Erica Ursula Coli, 95, died Thursday. March 29, at her family home in Kennett Square. She was born on Nov. 12, 1925 to Joachin and Maria DePaoli in Altendorf, Germany. Her childhood was spent in Holland with her parents and three siblings who all predeceased her.
She met Sebastian Coli while he served in Europe during WWII; following its end, they kept their romance alive through countless letters and correspondence. Erica came to the United States through Ellis Island to marry Sebastian in 1947. The couple loved to attend dances and were especially known for their wonderful waltzes.
She worked at Gray Reid's Department store and The Wedding Shop in Reno. She was a meticulous gardener — no weed was safe. Her family and friends also remember her as a wonderful baker. It has been said, "Oma made the best cream puffs west of the Rockies." The couple lived their entire married life in Verdi, Nevada until Sebastian passed away and Erica relocated to the East Coast.
She is survived by her daughter Patricia and her son-in-law Randall Ward of Kennett Square,; her grandson Jeffrey Ward of Portland, Ore; her granddaughter Dr. Stacey Cordivano (Benjamin) of Chadds Ford; and her great-grandsons, Carter and Asher Cordivano. She is also survived by her nephews Dr. Joseph Coli and their family and Michael Coli and their family who live in the Reno area. In addition, she has nieces and nephews in Holland and Canada.
There will be a private graveside service at Crystal Peak Cemetery at a later date. A donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the Verdi Historical Society would be a lovely way to remember her life.
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