Erica L. Hassler

Erica Hassler passed away on January 4, 2026. Born on June 7, 1979, Erica lived a life defined by intelligence, humor, courage, and an unforgettable spirit.

She is survived by her parents, David and Therese Keys; her sisters, Elisha Heebner, Erin Keys, Elizabeth Kargar, and Era Keys; and her eleven beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved fiercely.

Erica was a lifelong lover of learning. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science on a full scholarship, and later earned her master’s degree in library science from the University of Maryland. In April 2004, she began her career as a Reference Librarian with the Lee County Library in Fort Myers, where she served the community for over two decades.

During her career, Erica worked across all seven library branches, assisting patrons of every age and background. She supported children’s, teen, and adult programming, led preschool story times, facilitated outreach book discussions in senior living facilities, and provided guidance and computer assistance to countless individuals. To Erica, libraries were not just about books — they were about people.

Erica was five feet tall with fifty feet of personality. She loved romance novels, fine cuisine, Golden Girls, Friends, and stories that made her laugh, think, and feel deeply. She was unapologetically herself — witty, sarcastic, kind, brilliant, and loyal. She held the world to high standards and encouraged those around her to do the same.

Her body endured more than anyone should, yet her mind, spirit, and heart never wavered. She fought with strength, grace, courage, humor, and unwavering dignity. Even in hardship, she remained radiant.

To know Erica was to love her. To love Erica was to be changed by her.

She was a daughter, sister, aunt, librarian, friend, and best friend. She was extraordinary.

She was my sister. She was my best friend. She was extraordinary.

And she will be missed beyond words. This world is poorer without her — but forever better because she was here.

Snyder Bean Funeral home is entrusted with arrangements and online condolences maybe made at www.snyderbeanfuneralhome.com