Erica Cox
August 11, 1980 ~ July 11, 2018
Erica Jean Cox (Strait), 37, Fargo, died unexpectedly surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center Fargo.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 16, at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 4451 40th Ave S, Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, at Living Waters Lutheran Church, Fargo, where a prayer service with time for sharing memories and stories will begin at 7 p.m.
Burial will be held at Holy Cross South Cemetery, Fargo immediately following the funeral service.
Erica was born August 11, 1980, in Bismarck, the daughter of James and Linda (Johnson) Strait. She was raised and educated in Bismarck, graduating in 1998 from Bismarck High School. She graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in Accounting.
She married Erwin Cox on May 9, 2008, in Fargo.
Erica was employed at Noridian Healthcare Solutions for 18 years. Her work friends truly were family to her and the relationships formed there were very important to her. Erica sold Tastefully Simple where she loved the opportunity of meeting new people. She also worked part-time at Bethany Retirement Living.
Erica lived life to the fullest, if there was something she wanted to do she did it. She loved to travel, especially to the beaches in Mexico and Green Bay to cheer on her beloved Packers. She loved going to the casino, shopping, especially at Target (and their popcorn), mermaids, elephants, anything pink and sparkly, Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles and Michael Kors. Her laugh was infectious, her smile bright and contagious, she liked being silly and loved making others laugh with her funny, witty comments. She was the bestest little sissy, an amazing woman, and a true friend to the end.
Erica is survived by her sisters Julie Strait-Fode (John Fode III) and Jenny Jaszkowiak (Jeff); nieces, Josalyn Fode and Trinity Jaszkowiak and nephew Logan Jaszkowiak; her grandmother Joyce Edwardson; aunts Donna Bard and Diane (Howard) Donner and uncle Brian (Jackie) Johnson; her father-in-law Andrew Cox and step-children Mia and Xavier Cox; countless special cousins, friends, and her “Chicago family” as she lovingly called them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin Cox; her parents Jim and Linda Strait, her mother-in-law Jerry Cox, grandmother Lillian (Brouse) Strait and grandfathers Paul Strait and Lyle Johnson; uncles Bradley Johnson, Curt Johnson, Ernie Strait and aunt Pat Strait and special cousin Steve Strait.
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
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At a loss of words! We lost an awesome friend but Heaven gained angel. You have the best patio view!! Rest easy my friend. Until we meet again.
I am at a loss for words on your leaving this world Erica. You were such a bright shining person who could lift anyone’s spirits. We had a lot of good times back in the Medicare days. You will be missed by so many. Until we meet again old friend.
Roger and I are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this most difficult time. My sympathies to your entire family. With lots of love, Roger, Nicholle and Alex Vesperman
Julie, Jennifer, and all the family, may the outpouring of love surrounding all of you comfort each of you. Please accept that gift of love and let it support you as you all go through this very difficult time.
No words can express the feelings of sadness at the terrible loss of this beautiful young woman. Erica had a wonderful spirit. Like her Mom, I will especially miss her smile and laughter.
In loving memory to Erica Cox. Love and prayers to all. Teri
Rest in peace my friend. The world was a better place because you were here.
I did not know you as well as some of my coworker friends. You were always friendly and nice to me. I feel sad for your family and friends. I can’t image their pain at your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for them..
Erica – You were always such a ray of sunshine at work. That smile will be missed. It seems too soon for you to go, but only God knows his plan and his timing. To your family, I pray for peace and comfort during this time.
There are no words to describe how heartbreaking it was to learn of Erica’s passing. She was such a great person. She will truly be missed. Wishing that Erica’s family can find peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.
I can’t really remember the year that we met but it was at Noridian many years ago and right away she touched my heart just the way she has touched everybody else’s heart. She will be missed by all who knew her. RIP Erica 😓
Erica you will be greatly missed. You are such a special person, your personality so bright and cheerful and so giving. Your laugh was so amazing. I still cant believe your in heaven so soon but they always say the good die young. I am glad you had so many people in heaven waiting to welcome you. Love you always.
Every time I saw her she always had a smile on her face. It was contagious. She was a wonderful woman gone way too soon. Thoughts and prayers to Jenny and the entire family.
