Obituary of Monica Suzanne Erb

Monica Suzanne Kennedy Erb passed away on July 4th, 2023 at the age of 58, after battling ALS bravely for two years.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Kerry Erb; her four children, Kara Erb, Thomas Erb, Raine Erb, and Chloe Erb; her future son-in-law, Uxmar Torres; and her beloved grandson, Alecto; as well as her older sisters and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Kathy Kennedy; and her sister, Colette Kennedy.

Monica was a fierce, funny, and generous woman who shared her passion for life–whether you asked for it or not.  Because of her, we learned to live with passion too, to root for the underdogs (the White Sox), and to cheer the loudest.  Because of her, we learned to speak up when something is wrong, to crack a wise remark with comedic timing, and to laugh the longest.  Because of her, we learned to appreciate art in all its forms and to sing and dance with abandon.  

Because of her, we learned, “there’s not that much in a bottle of wine.” (There really isn’t).  Because of her, we learned to share all that we had with those that we loved, and we learned the meaning of “the more, the merrier,” always filling her home to the brim with people she welcomed warmly.  Because of her, we were told that one of the most important things you can do is leave a place better than you found it.  These are all lessons Monica demonstrated to us, leading by example.

We embrace these lessons now as we embraced her, and I hope she knows that she indeed left this place better than she found it, and that we will too, because of her.

 A private celebration of life will be held next weekend to honor Monica.