Erickson loses breast cancer battle

Photo courtesy of Dave Erickison

A Heart As Big As Her Smile - Michele Erickson and her beloved grandaughter Micah during happier times.

The Anderson community lost one of its strongest advocates on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Michele Boylson Erickson, a woman credited with helping to found the Anderson Teen Center, passed away after a 20-year battle with breast cancer.

“Michele Boylson Erickson was a dear and loyal friend to me, this site, this community and countless organizations and individuals,” said Doni Chamberlain, founder of anewscafe.com. “She is missed already.”

Though she was born in Long Beach, Calif., it was Shasta County that held Erickson’s heart.

“She spoke her mind freely, bravely and with civility,” said Chamberlain. “In fact, Michele’s last comments on anewscafe.com were on a pair of Shasta College student essays, which she wrote upon her laptop on the morning of Jan. 4, from her bed at Mercy Medical Center. Michele died that night.”

According to her obituary, she dedicated much of her life to the nonprofit world. Her last position was as Deputy Director of Shasta County Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council through which she was instrumental in the creation of the Anderson Teen Center.

“Michele was a true hero,” said friend and fellow nonprofit crusader Alan Phillips, “always a most thoughtful, highly-intelligent, gentle giant and genuine champion for all children and families!”

A news article on anewscafe.com was filled with comments about Erickson’s remarkable spirit. Many will miss her.

“I would officially nominate,” said Phillips, “hope and pray that in the clear light of Michele’s goodness and great works that the Anderson Teen Center could perhaps be named in honor of her someday … as a lasting tribute.”

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Erickson’s life on Saturday, Jan. 21. A reception begins at 1 p.m. and a celebration will follow at 1:30 p.m. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, to please honor Michele with a donation to the Anderson Teen Center.

“As Chairman of the Board of Directors serving the Northern Hispanic Latino Coalition,” added Phillips, “I will be calling upon our good people to rally for her memory and to support sustaining the Anderson Teen Center.”