Ericka Rose Auer

Ericka Rose Auer of Southold was strong minded, strong willed and lived for 18 years with a debilitating disease before succumbing Nov. 20, 2014, to the complications of cystic fibrosis

Ericka had a petite body with a big heart and a lot of determination. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Ericka will be remembered as a gentle soul who had a deep and abiding love of family and animals. She adored her pets and brother, Zac. She loved spending time in her canine careers class and spending time at the family cabin upstate riding her quad and roasting marshmallows by the fire pit. Ericka also loved the yearly trips to Sanibel Island, Fla. and spending time on the beach.

Family and friends will forever remember the enormous fortitude that emanated from Ericka’s diminutive stature during her life long struggle with Cystic Fibrosis. She will live on in our hearts and minds forever!!

Ericka is survived by her loving parents, Janet and Erik; an adoring brother, Zachary; and grandparents, Carl and Honora Froelich, Suzanne Auer and Robert and Susan Auer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family received visitors Nov. 23 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Funeral services were held Nov. 24 at First Presbyterian Church in Southold, where the Rev. Dr. Peter J. Kelley officiated. Interment took place at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Greater New York Chapter, Long Island Office, One Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 2S13, Melville, NY 11747 or the North Fork Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 297, Southold, NY 11971.

This is a paid notice.