Erika Brown, 83, of Long Branch, passed away in her sleep Wednesday night. Erika was born
in Berlin, Germany in 1933. As a young girl, she spent many nights in bomb shelters until the
end of World War II. After the war, she met and married an American soldier, Thomas Brown,
and came with him to the States in 1963.

Erika moved around the country with her husband, and daughter Yvonne, until his retirement
from the Army, when they settled in Long Branch in 1973. She lived the rest of her life in and
around the area. She worked at numerous jobs, always making friends and having fun.

Erika lived with a strong faith in Christ, and was a longtime member of Long Branch Covenant
Church, Joline Avenue. She had a great love of music, which came from her dream of being a
dancer, and was often found in area coffeehouses and open mic nights, listening to local
musicians. She enjoyed singing in church and along with almost any kind of live music. In later
years, she wrote and recited poetry. Known by family and friends simply as “Omi” she will be
missed and fondly remembered by all.

Erika was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Elfrida Fromholtz of Berlin, and her
husband, Thomas. She is survived by her daughter Yvonne Moss, son-in-law Tony;
grandchildren Allison, Jeffrey and his fiancée Catherine, Steven, and three great-grandchildren, Audrey, Jonah, and Caleb.

The family will receive visitors at Long Branch Covenant Church, 355 Joline Avenue, Long
Branch, on Tuesday, June 14th from 4:30 to 7:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held
immediately following at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Long Branch
Covenant Church Fund for the Needy.