Dianne Kay Erickson: “The Queen” to those who loved her (as well as many of her graduate students), died of heart disease in her home in Ashland, Oreg., January 12, 2022. She was born June 20, 1944, in Lanesboro to Leroy and Phyllis Quarstad Erickson.
She loved and was loved by many. Needless to say, as the odest child and only girl in a family of five children, there are many storeis of her and her brothers’ childhoods. This may have contributed to her playfulness and sense of humor on display throughout her life. Dianne had a strong connection to her family including many close aunts, uncles and cousins. She was a part of a high school graduating class of 42 students in Lanesboro, Minn., many with whom she remained friends to the end. The values of this small midwest town and those of her parents Phyllis and Leroy to be honest, hardworking and compassionate guided her life.
She is survived by brothers Phillip (Linda Bjorkman), Greg (Kay) and Scott; Scott’s children Seri and Levi, and Greg’s daughter Ashley.
She was preceeded in death by her brothers Doug and Brent and her beloved mom and dad.
Dianne was a committed teacher, first teachign high school mathematics in Deerfield, Ill., then middle school mathematics in Talent, Oreg. After earning her PhD at the university of Oregon, she went on to teach at Oregon State University. She was the rare college professor who truly valued using research to teach, prepare and assist teachers in the improvement of their practice, with the ultimate goal of enhancing opportunities for all students to be successful in their mathematics eduation. Dianne was a dedicated member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowsip in both Corvallis and Ashland. The acceptance, caring and compassion in Universal Unitarianism were a good fit for her. She tirelessly worked on many committees, providing leadership and ideas. And in April of 2015, she and the love of her life, Lois Pettinger, partner of 47 years, were married at the Rogue Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ashland. Dianne appreciated beauty in all forms. She loved the theatre, the orchestra (she play the baritone in high school), and the beauty of the natural world around her. She expressed such great joy in singing. She sang alto in the choir, she and Lois hosted Christmas caroling parties, and she would harmonized whenever possible.
Memorial service will be held February 19, 2022, at Ashland, Oreg. Until then, Goodbye, Darlin’. You were loved by many and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please support your local schools.
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