Erika Elfriede (Paegelow) Halig

Erika Elfriede (Paegelow) Halig of Maynard, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the remarkable age of 99. She was born in Driesen Kreis Friedeberg, Germany, on December 12, 1925, to the late Richard Paegelow and Maria Dietrich. She is reunited not only with her parents, but her sisters Martha Steuernagel, Hildegard Froechtenicht and Erna Christacakos.

In Berlin, Erika met her future husband, Delbert Kanniard, a U.S. soldier. In 1948, she came to America ready to build a new life filled with love, family, and friends. Erika had a gift for making people feel at home and loved gathering family and friends to celebrate life’s special moments. Known for her incredible cooking, she created traditions her family will forever cherish—especially her Thursday night dinners and lively get-togethers.

She had a sharp mind and a lifelong love of numbers, astrology, and card games—her favorites being Canasta, Rummy and Solitaire. A trip to the casino, a good horse race, and German folk music or Country Western music always put a skip in her step. Erika, lovingly known as ‘Omi,’ cherished life’s simple joys—sitting on the porch, reminiscing, and staying close to her family. Erika’s great nephew Michael Zink of Germany remains our connection to Erika’s homeland. Michael visited regularly and was recently here to celebrate her 99th birthday, which included a trip to the casino. Her warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.

Erika worked for H.H. Scott in Maynard from 1968 until joining Digital Equipment Corporation in 1976. In 1984, she moved to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where she launched her successful real estate business, E.H. Halig Realty. She also opened Erika’s Hair Fashions and Tanning Salon in nearby Saco, Maine, which was equally successful. She retired in 1998 and returned to Maynard, MA to be close to her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Deana and her husband Jeff Bezanson of Boxborough, MA; son, Roger and his wife Robin Kanniard of Littleton, MA; son, Randy and his wife Kathy Kanniard of Maynard, MA; and Harley Halig and his fiancé Mary of Maynard, MA. She leaves behind grandchildren Lucinda, Matthew and his wife Erin, Laura and her husband Justin, Steven and his wife Oksana, Stacie and her husband David, Stephanie and her husband John, Michael, Shannon, Brandon, and Caitlin; great-grandchildren Angela, Haily, Delaney, Ada, Nicolas, Lyla, Vincent, Madeline, Ellie, Hannah, and Lukas; and great-great-grandchildren Destiny and Lewis Jr. Among the many meaningful relationships in Erika’s life, was her enduring 39-year friendship with Fred Gauvin—a bond filled with laughter, support, and countless shared memories.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Erika’s life during calling hours on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 PM at Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, 42 Concord Street, Maynard, MA. A private family burial service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.