Betty Jane Erickson

Betty was born in her Grandmother’s home on February 20, 1922 in Mattoon, Illinois. She grew up in Orlando, Florida with her parents, Fern and William Mandelcorn, and her brother, William.

Betty was one of the first women to water ski at the legendary Cypress Gardens, where she also interacted with the masses while walking as a Southern Belle. Outside of her time as a part of Florida’s first tourist attraction, Betty loved the beach. After high school, she attended Rollins College.

Betty met and married Clinton Erickson, who was a pilot in the United States Air Force during World War 2.  They moved around many times before eventually settling in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they had three children: Marquis, Jill, and Toni. Her family grew to include six grandchildren: Graham, Weston, William, Sophia, Olivia and Jayden.  Betty also had two great grandchildren, Evan and Owen, and was an aunt to Cindy Vals and Tim Mandelcorn and a great aunt to Taylor, Trevor and Analiese. Betty also has a very dear cousin Shirley Murray that is 100!

Throughout her life, Betty had many roles. She held numerous secretarial jobs and worked for the Dayton’s corporation.  However, her true love was being a mother and a homemaker. Betty volunteered for every single one of the school activities and sports.  She also wrote a candy cookbook that pleased everyone! Her love of the Minnesota Vikings was second to none (SKOL).  She taught all her children how to water ski, and she herself skied up until she was almost 70 years old while at the family lake cabin in Minnesota.

Once they were empty nesters, Betty and Clinton traveled the world.  They loved experiencing other cultures.  After Clinton passed, she met and married Al Liske and spent many happy years travelling and enjoying cruise life.   Betty decided to downsize and moved to South Dakota.  In her final years, Betty relocated permanently to California.  She loved being able to garden year-round and visit the beach that she loved so much.  Betty had much of her family close by and she loved family gatherings.  Betty was so incredibly lucky to have two of the most amazing caregivers anyone could ever ask for.  Thank you, Mel and Kiej.

Betty will always be remembered for the smile on her face and her fiery opinion. Betty was a smart and strong woman, with an unforgettable laugh, and something delicious always baking in the oven. Most importantly, she was the very best storyteller.

Betty touched so many lives and we are all better because of her.

To honor her life, a viewing will take place on Monday, February 27, 2023, from 4:30 to 7:00 at Lighthouse Memorial Center, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the South Coast Botanic Gardens https://46664a.blackbaudhosting.com/46664a/Unrestricted

We will be purchasing a bench in her honor for the gardens.