ERICA FALLON DAY
May 1, 1982 – August 24, 2020
On August 24, 2020, the world lost a very special, beautiful soul. Our beloved Erica (“Americka” as she liked her friends to call her) left this earth leaving all of us who adored her, forever sad.
Erica was born in Helena, Montana and spent her happy childhood in Bozeman, MT. Her family moved to Helena in1990. She attended college in Casper, Wyoming and settled in Denver, CO, where she attended cosmetology school. It was there that she met her future husband, Steven Anton Waskul. They were married August 24, 2012. They were a military family and as such, they settled in Fort Carson, CO, Fort Campbell, TN and finally Fort Hood, TX. She suffered tremendously through Steve’s long overseas deployments and worried constantly about his safety. The life of a military wife was very rough on her sensitive soul.
Erica was a unique and extraordinary human being. She was bright, gorgeous, witty, had an irreverent sense of humor that made her the life of the party. She had an oppositional streak and did not suffer fools kindly. She was a fiercely loyal friend, always ready to go to battle to protect anybody she felt was being unfairly treated. That loyalty and sense of righteousness extended to family, friends and even strangers. Erica was passionately independent since she was a little girl. Her Mom’s favorite childhood story was when Erica scared her to death by tricycling to her Auntie’s home around the corner when she was 3 years old, without permission. Mom catching up with her as she was furiously pedaling away. When confronted, her flippant response was “I have my rights, too!”. She protected those rights her whole life.
She loved all animals and always talked about having her private zoo when they would retire from the military, where she would shelter abused and sick animals. Her favorite were elephants, penguins and unicorns (yes, unicorns!) in that particular order.
When she was young, she was deeply interested in dinosaurs to the point where we thought she would grow up to be a paleontologist. She loved to sit down with her Dad to watch old musicals. Erica was most proud of her Mexican heritage, her Spanish language and her Catholic faith. She thoroughly enjoyed telling people she was a Catholic Mexican to watch their confusion since she looked totally Nordic. She loved her multiple trips to Mexico to spend time with her family down there and enjoy the food. Erica was a phenomenal cook, incredibly creative and proud of her cooking abilities.
Erica loved her nephews and nieces and was very proud of them and their accomplishments, but her very favorite was Ricky. She thought he was the coolest kid in the world.
Erica was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Harry and Della Day, and her maternal grandparents, Jose Luis and Gloria Estrada. Erica was very close to both of her Grandmas. Uncles Ron Day, Terry Day, and Jordi Estrada, all predeceased her.
She is survived by her husband, Steven A. Waskul, her grieving parents, Micheal Day and Nuria M. Day, her loving sister, Amanda E. Meier, her caring brother-in-law Chris Meier, nephews Micheal Meier, Christopher Meier, Richard Meier; niece Alexis Meier; and her family in Mexico, too numerous to detail.
A vigil will take place on September 8th at 6 p.m.at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on September 9th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Burial will take place immediately following the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will take place at a later date when COVID restrictions are lifted.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 8, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 9, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday September 9, 2020
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 8, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 9, 2020
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday September 9, 2020
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Kaysee Williams Curley says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Erica. Sending love, prayers, and hugs out to her family and loved ones.
Joanie Mathis says
Beautiful and spunky daughter that you raised! She put in a lot of life into her 38 yrs. You were definitely chosen to be her parents and that will never change. I pray God’s comfort for the difficult days ahead. Take care of yourselves and your hearts.
Rocío Estrada says
Siento mucha tristeza el saber que esa niña bella voló pero pienso que esta con su tío jordi y allá la protejera pero siempre estará cuidandonos
Nury says
Ella y yo almas unidas, mi hermana por elección ya que siempre estuvimos cerca una de la otra, siempre estará en mi corazón y en mi vida, tan alegre, tan ella, alegraba los días de quién estuviera a su lado, te querré por siempre
Wanda Kaye Phillips Poston says
Dear Cousin Mike,
You may not remember me, but my Dad is Lee Phillips.
If you do remember me, my name is Wanda Kaye Phillips Poston.
I just read your daughter’s obituary.
My heart hurts for you.
I know how it feels to have a daughter pass away.
My daughter was 23 in 2000 when she died in a car accident.
It hurts for a long time and then you think of her everyday, and Heavenly Father helps you heal.
I hope you heal as time and love for your daughter mends your pain.
With love,
Wanda Kaye
Julie Konen Young says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I loved her feisty attitude when Amanda and I were in high school and I would come to visit during the summer. She always had something to say about what was going on. She will be truly missed. *hugs*
Holly Rolfe says
My deepest sympathies to your entire family. I have many fond memories of Erica from the days of playing with her when I would spend time at your house with Amanda in Middle and High School. I am so sorry for your loss, please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lovingly,
Holly Rolfe
Kelsey Gilbertson says
I’m so sorry . Erica was such a beautiful soul. My best memories are with her, she’ll forever be my best friend and in my heart.
I still can’t believe she’s gone so soon. I hope she finds everlasting happiness and peace.
Gail Brown says
Nury, I am so very sorry to read of the loss of your beautiful daughter. I remember Erica as being a strong, independent woman. My heart and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
MARISOL says
EL PLAN DE DIOS ES EL MEJOR PARA CADA UNO Y AVECES PENSAMOS QUE NO HAY RESPUESTAS, EL DUELO ES DOLOROSO PORQUE SENTIMOS Y EXTRAÑAMOS VERLA PARTIR, PERO SUS ALAS ESTABAN LISTAS Y SU ALMA SEGUIRA CONTIGO MIENTRAS RECUERDES LOS BUENOS MOMENTOS QUE TUVIERON LA HONRARAS SIGUIENDO TU VIDA Y HASTA QUE TUS ALAS TAMBIEN ESTEN LISTAS TE AMO PRIMA Y TE MANDO FUERZA Y PAZ EN ESTOS MOMENTOS, TODA LA FUERZA DESDE AQUI CHOLULA TU PAIS
Tessa Elford says
Sorry to hear of your loss. I think often of our times on Soccer trips and Church camp. I loved her adventurous spirit! May she rest in peace.
Miriam Harris ( Mimi) says
My sister from another mother. My partner in crime, my teammate, my best friend. We didn’t even get to go walking down memory lane or say good bye. I have so many memories I can’t place a favorite, But I know yours was when we snuck out, and you got caught on the window seal handle. I loved how we could just walk to each others houses and our parents didn’t miss a beat to either feed us, or kick us out of the houses to go play. Mr. Day and Nuria my deepest condolence. I wish I could turn back time and be around more for you and Erica. I just pray that my Brothers and Sisters Marines guard her and guide her to her place in Heaven. I know I would. I already miss you sis and ache so much. Know I’ll never forget you.
Shirley Bentzen Reese says
I’m so sorry for your loss and hope that your many happy memories together will help to sustain you at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
LUCILLE O'LEARY says
So sorry to read of your daughter’s death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslie Berg says
Nuria, my heart goes out to you, my dear friend, at this difficult time. Hold your memories close and remember the love and good times you shared. There are no words to express my sadness for you and Mike.
Audrey Blomquist Kelly says
Nuria – My heart is with you during this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mike.
Doris Copenhaver says
Heaven received a new angel.. and a beautiful one. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mike and the rest of your family.
Ted and Donna Cheney says
Dear Mike, Nury and family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss of your precious daughter. May your memories of her bring you peace and comfort. May God bless you and keep you, and hold you in the palm of His hand. Sincerely, Ted and Donna Cheney