Dr. Erika Leningher Whitmore

June 16, 1947 - February 7, 2021

Dr. Erika L. Whitmore of Chestnut Hill, MA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday February 7, 2021 at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA.  She was 73.  Devoted wife to her husband of 37 years H. Thomas Aretz, and loving mother to her children Alex Whitmore, Katharine Aretz, Anne Aretz, her step-son Carsten Aretz, her daughter-in-law Kathleen Fulton and her grandchildren Cora, Sloane and Tessa.

She was born on June 16, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Dr. Albert Leningher and Jan Wilson. She graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in Art History and continued to paint and draw until her death.  After college, she pursued a career in medicine, studying at Johns Hopkins and UC- San Diego.  After completing her residency in pathology and cyto-pathology at Mass General Hospital, she worked in several hospitals in the Boston area, including Mount Auburn and St. Elizabeth's Hospital.  She retired from medicine in 1995.

Throughout her life, she was an avid sailor. She spent over 30 years going to Chappaquiddick on Martha's Vineyard and sailing and racing as a member of the Edgartown Yacht Club. She enjoyed golfing at The Country Club with her husband or discussing gardening with her large group of friends.  She loved to travel and throughout her life enjoyed trips in the US and all over the globe with her family. Always generous with her time to support others, she volunteered weekly for over 10 years at the Planned Parenthood call center in Boston.  Her giving spirit made her a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family and friends.

A private family only burial will be held on Saturday Feb 13th at Mount Auburn Cemetery.  A virtual memorial service will be arranged in the coming weeks. Those interested in attending the virtual service should contact Alex Whitmore at awhitmore@gmail.com for details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or Planned Parenthood .