March 8, 1938 – February 12, 2026
June Irene Winthrop Erickson, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 87.
June was born in Newport, Rhode Island, to William Winthrop and Irene Winthrop. She married CDR John Richards Erickson, USCG, with whom she shared a devoted marriage. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
She was a proud Irish Catholic whose faith and heritage remained central throughout her life. Known for her efficiency, intelligence, and dedication, June cared deeply for her family and community.
In 1973, June and her family moved to Slidell, Louisiana, becoming the third family to settle in Eden Isles. She loved living on the water and mastered Cajun cuisine, fully embracing the culture of her new home. Sundays after church were a special time. She would prepare a crab boil and spend the afternoon on the patio, picking crabs and enjoying her family.
In Slidell, she was active in Republican politics and community leadership, serving as a Poll Commissioner, President of the Republican Women’s Club and a delegate to the Republican National Convention.
June worked for the National Park Service at the National Space Technologies Laboratory, where she was respected for her strong work ethic and commitment.
Later in life, June enjoyed crossword puzzles, a pastime that brought her a lot of joy and kept her mind sharp.
She is survived by three children, John R. Erickson Jr. (Mary Ann), Jean Erickson Cefalu, and Mark R. Erickson (Kim); ten grandchildren, Sarah Cefalu Herrington, Charles Cefalu Jr., John Cefalu, Michael Cefalu, Gregory Cefalu, Jane Erickson, William Erickson, John Matthew Erickson, Kirsten Erickson, Luke Erickson; and 13 great-grandchildren, Parker Herrington, Connor Herrington, Emma Herrington, Charles Cefalu III, Mary Jean Cefalu, Lucy Cefalu, Bruce Cefalu, James Cefalu, Johnnie Cefalu, Carson Cefalu, Landry Kate Cefalu, Liam Cefalu, and Lena Cefalu; her siblings, William Winthrop (Beth), Henry “Harry” Winthrop (Debbi), and Shirley Winthrop Ellis (Jack). She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles Cefalu.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West, Slidell, LA 70460.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am.
Burial will be at 10:00 am Friday, February 27, at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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