Darcy A
Julie and Family, words can not say how sorry we are for your loss. You talked about Erica all the time and I felt like I knew her through you. Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Love you all
We will miss you so much Erica. We have such fond memories of our youth, you were involved in so many of them. I remember making funny faces with you all the time when we were kids and crossing our eyes so much they’d hurt. I know how much you loved the Green Bay Packers, but I also remember how much you loved bowling as we were on the same bowling team as kids. GO STRIKERS!
You and your family will hold a special place in our hearts for your kindness after our mother died. I am glad I got to express my gratitude to you for this before your passing. Gone, but never forgotten. Say hello to everyone up there and maybe you’ll even see the Barq’s bunny! We always had such a great time, I miss the garage parties!
Love you all,
Jerry, Jacki, Jossi, Lynda Town
My deepest sympathies to the family. I will be praying for all of you.
Condolences to the family. Shocked to hear of Erica’s passing. We met you gals at Linda’s wake. Mary Guenther, Bismarck ND
Erica, although we didn’t know each other for long, your love for my daughter was amazing! I was just looking back at our text messages and Messenger messages and talking to my mom about how you always said that you wished that you lived closer so you could babysit Trinity. So mad that we didn’t have that shopping trip at Target and Costco. Your Chicago family loves you and will miss you dearly. Say hi to my cousin Erwin.
Love always,
The Jones Family
It’s so unfair that the world lost such a sweet, awesome gal – Erica Strait Cox – she will be so missed. My deepest sympathies to all of her extended family.
Erica,
I just can’t believe it. I remember the times we gave your mom a few extra gray hairs, swimming at the wave pool, and your sisters taking us to the lake every once and awhile. I’m glad we kept in touch over FB and gave each other crap about our football teams. All though you were taken, way too soon, you are now in good hands. Until we all meet again! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a amazing person. My mother just mourned the loss of Erica’s mother in December. Bless your family in this time of sorrow and help you hold the good times in your hearts 💕
Erica you were one of my closest friends in school. You will be greatly missed.
One of the most beautiful souls I have ever met and had the pleasure of knowing. Sending all our love and prayers.
I wanted so much for your next visit so we could spent time at the Beach around the corner from my house. Now I look out to the Beach, seeing you there. Rest Well my Niece, With Devine Love
Your Aunt Tommie
I am so saddened to hear of Erica’s passing. I remember her very fondly as she was a student of mine at Wachter Middle School. She was excellent person and student! So so sad for our world to lose such an amazing person. My deepest condolences 😢🙏❤️☀️
All I can think of is Erica’s laugh and smile. The world lost a bright light and I wish I could be there to celebrate her full life with you all.
Julie, Jenny and family,
I am so very saddened to hear of Erica’s passing. All of your family was part of ours as your Mom took such very good care of our grandchildren. I will never forget that Erica and her friends at Moses School called me “Grandma Judy”. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
thinking of you both, Jenny and Julie. hugs and prayers to you all.
I still can’t believe it’s true. You have touched so many lives, including mine. My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of Ericas families. 💞
I always enjoyed visiting with Erica at work. It was like we knew each other for years. She was a very sweet and kind person. And of course we laughed a lot during our visits. Sorry for your lose. Prayers coming your way.
My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I am so very sorry for you loss.
Both Andy and I are sorry for your loss. We are praying that the light fill you with peace that everything will ok. I know it wont be right away but know that we are praying and hugging you.
I had the pleasure of working with Erica. One of a kind with a sweet soul and great sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours. God bless.
I first met Erica when I was a temp in the old Kmart building. She was really friendly and very thoughtful. She always knew who you were when she saw you. I didn’t know her well; but from the first time I met her, I really like her. She will be greatly missed. RIP Erica!
There are no words to describe how heartbreaking it was to learn of Erica’s passing. We had a lot of fun times back in the Medicare days. She will truly be missed! My thoughts, prayers and love are with Erica’s family.
I didn’t know Erica but we lost our daughter at age 28. It is tragic loss to lose a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. I was reading my daughter’s obituary when I saw Erica’s. The video tribute was beautiful. The opening scene at the beach looked just like the place that my daughter, Hannah, and I spent a week just 2 months before she died. Sweet memories are what I cling to now. May Erica’s memories bring peace to you.
So sorry for your loss. Erica and I were neighbors since the day she moved in. We would talk about our PACKERS..Erica would text me from the games to see what i wanted that year and always be same answer, Bring home Aaron Rodgers for us. She would chuckle. Erica was a dear friend and neighbor, will miss her dearly. Thoughts and prayers for her family. Blessings. Jodi and Brent Friedt