Erika F. Eden

Long timeTexas resident, Erika Eden passed away on June 23 in Austin, Texas. She was born in Hanover, Germany on June 29, 1921 to Alvin and Lotte Schoenbach. Erika lived a remarkable life, beginning with her family's departure from Nazi Germany in 1933. The Schoenbach family lived in Yugoslavia, Palestine and the Netherlands before immigrating to the United States in 1938. Although Erika never formally completed high school, she was accepted at Hunter College in New York City, after telling school officials that she had studied the French Revolution in four languages in four different countries. She completed her Bachelor's degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and later received her Masters Degree in Education. Erika married David Eden in December of 1947. They lived in Louisiana for two years before moving to Dallas. While in Dallas, she taught English as a second language to foreign students and later became the Director of the program. Erika held numerous parties for her students, giving them an opportunity to share their cultures with her and with each other. She was actively involved with Temple Emanu-el, including teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. After David's death in 1993, Erika moved to Austin to be near her sons. She continued her active life while in Austin, teaching religious classes, playing bridge and mahjong and attending the Austin symphony. She was committed to lifelong learning, taking classes on writing and practicing conversational French. Erika is survived by her four children: Ernie Eden and his wife, Elizabeth Frazer, Margi Teitell and her husband Murray, Dan Eden and wife Pam Dixon, Tommy Eden and Cynthia Good. She had seven grandchildren: Annie Frazer, Noah Eden, Sara Smildzins, Robert and Justin Teitell, Rebecca and Emily Eden. She also had a great grandson, Tyler Smildzins. She is also survived by two brothers, Paul and George Fairbrook and two sisters-in-law, Ruth Adler and Carrie Schoenbach. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday June 26th at Congregation Beth Israel at 3901 Shoal Creek in Austin. Contributions in Erika's memory can be made to the Education Fund at Congregation Beth Israel.