Erika Margaret Yonkman

Erika “The Pearl” Yonkman, nee Wedekind, of Vista California passed away on the 18th of May 2023 at the age of 79. She was born and grew up in The Bronx, a borough of New York City. She was the child of immigrants from Germany, who left in the 1930’s because of Adolph Hitler.

She was a gifted artistic child and attended Music and Arts High School and Pratt Institute, which is in Brooklyn, NY. She was fluent in sign language and taught deaf students at Gallaudet College. She painted life-size copies of the Whistler paintings of Mr. and Mrs. Leyland.

She learned cooking from her mother and became a great baker of cakes and brownies for her friends and her husband’s coworkers.

She loved the Federal style of furniture and decorated her apartment and 4 homes in that style. She also converted 3 blank canvas yardscapes into very pleasant backyard environments.

She worked in Technical Publications for several government contracting companies, until computers made her job obsolete.

She loved interacting with friends and coworkers. Her office always had visitors sharing gossip and news. She had a ready wonderful smile that drew people to her.

She is survived by her husband Tom.

Her husband would like to thank Mission Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Erika in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to KUSC Classical California (kusc.org).