With the help of the management team at Marketplace Foods, 1930 S. Broadway, Olson hosted a memorial with cake and cards on Wednesday to celebrate Eriksmoen’s birthday. Eriksmoen, a 12-year employee of Marketplace Foods, died in April.

Birthdays were her most special day, Olson said of her sister. Remembering the special days of those around her as well as their families, she was even able to remember the birthdays of those whom she did not know well, Olson said.

Her manager at Marketplace, Mike Derheim, said she was so customer oriented that people would come to the store specifically to go through her line because they loved her.

“She remembered everything. She would look for everybody during the holidays to bring them a sample of treats she had baked,” Derheim said.

Jennifer Eriksmoen enjoyed making cards. Pictured are cards made in her memory and style.

Olson said she and her sister grew up sharing their birthdays, as they were born 362 days apart, and Eriksmoen would make her cards each year.

On her birthday each year, Eriksmoen always knew where to get a free meal or where to send others to get their free meal, Olson said. No other holidays brought Eriksmoen the same happiness that her birthday did, and she would happily cover any holiday at work apart from her birthday.

Cards also held a special place in Eriksmoen’s heart, and Olson said she loved making cards for others, always ending them with the phrase “Always & Forever,” after a birthday blessing. This phrase has been taken up by those who will use it in her memory.

On Nov. 16, a card-making party was held at Eriksmoen’s church, attended by family and friends, who shared the day together making cards, Olson said.

Marketplace Foods donated a cake for the small birthday party held Wednesday in Eriksmoen’s memory. The cake was enjoyed by the customers she enjoyed helping.

“She was a very kind, caring, loving person who always thought of others, whether at work, home, church family or with her friends,” Olson said.