Obituary: Erin Nicole Makielski
Erin Nicole Makielski (March 14, 1983 – October 3, 2026,)
Erin Nicole Makielski of Manchester, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, with her mother and sister by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 43 years old. Anyone who knew Erin knew her laugh, that one-of-a-kind, contagious laugh that could fill a room and lift everyone in it.
Born on March 14, 1983, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Erin grew up to become one of those rare people who seemed to touch every life she crossed paths with. She was full of life, a proud Aunt to her nephews, fiercely loyal to her friends, kind to absolutely everyone, and stubborn to a fault. She had a great sense of humor and a heart that was always set on helping others.
Erin graduated from Manchester High School in 2001 and went on to complete her cosmetology certification at Huron Valley Beauty Academy in Ann Arbor, MI. For many years she worked as a hairstylist at Fantastic Sam’s on Oak Valley Drive in Ann Arbor, MI, where she adored her clients and her fellow stylists. Never one to sit still, she also attended business classes at Washtenaw Community College while working part time as a Home Health Care Coordinator at Kennedy Care Center in Ann Arbor, MI.
After finishing her classes, Erin carried her business experience to the University of Michigan’s Medical Center, Supply Chain Management Division, where she spent many years and found real enjoyment in data entry and information technology. She later became an Admissions Coordinator at Ross Medical School, a role she loved because it let her help people from all walks of life chase their career goals. Eventually, Erin struck out on her own and became a nanny for two wonderful families. This was where she truly thrived. She loved children and the families she worked with, and she stayed at it right up until her illness made it impossible to continue.
Outside of work, Erin packed her life full of the things she loved. She was a die-hard University of Michigan football fan, a movie buff, and a proud foodie who never turned down a good plate of pasta. She loved to fish, loved a lively political debate with family and friends, and had a lifelong soft spot for horses and country living. Her favorite color was orange, and she wore it the way she lived, boldly and without apology.
Erin is survived by her mother, Cathy (Boley) Makielski; father, Michael Makielski (Cynthia); her sister, Angela (Eric) Flint; her brother, Joel Makielski (Bonnie); her nephews Chase (Sarah) Flint, Isaac Flint, Hunter Makielski, and Austin Makielski; and her grandmother, Pauline Miller; and numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins; and her BFF Sheri Bowker.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather Austin Miller, her grandfather Edward Boley, her grandfather Edward Makielski, her grandmother Diane Makielski, and her uncle Lee Makielski.
A celebration of life visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Eineder Funeral Homes – Manchester Chapel, located at 207 E. Duncan St., Manchester, MI 48158. The public gathering will take place from 3 PM to 6 PM.
The family invites everyone to wear shades of orange in honor of Erin’s favorite color and in celebration of the vibrant life she lived.
Erin’s faith was quiet but steady, and those who loved her find comfort in the belief that she is now at peace, free from pain, and surely laughing that unmistakable laugh. She gave so much of herself to others, and the love she poured out will live on in everyone lucky enough to have known her. We have no doubt that Erin is cheering everyone on, including her favorite UofM Football team from “The Big House” in the sky…
Donations: In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Manchester District Library – Children’s section, earmarked “Erin Makielski” when donating. Erin spent a lot of time with the children she nannied with at the Children’s Hour at both the Manchester and Chelsea Libraries.
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