Erika D. Knapp, age 91, went home on the wings of the Angels to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on August 6, 2016. From her birth until death she nourished people with love, kindness and her faith. She was born to Rudolph and Johanna (Fröhlich) Schiefner in Dresden Germany on March 8, 1925 and had one brother Rolf. Erika was the lone person in her family to survive the horrific Dresden Fire Bombings. Like other survivors, her life would change forever after the assault on the city. Her desire to pursue medicine as a career like her father came to a halt during that first year of college, seeking instead refuge with merciful families or in bomb shelters to stay alive. She later spent time in a war camp in Czechoslovakia until American soldiers rescued German citizens and brought them to Bavaria. She eventually came to the United States in 1952 and became an American citizen on December 8, 1955. It was the proudest moment of her life.

A resident of Marshfield for nearly 50 years she was fondly referred to as mom by many students when she worked at the Marshfield High School cafeteria. She worked in the Law office of D'Agostino and Barrett as a legal secretary. Erika also served for many years as a Eucharistic minister at Saint Christine's Parish in Marshfield and lovingly contributed many lovely pieces to the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Ann's by the Sea Parish to help comfort the sick and dying, until eventually it became too difficult for her to knit or crochet.

She is predeceased by her husband George Knapp and survived by her two sons Ronald and Richard Carlson as well as her loving daughter and son in law Deborah (Carlson) Barrett and Robert J. Barrett of Marshfield, whom she resided with for 38 years. Three of her grandchildren Stephanie Barrett Sweet, Heather Barrett Gustafson and Gregory Barrett were blessed to live with her their entire childhood. Erika has nine other grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many loving friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home 1755 Ocean St., Marshfield. Funeral from the Funeral Home Friday, August 12, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St Ann's by the Sea, 591 Ocean Street in Marshfield. Interment will be in the Couch Cemetery, Marshfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Erika's memory may be made to MSPCA-Angell, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130.

For online guestbook and directions please visit our website, maccdonaldfuneralhome.com