Erika Susan Anderson-Williams

A Memorial Visitation for Erika Susan Anderson-Williams, 44, of Hawthorn Woods, will be held Monday, February 12, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 415 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. The Interment will be private.

Erika was born November 19, 1979, in Park Ridge, and passed away unexpectedly, February 6, 2024, at home.

Erika was the loving mother of 5 children: Aiden, Mason, Tristan, Colton, and Emerson; dear daughter of the late Joseph and Susan (nee Malthe) Anderson; fond sister of David J. Anderson.

Erika grew up in Niles, IL on Shermer Rd. She had a very happy childhood there where she met her lifelong friend who she referred to as her older brother, Brian Lamug. The two of them, and later her little brother David, never went a day without seeing each other. They had very happy memories here for 20+ years. She graduated from Niles North high school and then went on to get her teaching degree from DePaul University. For years she taught middle school in Franklin Park. It was during this time that she met and married her husband Todd Williams and went on to have a family in which she gave birth to 5 boys including twins. She always joked that she kept trying for that girl. They first lived in a small home in Palatine for a few years until they moved to a bigger home in the same city. In 2019 she finally moved into what she described as her dream house with plenty of room for her now large family. Erika’s passion and dream career was always starting her own business just like her father. She did just that in 2011 when she started her own photography business called Just Peachy. She truly thrived at this skill and was always passionate and upbeat about doing her work. Erika has always been a very mentally strong person while always thinking positively in any situation. This type of attitude has really helped her with dealing with all the tragedy she experienced throughout the years. The sudden death of her father, Joe, at age 52 while she was still very young. The death of her mother, Sue, in 2017 after her battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her 5 boys, brother, best friend, former husband, and all other family and friends who were close to her and are all devastated by this sudden loss. A time of mourning and sadness, but also a time of memories and reflection for our dear, loving Erika. She would tell us all to stay positive, just like she did all through her life.