Erica Unger

Virginia Beach – We are deeply saddened to share that Erica Unger passed away on April 11, 2026, just three days before her 95th birthday.
Born in Vienna, she was a Holocaust survivor who went on to live a rich and vibrant life marked by travel, meaningful relationships, and a deep joy in sharing her experiences with family and friends.

Erica found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—rooting for her beloved Brooklyn Dodgers (before their move to Los Angeles), playing Mahjong and bridge, swimming, and singing along to Broadway tunes, opera, and classic oldies. Fluent in German, Spanish, and English, she truly embodied gemütlichkeit—a spirit of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. Her humor, kindness, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was deeply devoted to her family and community and took great pride in earning her Associate of Arts degree later in life, as well as in her career as a women’s clothing buyer at Sears, Roebuck and Co. Erica also believed strongly in charitable giving and instilled in her children the importance of helping those in need and remaining actively involved in their communities. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah, played a pivotal role in the creation of Congregation Beth Tefillah, and helped guide charitable contributions through the Unger Family Foundation.

Erica is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Jeanine) and David; her grandchildren, Jack and Michael; and extended family across the United States, France, and Israel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Unger; her parents; her sister and closest friend, Greta Burg; her brother-in-law, Fred Burg; and her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Unger.

In honor of Erica’s lifelong commitment to helping others, donations may be made to Beth Sholom Village, Meals on Wheels of Chesapeake, or a charity of the donor’s choice.