Erika Déruaz (née Bahnmuller) died peacefully at Maplewood Retirement Residence in Ottawa on September 8, 2022. She was 92.
Erika spent the first part of her life in Switzerland. In 1966 she emigrated to Canada with her young daughter and husband Marcel, where he had been offered a post at the University of Ottawa.
Erika became a keen member of the Ottawa visual arts community. A former Fellow of the Ottawa Watercolour Society and a longtime member of Arteast Ottawa, her paintings and watercolours won numerous awards.
Erika is survived by her husband Marcel, her daughter Marie-Louise Déruaz (Ryan Kulka), and relatives in Switzerland and the U.S.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Farey and the staff of Maplewood for their kind care and support.
Friends and family are invited to a gathering at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, on Friday, Sept. 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate to a charity in Erika's name, please consider The Ottawa Food Bank or Finca Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Susan Pitt
Helen Stone
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear Erika. She was so talented as an artist and a sweet human being. I knew her through Susan Ashbrook. May you find peace.
Monika Hurschler
We got to know Erika by chance at a gallery where she was painting and exhibiting some of her art when she overheard me and my husband speak Swiss. We were fascinated by her talent and have 6 of her beautiful water colour paintings. One time I picked up a painting at her house when she was wearing a real Swiss apron, making Christmas cookies! So her talents went beyond painting! Before she and her husband went to the retirement home, we went for coffee to catch up on the news at her nearby Tim Horton’s. She loved her double-doubles! She was so proud of her husband and daughter and their accomplishments! Our condolences go to Marcel and the family! I will miss her!
Pierre Briche
J'ai connu Erika lors de mon séjour à Ottawa en 1981 et nous sommes toujours restés en contact depuis mon retour en France en 1984. Je garde d'Erika le souvenir d'une personne pleine de sérénité et de gentillesse, et j'ai toujours passé avec Erika et Marcel des moments très agréables. J'adresse mes plus sincères condoléances à Marcel et à Marie-Louise.
Suzanne Beaulieu
My sincere condolences to Marcel and family for the loss of a very fine woman. She was a very talented artist who brought a lot to Arteast. She set a high standard and shared openly her knowledge with others. Her gentleness was always welcome. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Martine Deruaz Bugnon
Nous gardons un bon souvenir d'Erika lors de votre court séjour chez nous à Chamandre, c'était votre dernier voyage en Europe à trois.
Chers Marcel et Marie-Louise, nous serons en pensées avec vous demain.
Martine et Jean-Pierre
Jill And Bernard Baker
Erika and Marcel were our neighbours for years. We missed them when they moved to an LTC but still have good memories of our meals together and chatting over the fence. Erika’s paintings decorate our walls; she was a lovely person. Stay well and stay safe, Marcel; our thoughts are with you (and Marie Louise).
Glenn Ogden
My sincere condolences on the passing of Erika. Marie-Louise, you will be in our thoughts today. Regards - Glenn.
I have known Erika as an fellow artist in Arteast. She was an amazing artist and a lovely woman. I was always so jealous of her 1st place awards at the annual Art Exhibition 🥰. She deserved every one and I feel privileged to have known her. Condolences to her family. Susan Pitt