Erika Burns, age 83, of Maumee, Ohio, and formerly of Northwood, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Born on April 18, 1943, to Johann and Maria Hiris (Stiene) in Gottschee, Yugoslavia, she immigrated to the United States in 1951. Erika dedicated her life to her family. She created a home filled with warmth, hospitality, and enduring memories. Her steady presence, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her loved ones defined every chapter of her life.

She met the love of her life, Edwin (Ed) Burns, on a blind date in 1963, and they were married on June 27, 1964, at Sacred Heart Church. They quickly started a family: Carol (John) McHale, Lisa (Mark) Beauch, Paul (Leigh) Burns, and Christopher (Melissa) Burns.

Ed and Erika raised their family traveling and camping, leaving their children with fond memories of sleeping in a pop-up camper, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, swimming, hiking, fishing, square dancing, and laughing. In their later years, they enjoyed long car rides in the country looking for deer.

She was the cherished grandmother of seven grandchildren: Alaina (Chaz) Price, Rachel McHale, Mark II (Amber) Beauch, Julia (Austin) Kastl, Casey Burns, Kristen Burns, and Aiden Burns, and four great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Forrest, Lawson, and Autumn Kastl, each of whom brought her immense pride, happiness, and purpose.

She will be remembered for her kindness, resilient spirit, and the deep love she shared with generations of family.

Erika was preceded in death by her devoted husband Ed; parents: Johann and Maria; siblings: Wilhelm, Ida, Josef, Emil, Albert, Johann, Heinrich, and Anna Marie.

The family expresses special thanks to Gabby and Beth of Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Stephanie, Tori, and Brooklyn of Maumee Pointe Memory Care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Erika's memory to Hospice of Northwest Ohio (hospicenwo.org)

Visitation is Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am with funeral service starting at 10:30 am at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy, Oregon, Ohio 43616. Burial at Restlawn Memorial Park, Perrysburg, OH