Erika Zigman

Erika Zigman A devoted wife and mother, Erika’s pride and love for her family didn’t come to an end with her death. Erika passed away at home on April 20, 2021 at the age of 80, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by fully living their lives.

Erika was born in Dresden, formerly East Germany-where she bravely fled communism and married Vladimir Zigman in 1959. They emigrated to the United States to build a successful and loving life together for 47 1/2 years, until she was widowed in 2006.

Erika was a long time resident of Willowick and Willoughby, befriending many neighbors as they admired her lifelong passion of flower gardening. She enjoyed watching the birds in her yard and feeding “Dilly” the deer. She leaves behind her faithful canine companion and “good dog” Rosie.

Known for always speaking her mind, Erika will be remembered by her of friends and family for her whirlwind personality and smile. Since becoming widowed, she had become very active in and had many friendships with members the German Cultural Group of the Mentor Senior Center.

Erika is survived by her children Sylvia Abramczyk ( Ron, deceased) of Willowick, Branko Zigman ( companion, Kim) of Willoughby, Erik Zigman ( Kristine) of Seattle, Washington, and Troy Zigman (Jamie) of Willoughby.

Erika was blessed and proud to be Oma to 8 grandchildren: Stephanie Anderson (George), Daniel Abramczyk (Katie), Erika Zigman (Brett), Rachel Zigman (Austin), Casey Zigman, Joseph Zigman, Blake Zigman and Tatum Zigman.

She is also survived by her very dear sister-in-law Barica Zigman (Ivan, deceased) of Eastlake and Josepha Lelak (Mirko, deceased) of Zagreb, Croatia, her nephews: Mirko Lelak, Vladimir Zigman , Bozidar Zigman, John Zigman and nieces Suzana Zigman Thomas and Karin Heift of Germany.

Her sister Giesela and brother-in-law Dieter Pimperl of Germany and brother and sister-in-law Drago and Danica Zigman are deceased .

A private Memorial Service will be held at All Souls Cemetery on Saturday, June 19, 2021. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of The Hospice of The Western Reserve , Lakeshore East Care Team, for their caring and support for Erika and her family. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests contributions be made to The Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th Street, Cleveland Ohio 44119-1930.

This poem was very special to Erika and she requested that we share it with her friends and family.

If tomorrow starts without me, And I am not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me:

I know how much you loved me, As much as I loved you,

And each time that you think of me I know you’ll miss me too.

So, when tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we are far apart, For every time you think of me

I’m right there, in your heart.