Obituary of Erika M. Luft

Erika Luft, 100, formerly of Canajoharie passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Valley Health Nursing Home in Herkimer, NY.

Erika was born in Rheinisch, Germany on April 22, 1923, to the late Percy Turner and Anna Beilge Turner. She and her family immigrated to the United States shortly after. Erika attended local schools and was later employed by several local businesses including LaSalle and Beech-Nut where she worked in the Advertising Department.

Erika was united in marriage to Albin Konchar until their amicable separation. She was later married to Edward Luft until his passing in 1982 and later Russell Luft, they remained lovingly married until his passing in January of 1991. In 2006 Erika relocated to North Carolina to be closer to her daughter and returned to the area in 2021.

Erika was a parishioner of St Peter and St Paul's Roman Catholic Church.

She is survived by her sons Albin J. Konchar of Cherry Valley and Edward Luft and his wife Deirdra of Virginia, daughter Kathryn Lopez and her husband Carlos of North Carolina, grandchildren Erika Gregory and her husband David and Albin "AJ" Konchar, as well as great-grandchildren Wesley and Ryan Gregory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward Luft, husband Russell Luft, and sister Elsie Jirsa.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Valley Health Services for their care and compassion in Erika's final days.

Calling Hours will take place on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Funeral Home 69 Otsego St Canajoharie, NY 13317. A Service of Remembrance will immediately follow. Erika will be laid to rest at Fort Plain Cemetery in the spring.