Eriko Akamine Grigas

Feb 28, 1955 -

May 4, 2021

Eriko "Erlinda Damicog" Grigas, age 66, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, after battling an unexpected illness. She was born in General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines, on Feb. 28, 1955, the daughter of the late Vicente L. Damicog and Humiko Akamine. She was raised and educated in the Philippines and graduated from Notre Dame Schools, Dadiangas, class of 1973. Eriko moved to Okinawa, Japan, in 1977, to care for ailing family with her mother and five siblings.

Eriko was known around the world for her devoted love to God, life, family and friends, and an everlasting concern for the less fortunate. So many activities brought joy and peace to Eriko, like crocheting, playing the piano, Karaoke, cooking, kayaking, daily walks at the lake, fishing, camping, traveling, reading the Bible, Facebooking, gardening and hiking, with the greatest being time spent with family, friends and Darla.

Married on Jan. 27, 1989, in Okinawa, she moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in December 1993; Mountain Home, Idaho, in January 1995, where she became a naturalized U.S. citizen on April 3, 1997; Okinawa in July 1997; and then to Wasilla in July 2004.

Eriko is survived by her husband of 32 years, Stanley Grigas; and son, George Grigas of Wasilla; brothers, Victor Damicog of Davao, Philippines, Darwin Damicog of General Santos City, Philippines, Akira Akamine of Gunmaken, Japan; sisters, Remy, Veronica "Bebe" Akamine of Naha, Okinawa, Noriko (Hideo Hongo) of Naha; and niece, Karina (Hisaya Oshiro) of Naha.

The Grigas family would like to convey their heartfelt thanks to the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson medical team, Providence Hospital, Life Med professionals, employers, co-workers, friends and family for the love, dignity and care provided to Eriko.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, from 3-4 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church, 1201 E Bogard Road, Wasilla, AK 99654, with Funeral Service following at 4 p.m. Final resting will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.