Erika Diane Bresnahan (Hauge) left this World too soon on Friday November 8th, 2024 in Port Richey, FL at age 61. Erika was born on May 28th, 1963, in La Crosse, Wisconsin as the youngest of three daughters to Malvin & Patricia Hauge, who preceded her in death.
Throughout her life family and cosmetology remained Erika’s biggest passions. She began her cosmetology career immediately following her graduation from high school and she eventually went on to open her own salon, Main Street Styling in Dunedin, FL, in the early 90s. As a cosmetologist, her heartfelt commitment towards serving and caring for her customers made her clients feel as if they were part of her family.
As a mother, sister, daughter, and wife she spent countless summers loading-up the family van to make the 1,800-mile drive from New Port Richey, FL to Big Fork, MN for a month-long summer vacation at her family-owned cabin on Big Turtle Lake. These summers were filled with laughter and joy as Erika and her family swam, fished, tubed, skied, and shared stories around the bonfires, all while making unforgettable memories.
Later in life, Erika was filled with jubilee as she first became a grandmother in June of 2008 and her heart continued to fill with joy as she welcomed six additional grandchildren over the following years. When asked about her grandchildren, Erika would commonly reply, “the more grandchildren I have, the more love I have.”
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Christopher Bresnahan, four daughters Taylor (Mike) Nazzario, Jordan (Richard) Valentine, Elizabeth (Mark) Swan, Megan Bresnahan, son Ryan (Courtney) Cottrell, two sisters Kristine Cunningham and Kathryn (Dan) Toscano, seven grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Erika will be deeply missed by the friends and family she left behind. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held for immediate family in the Spring of 2025 to remember and commemorate her life.
Cdm
December 7, 2024, 1:50 am
Dear Erika,
I send you my eternal love and grieve for the loss of you, Erika, my friend of 40 years, sister, and teacher.
As a coming of age, geek, I met you behind the 7-11, and my life was magically changed forever.
You had a gift, and always filled the room with an energy- you made people feel good about themselves and that drew people to you. Everyone included you in their groups, but I was always your best.
I always knew I could count on you and you always were true. My friend, my sister, my confidante, my heart. We share so many memories which I, alone, know, and will always have to come back to-, to nurture my heart, to remind me of your laugh, and your love of family, your silliness, your nurturing nature, your wisdom, your love of humanity, friends and nature.
I will always cherish every moment of the many years Ive spent with you and your family and girls. I will side chuckle to myself when I think about all the funny and stupid things we wanted to do, and did, and didn’t get caught.
Erika, I love you and will always have a Hole in the place where you lived in my heart. I love you and will always….
.