Fiskdale – Erin C. Halsdorff, 38, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021 at the Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge after being stricken ill at home.

Erin is survived by her companion Brad MacRonald of Fiskdale; her brother Dennis J. Halsdorff II of Fiskdale; her sisters Colleen D. Palacios and her husband Anthony of Brookfield, and Meaghan J. Fickett and her husband Joshua of West Brookfield; her nephew Hunter Oldenburg of West Brookfield; her niece Clover Palacios of Brookfield; her best friend Kate Buckley and Kate’s daughter Rainbow Cleveland of Bloomsburg, PA. Erin will also be dearly missed by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Erin was born in Worcester, MA on June 23, 1983, daughter of the late Dennis J. and Jean M. (Gibbons) Halsdorff. She was a 2001 graduate from Oxford High School, where she participated in Theater, Chorus, Student Council, Rock-Climbing Club, and J.V. & Varsity Soccer. In the years that followed, she held various jobs, attended some college, and obtained several certifications. Eventually she found her passion, caring for troubled adults and children in residential facilities. Erin worked in this field for over a decade, most recently as a shift supervisor at the New England Center for Children, in Hopkinton. She exuded compassion for her clients there, often referring to them as “my kids”. Erin had a natural talent for calming them and making them feel safe and loved- she took great pride in her role as a caregiver.

People will remember Erin for her creativity, sense of humor, generosity, and love for her family. She truly enjoyed journaling, writing songs and even screenplays. It was a cathartic outlet for her, and an activity at which she excelled. Erin was also sarcastic and witty, finding her way to everyone’s funny bone. Her friends and family were rolling in laughter whenever she was around. Erin spent much of her free time and money buying gifts for her loved ones. She was known to purchase all birthday and Christmas presents several months in advance, and when she found a random item that someone would appreciate, she would make up any reason to give it to them, holiday or not.

“Family, fun, and adventure!” was Erin’s motto. Even though she loved giving gifts, she valued experiences more than tangible objects, and she cherished sharing those experiences with her family. From camping and road-trip vacations, to game nights and family meals, she was always at the center of the fun. Like most of her family, Erin was really fond of the outdoors and nature. She especially loved hiking, boating, and swimming with them, not to mention endless wrestling matches with her nephew Hunter! There will forever be a deep void where Erin’s presence once stood, laughed, and danced. Her soul was beautiful and irreplaceable.

Friends and family are welcome to visit a “Celebration of Life” gathering for Erin, hosted at her sister Colleen’s home in Brookfield, at 122 Quaboag Street, anytime between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday, October 23rd. Please use the back entrance, next to the garage at the end of their driveway.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MSPCC (Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), or a charity of your choice, in honor of Erin.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home.

A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may offer condolences, share fond memories, or light a candle in remembrance of Erin.