Mrs. Erika S, Hathaway

Erika S. Hathaway, 86, passed away on June 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of a deeply kind heart that survived a complicated and difficult life. For years, she poured everything she had into others, often at the great expense of her own health and well-being. Born on May 20, 1940, Erika—affectionately known to many as "Hermie"—grew up in Lenox Dale, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late George Steinhilber and Hedwig (Schneider) Steinhilber of George's Market (now the River Dale Market and Deli). Her children, David and Nancy, hold fond memories of her immense artistic abilities. She hand-crafted the best Halloween costumes, which frequently won prizes, and possessed a beautiful talent for ceramics, always bringing out the inherent beauty of the pottery she made. Erika was also a wiz at crossword puzzles, never leaving a single one unfinished. She loved playing the Boggle game in the local paper by phone with friends, and she was almost always the first to find the answer. The absolute highlight of her year was her annual gathering with cherished friends at Misquamicut. Together, Hermie and her husband Mert were inseparable. They were a constant presence in the community and could often be found sharing a meal at Joe’s Diner or sitting side-by-side in the stands at their granddaughter Whitney’s sporting events, always there to loudly cheer her on. In her later years, the heavy burdens Erika carried took their toll, and she became more reclusive and private in her struggles. Yet, even in her isolation, her core of kindness remained unbroken; she never forgot to send a card or a note of encouragement, gratitude, and love to those she cared about. Following the death of her beloved Merton in November of 2025, Erika faced a profound loneliness that proved too heavy a weight to bear. While it was deeply painful for her family and friends to witness her heartbreak, they take comfort in knowing she is finally reunited with her inseparable partner of almost 65 years, free from her burdens, and resting in a peace that eluded her for far too long. Erika is survived by her stepsister, Barbara Rannou of San Antonio, TX; her daughter, Nancy Hopowiec and her husband Russ; her son, David Hathaway and daughter-in-law Wendy Marchand; her granddaughter, Whitney; and her beloved grand-dog, Molly. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Beverly Hathaway, as well as many dear nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her stepbrother, George. Her family extends their deepest gratitude to Hospice and Elder Services of the Berkshires for the compassionate care Erika received. Funeral services for Erika will be private. A remembrance service for both Erika and Mert will be scheduled at a later date. To honor Erika's legacy of caring, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to support a dear family friend, Nancy Allen Hanson, who is courageously fighting cancer, c/o Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St, PO Box 152, Lenox, MA 01240.

Mrs. Erika S, Hathaway

May 20, 1940 - June 9, 2026