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Erika E. Papuga, 94, entered into rest on June 18. Born in Quedlinburg, Germany, on July 31, 1922, she was the only daughter of the late Oscar and Freida Kroll, who settled in New Haven from Germany, and then later in Branford. She was the beloved wife of George Papuga, Sr., for 32 years.

She was a proud mother of 11 children, George Jr. and his wife Sandi of East Haven; Glenn and his wife Lynne of Branford; Douglas of Branford; Lawrence and his wife Mary of Clinton; Gregory and his wife Angela of Branford; Charles and his wife Maria of New Haven; Timothy of Southington; Lorraine of East Haven; Linda and her husband Paul D’Amato of Old Lyme; Sandra of Branford; and Deborah of Durham. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Erika was employed by Howard Johnson’s for many years, a job that she loved. She also enjoyed embroidery, but enjoyed her time with her family the most. She was a dedicated and devoted mother, wife, and employee, who had incredible strength and endurance.

The hours of visitation were June 20 at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford. A funeral service was held June 21 in the funeral home. Interment followed at East Lawn Cemetery in East Haven.

Her family would like to thank the staff of VNA Community Healthcare and Branford Hills Health Care for the loving care they provided.Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Ste. 4B, Southington, CT 06489. For an online memorial, visit www.wsclancy.com.