Carolyn June Cochran Erickson of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at IU Health Arnett Hospital, surrounded by her family. Carolyn was born June 3, 1931, in Rockford, Illinois to William Cleopas and Nellie Gill Cochran.

Carolyn took great pride in having graduated at age 15 from West High School in Rockford Illinois. Upon completing her studies at the School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Carolyn worked in the obstetrics ward at University Hospital. It was in Madison where she met and later married Dr. Homer T. Erickson on September 10, 1955. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in September 2025. Until the fall of 2025, she and Homer lived together in their Salisbury Street home of 61 years.

Carolyn was the epitome of the saying ‘there is a strong woman beside every successful man’. She and Homer traveled the world together, setting up house with their 4 children in foreign countries, including Brazil and Spain. Carolyn’s spirit of adventure helped her take on any difficult task at hand. Carolyn was an outspoken advocate for those less fortunate than herself. Protectors of wildlife, Carolyn and Homer were deeply involved in the Niches Land Trust, the Wildcat Creek Foundation and many other philanthropic organizations. After her children were all in school, Carolyn volunteered with Lafayette Urban Ministries, serving as a driver after obtaining her chauffeur’s license. A cancer survivor herself, Carolyn volunteered for the American Cancer Society for several years.

Carolyn was a talented craftswoman — a wonderful seamstress, knitter, and crocheter who made everything from complex Fair Isle sweaters to wedding dresses, the more challenging the project, the better. She was an avid reader, a keen bridge player, a high-scoring Scrabble player, and a scratch bowler. Carolyn also loved bringing people together and frequently hosted bridge, dinner, and card parties.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Homer and brothers David and William Cochran. Surviving are her children, Ann (Fady) Khayat of Beirut, Lebanon; Jean Ensell of Leamington Spa, England; Charles (Patricia) Erickson of Fortville, Indiana and Neal Erickson of West Lafayette.

Carolyn was most proud of her 8 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren. Carolyn’s home was filled with photographs and often shared loving memories of their times together.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday March 14, 2026, with Pastor Scott Ludford at the family cemetery, Our Savior Lutheran Cemetery near Lessor, Wisconsin.