Erika (Wydra) Turgeon

It is with both sadness and celebration that we announce the passing of Erika (Wydra) Turgeon, who left us peacefully at her home on May 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.   A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Erika’s family was her world.

Born in Belgium on September 27, 1948, she was one of three children to the late Eugene and Margarete (Weissmeier) Wydra.  She was raised in New Britain and later settled in Plainville where she raised her three girls.  She held a successful career in the insurance profession, working as an auditor for Cigna for close to twenty years.   Her retirement years were spent fulfilling her proudest role, Grandma.  In addition to caring for them daily in their younger years, Erika was a familiar face and number one fan at her grandchildren’s sporting events, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on.  She found joy in playing games of all kinds, from Farkle to poker, and making regular trips to the casino, each one turning into a cherished memory with family and friends.

Erika’s home was always open, and she welcomed all who entered, especially enjoying the laughter and love that filled the air during gatherings by her pool. There, in the company of family and friends, she found her greatest happiness. A lover of all animals, her heart held a special place for her granddogs, who added much joy to her life.  Though she will be missed beyond measure, the moments shared and the time and love she gave so generously will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved daughters with whom she shared a special bond, Michelle Heisler and her husband Cliff, Kimberly Scheyd and her husband Steven, and Tracie Bouchard and her husband Tom; and her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Lily Heisler, Sky Scheyd and her fiancé Richard (Dusty) Ryan, Ziggy Scheyd, Chase and Kaiden Bouchard; and her great-grandchildren, Delilah Delgado and Leif Ryan.  She also leaves her former husband, Arnold Turgeon; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Andrew and Kathy Wydra and John and Connie Wydra; her brother-in-law, Bill Turgeon and his wife Claudette; her godson, George Dudzinski, Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  She was predeceased by her cousin who she considered a sister, Aniela Wydra. 

In lieu of flowers, Erika’s love for animals may be remembered with contributions to a local rescue, shelter or organization benefitting furry friends.

Family and friends may gather in celebration of Erika’s life on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  Words of remembrance led by life celebrant Jesse Gnazzo will be shared at 1:00 p.m.  For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erika (Wydra) Turgeon, please visit our floral store.