Beloved Brandon Community Member Edna Erickson, 78, Tragically Passes Away Following Car Accident in Sioux Falls, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Kindness, Generosity, and Deep Impact on Family and Friends

Brandon, SD – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edna Erickson, a cherished and beloved member of the Brandon, South Dakota community. Edna, age 78, tragically lost her life in a car accident in Sioux Falls on April 10, 2025. Her sudden and unexpected death has left a profound impact on her family, friends, and all who knew her, creating a void that will be hard to fill.

Edna Erickson was a familiar and much-loved figure in the Brandon area, known for her warmth, kindness, and selfless spirit. Over the years, Edna became a cornerstone of the community, actively participating in local events, volunteering her time, and offering her unwavering support to those in need. Her contributions, both large and small, helped make Brandon a better place, and her kindness touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

Edna’s family, who were by her side in the days leading up to the accident, have expressed their deep sorrow at her passing. They described Edna as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose family was always her top priority. She was known for her nurturing nature, her ability to make everyone feel welcome, and her dedication to her loved ones.

“She had a heart of gold,” said her daughter, Lisa Erickson. “Mom always put others before herself, and she never hesitated to help anyone in need. She was our rock, our foundation, and now we are left with an unimaginable loss.”

The car accident occurred in Sioux Falls, just a short distance from her home in Brandon, as Edna was traveling to visit family. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the accident took place in the late afternoon on April 10, when Edna’s vehicle collided with another car. Authorities are still investigating the details of the crash, but initial reports indicate that weather conditions may have played a role in the tragic event. Edna was transported to a local hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.

As the news of Edna’s passing spread throughout the community, those who knew her began to share stories of her incredible generosity and the many ways she made a difference in their lives. Friends and neighbors fondly recall how Edna would always go out of her way to make others feel valued, whether through a kind word, a homemade meal, or simply lending a listening ear.

“She was the type of person who would show up when you needed her the most,” said Jane Foster, a longtime friend of Edna’s. “Edna had this incredible ability to make you feel like everything was going to be okay. She had a way of bringing people together, and her smile was contagious. She will be so deeply missed.”

In addition to her deep ties to the Brandon community, Edna was known for her love of nature, especially gardening, and her passion for crafting. Many will remember her beautiful flower beds, the handmade quilts she gifted to family and friends, and the time she spent volunteering at the local senior center.

The impact of Edna’s loss is being felt across Brandon and beyond, as her presence was woven into the fabric of so many lives. As friends, family, and community members process this devastating tragedy, many are coming together to honor her memory and celebrate the life of this incredible woman.

A memorial service will be held in Brandon in the coming days, where family, friends, and community members will gather to pay their respects, share memories, and support one another during this difficult time. Edna’s family has requested that donations be made in her memory to local charities that were close to her heart, reflecting her lifelong commitment to giving back to those in need.

As we mourn the loss of Edna Erickson, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on a community. Edna’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and generosity for years to come.

In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Edna’s family, and we ask the community to keep them in their hearts as they navigate this painful loss. Edna’s kind spirit and boundless compassion will never be forgotten, and she will always be remembered fondly by the people whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.