Erika Bilmanis, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Woodland Point, MD, on September 25, 2010.

Erika was born to Kristaps and Marta Zvaigzne in a little town of Livberze, Latvia. World War II devastated that country, and she fled with her mother to Germany where she was able to work as a nurse, a profession she dearly loved. She met her future husband, Andris, in a hospital. There, he romanced her, and thus began a 56-year, loving marriage. Eventually, Erika and Andris with their first born son immigrated to the United States in 1949.

They began a new life in Washington, DC, sharing apartments and homes with other Latvian immigrants. Most of their years were spent in Maryland, where they had four more sons. Erika was a homemaker and assisted her husband with bookkeeping in his contracting business. Later, she briefly returned to school to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and did volunteer work with the local Red Cross. Since 1978, Erika and Andris lived in Charles County where they proudly built a beautiful home on the lower Potomac River.

Erika had a thirst for knowledge, read avidly and amassed a library of which, she was very proud. Her other passions were classical music, opera, and gardening. She constantly maintained an interest in science, medicine, environmental issues, and politics, which brought about many engaging discussions with those who visited her. Erika amazed everyone with her masterful skill at needlework, rug-hooking, and weaving. She created wall-hangings and many room-sized rugs, which she generously made gifts of to her family. Her family was never short of knit caps and scarves.

Throughout her later years, her love of family remained, and her 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter were an added joy to her life. Her husband preceded her in death in 2003.

Erika is survived by her five sons: Roberts and his wife Ana Maria, Juris, Andris Jr. and his wife Mary Kathryn, Janis and his wife Susan, and Ivars and his wife Tina; and 10 grandchildren: Robert Jr., Aleksis, Daniels, Andris III, Timothy, Amy, Paul, Luke, Daniela, and Cristina; and great-granddaughter: Gracie Anne.

A viewing and memorial service are being held this Thursday, September 30, 2010, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Arehart-Echols Funeral Home (301-934-8342), 211 Saint Mary's Ave., La Plata, MD 20646. Burial Service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1300 Bladensburg Rd. NE, Washington, DC, 20002.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations are made to the following charity. Charles County Public Library Outreach Services, http://www.ccplonline.org/about/newcombhart.html

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.