Obituary: Erika Johanna Shuda, 88, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Shoreline Cremation:

Erika Johanna Shuda of East Haven passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on March 23, 2024.

Erika was born on April 14, 1935 in Nuremberg, Germany to Rosa and Johan Hartlander.

Her first love was Samuel Smith, an American GI stationed in Germany. They married and moved to Milford, CT in 1955. Together, had a daughter Linda. Sadly, Samuel died in a work accident. She later married David Shuda who had a daughter Sandy and they had 4 more children David, Donna, Eric and Robert.

Erika loved her family, the casino, bingo, playing cards, scenic drives, and walks on the boardwalk in Milford, CT, the town she lived in most of her life. She enjoyed being social and connecting with others, and you could always count on her to give an honest opinion. She was the center of her family and will be greatly missed.

Erika was predeceased by her parents Rosa and Johan Hartlander, siblings Anni, Erwin, Max, Erich, Walter, Werner, Heinz and Traudel, husbands Samuel Smith and David Shuda, daughter Linda Dernago and son Eric Shuda. She was also predeceased by her sister in law and best friend Barbara Roth.

Erika is survived by sister Lore, brother Otto, sons David Shuda and Robert Shuda, daughters Donna Pepin and Sandra Grove, grandchildren Jason, Chris, Sabrina, Carmen, Rachel, Eric, Doug, Rob, Ryan, Julie, Jason and 16 great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.