Family and friends gathered on a Saturday evening in January to celebrate an extraordinary milestone as Erica Reisner Ausch turned 90 years young. Her daughters – Jodie Woodward, Linda Ausch, and Bonnie Laibstain — brought together those who know her best and love her most: family, dear friends, her devoted Mah Jongg group, and members of her water aerobics class (yes, she still teaches!), all to honor a woman whose boundless energy, generosity of spirit, and joyful presence have shaped so many lives.
Surrounding Erica with love were her cherished grandchildren: Liza Woodward and her boyfriend, Austin Ferguson; Leo Woodward and his wife, Erika Woodward; Blake Laibstain and his fiancée, Mattee Long; and Raven Laibstain. Bonnie’s husband, Jeff Laibstain, and Erica’s treasured great-grandchildren—Wells Edison Woodward, Bridget Jolie Woodward, and Barett Roy Woodward—whose laughter and smiles were a beautiful reminder of the generations she has nurtured, all added to the celebration.
Adding to the emotion of the evening, the room was lovingly decorated with photographs of Erica and her beloved husband, Eddie, from years past, alongside more recent images displayed on a contin-
uous loop capturing cherished memories. These moments—spanning decades of love, partnership, and family—served as a quiet, beautiful tribute to a life richly lived and deeply shared.
The room was filled with stories, laughter, and deep gratitude for 90 years of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. Surrounded by multiple generations and lifelong relationships, the celebration was a moving tribute to a remarkable woman whose legacy is not only measured in years, but in the countless lives she has touched with her warmth, strength, and love. Her beloved husband, Eddie, was felt in every smile and every memory, and there is no doubt he would be so proud of the extraordinary life Erica continues to lead and the beautiful family they built together.
