LIBERTY – Erica Kohler Nesja, formerly of Concord, Mass., died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, after a lengthy illness at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston. She was born June 19, 1947, in Amsterdam, to Herman and Josephine (Luksch) Kohler.
Erica was an active person, who enjoyed hiking, canoeing and being outdoors, especially working in her gardens. She was an avid reader, an excellent knitter and was particularly fond of animals.
She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Hansi Kohler and Adelheid Kohler Awender; as well as by several dearly beloved cats, Danny, Samantha, Grace, Tris, Hamish, Tibeert and Micah; and dogs, Sam, Scout, Bhreagh and Falco. She is survived by her husband, Michael Nesja; daughter, Saskia Nesja-Reeve and husband, Norman Reeve, and grandchildren, Am‚lie “Lily” Eva Reeve and Max Johnathan Reeve, of London; twin sister, Petra Sirinyan of Amsterdam; sister, Inge; brother, Herman, both of Amsterdam; numerous nieces and nephews; two cats, Sam and McKinley; one sheep, Rosie; six assorted hens; and her very precious golden retriever, Timo.
At Erica’s request, there will be no wake, funeral or other religious ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation might be made to an animal shelter or charity of choice and that where possible, please consider becoming a designated organ donor. Also at Erica’s request, the family plans to have an informal celebration of her life party, probably next June, when the days are long, the weather is predictably nice, where everyone can wear bright, cheerful garb and where anyone who has a dog will be encouraged to bring their dog.