Margaret "Muggsy" F. Erickson

Margaret "Muggsy" Erickson was born on May 8th, 1944, in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, to parents Margaret "Peggy" Dunbar and Donald. F. Klein. Muggsy's mother Peggy was a WW2 bride and at around three years old Muggs, her mother Peg and brother Donald traveled by ship to America leaving behind their beloved Aussie home. Muggsy was very proud of her Aussie heritage from all her animal knick-knacks and animal prints to the aboriginal quotes and unique artwork, she never forgot her home. In her early twenties and thirties, she was a waitress at various restaurants and a loving hard working single mother to her son, Jamey Klein - that was until she met the love of her life, Ducan "Duke" Erickson in 1978 they were married May 10th, 1980. With Duke came her four stepchildren who she loved as her own and completed her beautiful family. Muggsy was also an amazing grandmother and great grandma(gg), one who's love, guidance, and generosity will never be forgotten. Muggsy was one of a kind, from her iconic style to her kind and loving gestures, as well as her outspoken and sassy nature. Muggsy was an avid bingo, card and poker player whose poker face was unmatched. She enjoyed playing with her dear friends and Bayview family where she has lived for many years. Muggs also enjoyed reading, watching her westerns and Ink Masters as well as her Lifetime movies, shopping for the best deals, and spending time with her loved ones. Muggsy’s love and memory will live on thru the many people she touched in this lifetime. Muggsy went on home to be with many loved ones who were waiting with open arms for her on August 27th, 2022, after a battle with cancer.

Muggs is predeceased by her mother and best friend Margaret Peggy Dunbar, her beloved son Jamey Klein, and daughter-in-law Wendy Klein, her brother Donald Klein as well as many other loved ones and last but not at all least, her love and soulmate Duke Erickson - " Together at last ".

Muggsy is survived by step-sons, Ricky (Tammy) Erickson and Derek (Sally) Erickson; step-daughters, Anita (Rob) Heit, Erica (Shane) Ferguson; grandchildren, Kali and Blaze Klein, Britini Gorniak, Devan, Sabrena, Colton, and Drake Ferguson, Bryce and Kyle Erickson , Megan ,Caleb and Jacob Erickson; great-grandchildren, Camari and Izaiah Tilson, Ryder and Journi Ferguson, and Leonna Gorniak well as many nephews and nieces and loved ones.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bayview Apartments Clubhouse, 238 Northway Park Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Muggsy’s name to the organization of donors’ choice. To send online condolences or share memories please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.