Erica Wallenstein

RECORDING: Please click here to view the recording of the funeral service.

SHIVA: Shiva will take place immediately following the funeral until 8:00pm at the family home, 2841 Livsey Drive, Tucker, GA 30084.

OBITUARY

Erica Lynn Wallenstein, of Nir Yafe Israel, and of her family in Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the age of 38 after a well-fought battle with cancer. She was the cherished daughter of Sheri Wallenstein and Marc Wallenstein.

Erica was full of spirit and life, bringing energy, fun, and a sense of adventure to all she met. She deeply cared for her family and community, and would go out of her way to perform acts of kindness and lend a helping hand. Erica moved to Israel in December 2008, and built a life filled with meaning and a strong communtiy. She loved sunsets on the beautiful Israel beaches, and exploring all of the wonderful springs, rivers, and waterfalls where she could find healing and peace in the water. She also loved spending time with friends and family over good food, and was an excellent cook of the local specialties.

One of Erica’s greatest passions and gifts was caring for animals. Her career was working with birthing cows, where she cared deeply for mothers and calves. She also always had her own collection of pets, from goats to rabbits to dogs, and helped many animals in need along the way. She often used her animals to bring joy and comfort to people in need, or even to bring a smile to a stranger she met on the street. She believed in the powerful bond between human and animal, and how they could heal each other through one of the purest forms of love.

Before coming to the US in November 2024, Erica lived in her dream location, in the Israel valley, in a beautiful little wooden house, surrounded by farm fields and the nature of the Gilboa. The North of Israel was a part of her soul.

With the miraculous help of the worldwide Jewish community, Erica was brought to Atlanta in November 2024 to spend her last moments being surrounded and loved on by family.

Erica is survived by her mother, Sheri Wallenstein; her father, Marc Wallenstein (Eileen Mitchell); her sisters, Alisha (Rob) Wallenstein and Whitney (Khanan) Teyf, her grandmother, Betti Rush; her step-grandmother, Charlotte Warner; her uncle, Phil Rush; her niece and nephews who she loved very much, Peysha, Joshua, and Rebekah; and her four-legged best friend Bambi.

While she will be greatly missed, we take solace in knowing that Erica’s love, light, and spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her and that she is now at peace, the “gingit” watching over the animals in heaven.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 2nd at 3:00pm at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, please honor Erica’s memory by contributing to: Belev Echad’s Dogs 4 Soldiers program, or to the emergency medical air transport organization Hatzola Air.