Erica C. Jurrius

Erica Clara Jurrius of Sarasota, FL passed away on the evening of December 22, 2003 at William Hill Manor in Easton Maryland. She was 98. Born in Ulm Germany in 1905 as Erica Clara Muehlbauer, she was raised by her paternal grandparents from the age of six. At age 19, while sailing to New York City to live with her brother, she met Johan Pieter Jurrius, a Dutch engineer working for the Shell Oil Company in Mexico. It was always stated that he took one look at her, turned to his companion and declared she was the woman he would marry. They married in 1924 and “Mams” and “Paps” began a life of adventure. From the wilds of Mexico, they endured the hardships of the oilfields of Venezuela and ultimately Paps was promoted to run Engineering for Shell on the island of Curacao. Mams was a large contributor to the social life of the island, and together they built the sailing club there. Erica gave birth to two sons, Eran J.P. Jurrius (Akron OH) in 1927, and Robert W. Jurrius (deceased) in 1935. They retired to the United States in 1952, but as Paps was soon in demand as a consultant, they moved throughout the U.S. and Canada. After retiring again from Celanese Corporation, the two soon traveled worldwide as members of the Executive Corp of America, with long stints in Iran, the Phillipines, and Brazil. They took trips to India, and China, and ultimately settled in Sarasota, Florida. Perhaps Erica’s greatest gift was her ability to relate to people and their culture. Her quick acceptance of who they were always resulted in warm welcomes and tearful goodbyes. Mams’ diplomatic skill was a key part of her husband’s success. Mrs. Jurrius was predeceased by her husband Johan Pieter Jurrius; her son Robert W. Jurrius; and two grandchildren, Jeffrey Peter Jurrius and Mary Erica Jurrius. In addition to her son Eran and his wife Jean, Mrs. Jurrius is survived by 7 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. The grandchildren are: Karen Deickman in Baltimore, MD who with her husband Earl have three children – Kristie, Katie Taylor, and Gregory; Kim Marino in Colorado Springs, CO who with her husband Ben have three children – Robert, Christina, and Peter; Doug Jurrius in Easton, MD who with his wife Cynthia have three children - Ryan, Scott and Kevin; John Jurrius in Durango CO who has three (2) children - Jennifer, John Crockett, and Madison; Peter Jurrius in Baltimore, MD, Chris Jurrius in Palestine, TX who along with her husband Rick has three children – Samantha Woolverton, Julie and Jimmy, and James Jurrius in Wadsworth, OH who with his wife Bobby Jo has one child Amber. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Cathedral, Easton, MD. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD.