Erika W. Donnelly

Watervliet

DONNELLY, ERIKA W. 

Erika Waltraud Penitschka Donnelly, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at her home with her loving family by her side after a short battle with cancer. 

Born in Sternberg Germany on November 12, 1939, to the late Gustav Penitschka and Herta Danhel Penitschka. Erika came to the US in 1950 attended Troy Schools where she excelled in her studies and received a certificate for penmanship and writing. She became an American citizen on December 6, 1963.

Erika married the love of her life, Charles, on July 18, 1959. Erika was a stay-at-home mother, raising four beautiful children. After raising her children, she became a health care aide to many elderly and then cared for her grandchildren. She was an avid bowler and a member of the Schuyler Heights Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. 

Erika had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She was a private and quiet person, but also very witty and fun! She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She was strong-willed and stubborn, but those traits defined Erika. They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life's challenges.

Erika enjoyed vacationing with her family, especially to the Outer Banks, Ocean City, MD, and many trips to Germany to visit her father. Erika also treasured her numerous cruise ship vacations, along with numerous group trips to the Catskill Resorts with her sweetheart, Charles. and many of her friends. 

Erika was able to remain home due to her tender loving care of her family, especially by her soul mate, Charles, and her two daughters Kimberly and Karen to whom we are blessed to have in our lives, as well as her sons, David and Darren. Thank you to Albany County Hospice for their guidance during this time. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our Nurse Case Manager, Marita, Hospice Care Nurse, Betsy, and Mom's Massage Therapist, Rita. 

Erika is survived by her husband of 65 years, Charles Lawrence Donnelly; her children David (Rose Marie) Donnelly, Darren (Kimberly) Donnelly, Kimberly (Carey) Ryan and Karen (Timothy) Comolli. She is the proud grandmother of Amanda (Morgan) Donnelly, Courtney (Brandon) Coats, David Charles (Angela) Donnelly, Damien (Tori) Donnelly, Katie Mae Donnelly, Erika Ryan, Julia Ryan, Zachary Comolli and Adam Comolli and her three great-granddaughters Skylar Marie Coats, Gianna Victoria Donnelly and Riley Mae Donnelly. She is survived by her sister, Ingrid (John) Allen as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY on Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Erika's memory to Albany County Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd Albany, NY 12205.

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