Obit: Erika Purcell ... former switchboard operator

ROCHESTER - Erika Purcell, 87, formerly of Portsmouth, died Tuesday, October 22, 2013.

Born December 26, 1925, in Bischheim, Germany, the daughter of Ludwig and Katharina Vöpel, she was one of four daughters, Elizabeth, Johanna and Erna, her twin. On July 9, 1958, she married Ralph Eugene Purcell. They moved to the United States in January 1960.

She is survived by her two children and two grandchildren; her son Michael and wife Deborah of Boston, Mass.; her daughter Erika K. (Riki) and husband Christopher Easler of Barrington. She was a loving Oma to Erik and Emma Easler.

Erika is preceded in death by her husband Ralph, September 16, 1967, and her three sisters.

Although she held various positions throughout her life, her favorite was her career as a switchboard operator in Germany in the 1950s. Known by many as 'Mom', everyone was welcome to join the family for a meal, and in her home no one was beyond her motherly concern.