving to Shrewsbury, Jan became a member of St. Anne’s Church.
An avid animal lover from childhood, Jan was a member of the ASPCA. She always had two cats, and she loved and cherished all of them as though they were her children.
Jan was a woman who enjoyed the simple things in life. She was a gentle soul with a kind heart. Whether it was a poolside visit or watching the Golden Girls, Jan fully enjoyed each moment she could be with her family and friends. The holidays and special occasions were when she was the happiest. She loved being with her family.
Jan’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Benchmark Assisted Living facility, Right at Home Staff, and the Visiting Nurse Association for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to Jan over the years.
A period of calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 20, from 9:30-11 a.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, followed by a procession to St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, where her friend and former St. Mary’s Pastor, Reverend Francis Riley, will officiate her Mass at 11:30 a.m. Entombment with her love, Earl, will be in St. John’s Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benchmark Assisted Living Facility, 311 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545; VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608; or the MSPCA, 350 S. Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.
To take part and view Jan’s mass online, please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com and click on live services on the top line, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.
