Erika S. Mushorn, age 31 of Troy, died at Samaritan Hospital, after a cardiac event on December 27th.

Erika was born in Albany. She grew up in Halfmoon and most recently lived in Lansingburg. She was predeceased by her father, Wade C. Mushorn, her grandmother Joan Mushorn and her beloved uncle, Scott Mushorn.

Erika was a stay at home mom, to five beautiful children.Her kids and her love of her life, Derek Matala were her whole world.

Erika had prreviously worked at the Halfmmon Walmart as a customer service manager. The people she worked with there became another family to her.

Her most recent employment was working for her sister, April Mushorn, at Half Moon Hewitt's Garden Center. I think everyone who knew would agree.

This was a lethal combination (in the most loving way).

When Erika and her sister got together, there was never a dull moment and work was never boring.

Erika is survived by her unwaving love of her life, Derek Matala; her 5 children: Derek A. Matala Jr., Nathan J. Matala, Dominick A. Matala, Nina E. Matala and Grace L. Matala. She is also survived by her mother, Wendy L. Mushorn, her sisters, Teresa L. (Christopher) Phillip and April M. (George) Mushorn, her mother and father in-law Tammy and Harry Matala. Erika also had her cousins Justin S. Mushorn, David P. Clarke, her aunts Susan E. Clarke, Kelly (Mushorn) Fox and many nieces and nephews.

Erika touched so many, in so many ways.

She loved music, family, friends and animals. Erika was always the life of the party; the party never started 'till she got there, usually late.

Erika was a beautiful soul with a brillant, witty mind, a contagious laugh, a zest for life and a razor sharp tongue, if needed.

To say she will be missed is such understatement. This is not goodbye, it's give 'em hell up there, Erika, till we see you again, on the otherside.

There will be calling hours on Friday, January 5th, 2024 from 4pm, until 7pm, at the Catricala Funeral Home 1597 Route 9, in Clifton Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Mushorn family, to defray funeral costs and to help her children.