Erika Dawn Schimmel

Erika Dawn Schimmel died July 27, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona. She was 59 years old. She is deeply missed by her sister, Käthe (Schimmel) Walton, her aunts, Militza Georgevich English, Lilliana Boskovich, Anne McDonald, her uncle, David Schimmel, many cousins and dear friends, and her beloved cats, Mattie and Tzuki. She was born on November 20, 1959 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to Douglas and Gordana 'Gordie' (Stojadinovich) Schimmel. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she lived with her father, step-mother, Priscilla 'Greenie' Schimmel, and sister. She attended Harvard St George grade school and Immaculata High School (Class of 1977). She went on to study Criminal Justice and Psychology at Michigan State University (Class of 1981). She moved to Ashburn, Virginia where she lived for many years until 2010 when she relocated to Sun City in Tucson, Arizona to care for her mother, Gordie. She had Gordie's sense of humor and flair for drama, Doug's sense of adventure and zest for life, and Greenie's compassion and loving heart. She delighted in the desert's beauty from the stunning sunsets to the drenching monsoons and the diverse wildlife that would pass right through her backyard. She loved sports cars and rooting for her hometown Chicago Bears, and a vast variety of music, films and books. She had deep sense of empathy and her caring for others knew no bounds. She recently started her own pet sitting business. She loved animals and they all had an immediate connection with her. She dreamed of traveling the world and was eager to go on trips whether they were a thousand miles away or just a short drive from her home, and she loved sharing her experiences with her family and friends, posting pictures and updates on Facebook so we all could share the journey with her. We will always remember her beautiful smile, her caring heart, her joyful laughter. She is in our hearts forever. Celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N 1st Ave, Oro Valley, AZ 85737. Donations in Erika's name may be made to: Felines & Canines, P.O. Box 60616, Chicago, IL 60660 https://www.felinescanines.org/.