Erika Godfrey

On November 20, 2018, Erika Nickole Kelly left her earthly body surrounded by the love of her family.

Many of us are familiar with Ooka's witty "Dear Diary" posts on Facebook. They made us laugh and smile in situations that would make other people lose hope. Whether you knew Erika from her work at the hospital, were in her circle of "peeps", or were in her circle of caregivers, most are blown away by her selfless generosity, unbreakable spirit, unwavering hope and eclectic sense of humor.

Erika busted into this world on December 7, 1974 in Denver, CO. She lived with her family in Littleton, CO. No one had a bigger heart nor a greater love for her "fambly" and friends.

Of course, someone with such a generous heart, would go on to graduate from Montana State University with a bachelors in nursing. She would grace the halls at St. Vincent's Hospital for over 20 years dabbling in 3 Fortin, 3 Tower, ICU, Endoscopy and Surgery Plus. She was the Best. Nurse. Ever. She took her challenges and developed into an extremely skilled, compassionate and certainly entertaining nurse. She was always able to go to work, no matter what was going on with her, and make someone's day better.

One day, a young man moved in down the street. Erika said "He's going to be my boyfriend!" After a few months of wooing, Lee Godfrey was hooked. A few months into their courtship, Erika was diagnosed with an extremely rare Clival Chordoma brain tumor but you can't stop soul mates. The rest is history.

Erika had many passions. She was a cut throat card player, loved cooking and baking, hiking, camping, music and movies. She had a great love of animals, including all of her pets. She threw great parties and get togethers. Most of all she brought laughter and pure joy to all who knew her. Erika rocks on through her husband Lee Godfrey, "Seester" Kara (Kelly) Martin, Daddy-O Patrick Kelly, Grammy Evelyn Kelly, and a host of extended family members. She was most recently preceded in death by her mother Patricia McManus.

Donations can be made in Erika's memory Frontier Cancer Center, RiverStone Hospice, or the Chordoma Foundation. Memories may be shared at http://www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.

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