Erika Peterson

Erika Leigh Peterson

March 29, 1984 - April 27, 2023

“Erika Leigh,” as her father called her, was born on March 29, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the second born of three girls. Erika relocated from her hometown of Plymouth, MA in the mid-2000s to go on a great adventure—a move to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she made a home for nearly the last two decades of her life. It is there she became a well-known smiling face behind the bar, an avid equestrian, and a dedicated fitness instructor. Erika had a big heart, a quick wit, an immense love of animals and was a loving and devoted mother. Erika was vibrant, beautiful, funny….and to know her was to fall in love with her—the Vegas transplant who was ever the Bostonian (and she made sure everyone knew it—GO SOX!).

Vegas was also where the biggest blessing in Erika’s life transpired. She gave birth to her beautiful “mini”, Vivienne Rose, in 2015. Erika’s happiness abounded tenfold when her little Vivi came into this world. There were many years of laughter, hugs, adventures, and memories that will be carried on.

Our beautiful Erika passed away unexpectedly after a long-fought and heartbreaking battle with addiction. She is predeceased by her loving father, Mark W. Peterson. Erika leaves behind the love of her life, her daughter, Vivienne Rose Wise and father, Travis; her sister, Elyce Cripps and brother-in-law, Joshua Cripps; her sister, Laura Peterson; her stepmother, Karen Peterson; her step siblings, PJ and Kelsey Lanman; her mother, Carol (McArdle) Peterson. Erika also leaves behind her nieces, Lilly and Violet, nephew, Marcus and a multitude of loving family and friends both on the east coast as well as in Las Vegas, including her dear friend, Jeff Mattison.

Erika will be laid to rest alongside her father at home in Massachusetts, in a private ceremony. Due to the unexpected nature of her passing, the family will be organizing a Celebration of Life for Erika later this summer which will be open to all friends and family, near and far. Details will be made public as soon as possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a fund for Erika’s daughter, Vivienne, who has endured such an unimaginable loss. All donations will be put into a trust in her name. We honor Erika by honoring her daughter. Any donations made will be used for the immediate care of Vivienne and for investment in her future. Donations can be made via Venmo to the trustee at : @Elyce-Cripps (https://venmo.com/u/Elyce-Cripps) or can be mailed for deposit to:

Vivienne Wise

c/o Elyce Cripps

26 Woodbine Drive

Plymouth, MA 02360