Erika Stockfleth Blas

Erika Stockfleth Blas, 86, of Atlanta, Georgia, widow of Herzl "Harry" Blas, entered into eternal rest Monday, April 20, 2015. Her funeral service will be held graveside Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in Emanu-El Cemetery, Sycamore Avenue, Maryville at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Erika was born June 12, 1928 in Grevesmuhlen, Germany, daughter of the late William Stockfleth and Marie Botta Stockfleth. She was a member of Synagogue Emanu-El and belonged to the Emanu-El Sisterhood.
When Adolph Hitler was elected in 1933, he was determined to erase the Jewish race. Erika's mother was Jewish, her father was Christian. He helped a Jewish business couple and children secretly escape by ocean liner to South America. When her father returned home, the Gestapo was waiting for him to be arrested. Erika and her family never saw him again.
After Erika met Harry, along with some friends and family members, they escaped Communist East Germany and ultimately landed in New York City, in 1952. Erika and Harry found a first cousin in Charleston, South Carolina and opened a sandwich shop. They enjoyed a long and prosperous life as members of the Charleston community. After Harry's death in 2003, Erika moved to Atlanta to be near her daughter and family.

Erika is survived by her daughter, Susan B. Milani (Robert) of Kennesaw, GA; sister, Heidi Meyer of Hamburg, Germany; brother, Heinz Stockfleth of Grevesmuhlen, Germany; granddaughter, Gabriella Milani and grandson, Jack Milani.

Memorials may be made to Synagogue Emanu-El, 5 Windsor Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.