IN MEMORIAM:  Erica Wickham, 31;

Oneonta Native Accredited Dietitian

ONEONTA – Erica L. Wickham, 31, an Oneonta native and accredited dietitian, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at the Bassett Hospital Intensive Care Unit after a courageous fight with a long illness.

She was born on May 16, 1984, in Oneonta, a daughter of James and Merry Lou (Fuller) Wickham of Oneonta.  Erica graduated from Myrtle Beach (S.C.) High School, and went on to earn a degree in dietetics from SUNY Oneonta.  She received a masters from D’Youville College in Buffalo, earning the distinction of certified registered dietician. 

 She worked at St. Mercy Hospital in Hornell in the dialysis unit, the day-care program and the nursing home and hospital. She recently relocated to work at the Susquehanna Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center in Johnson City.  Erica also enjoyed doing research and writing and had published several online nutrition articles.

Erica had a tremendous, unwavering faith in God.  While living in Hornell she became a devoted member of the Fresh Start Church, and joined the women’s prayer group.  She grew up attending the First United Presbyterian (Red Door) Church in Oneonta and became a member.  

She was a courageous, determined young woman who overcame many health challenges, beginning in childhood.  She was well loved by her parents, family, and friends.  Erica inspired many, many people by overcoming her health challenges and persisted in not letting any obstacle slow her down.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brothers, Jay (Stacy) Conklin, Steve (Barbara) Wickham, and Scott (Michelle) Wickham; her sister, Stacie (Joey) Shepp; and her paternal grandmother, Catherine Wickham.  She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, James and Eva Fuller, and her paternal grandfather, Ted Wickham.

Calling hours ares 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Bookhout Funeral Home. 

A memorial service to celebrate Erica’s life will be at 1 pm Thursday, Dec. 10, at the First United Presbyterian (Red Door) Church at Walling Avenue and Main Street, with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Walton-Leavitt and Rev. Matthew Sassano, pastor of the Fresh Start Church in Hornell, officiating.

Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Her family would also like to extend a very special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and entire staff of the Bassett ICU for the exceptional care and attention that Erica received and for the staff’s compassion and support of the family during this most difficult time.

To light a candle or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit our website:  www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com 

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.