Erika Christine Hovland-Bahij

Erika Christine Hovland-Bahij, 52, of Bryn Mawr, PA, passed away on June 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born on July 24, 1972 to Keith and Karen (Newell) Hovland. Erika lived a life that was a testament to kindness, curiosity, her faith and a deep commitment to those she loved. Erika was married to Abdelaziz Bahij and was a devoted and nurturing mother to Matsson and Alex (Alexander) Bahij, whose lives she enriched with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support. She is survived by her brother Matt, niece and nephew, Iris and Jaid, many cousins, her husband’s relatives in France, Canada and Morocco and a wide circle of cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Laurence and Esther Hovland, and her maternal grandparents, Ray and Elsie Newell. Raised in St. Paul, MN, Erika graduated from Central High School in 1990. She earned a BS in Economics at the University of Minnesota, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and served a six month internship with U.S. Congressman Martin Sabo in Washington, DC. Erika earned her MBA with Honors from Temple University, where she later returned to teach as an adjunct professor. She also became a Certified Forest Therapy guide, sharing her love of nature and mindfulness with others. Erika was a Marketing Director at GSK Pharmaceutical and a Vice President at Tri-State Imaging before founding her own consulting firm, Iolite Global, and launching Rose & Redwood, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching leadership skills to children. Erika was baptized on August 27, 1972 and was confirmed in her faith in the 9th grade. She attended the Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA, where she found a community of friends. Erika found joy in the outdoors, hiking in the forests and in tending her garden. She was an avid reader, a gifted writer, a creative cook, and a world traveler who embraced new cultures and experiences. Above all, Erika treasured time spent with her family and friends, whose lives are forever touched by her compassion, humor, and grace. It has been a privilege to have Erika in our lives, and she will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at Church of the Saviour, 651 N Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA 19087on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am with a service at 11am. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, additional memorial service will be held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am with a service at 11am. Erika loved nature and spent literally hundreds of hours spinning stories of polar bear adventures for her son, Matsson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the college fund account that has been set up for Matsson Bahij or to The Nature Conservancy (Polar Bear Conservation Fund).

Erika Christine Hovland-Bahij

June 7, 2025

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Erika Christine Hovland-Bahij

June 7, 2025

Obituary Notification

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