Your Stories: Saint Francis Nurses Reconnect and Build a Family

Erica and Colin, along with their children -- Erica's daughters Rilynn and Noelle; Colin's sons Zack and Rowan; and Erica's mom Audrey.

Erica Feldt, BSN, RN, and Colin Stackhouse, LPN, both serve as nurses on different units at Saint Francis Hospital. Erica treats patients in the MSICU while Colin serves as an LPN on 7-7. The two were recently married on Christmas Eve, bringing together their two families and completing a love story that began two decades ago.

Erica and Colin, who both attended Bristol Central High School, first met in 2003 working at their first jobs in a local supermarket. As teenagers often do, they went their separate ways. Erica moved to Ohio to work at the Cleveland Clinic after graduating from nursing school, while Colin remained in Bristol. Years later they reconnected on social media. Upon Erica’s return to Connecticut, the two found themselves at a similar place in their lives, both raising children from their previous marriages and working as nurses, so they decided to give dating each other a chance.

Erica has been a nurse since 2012, while Colin became an LPN in 2020. Colin joined Saint Francis last spring and encouraged Erica to apply because of how much he enjoys his colleagues and work environment. Erica came to Saint Francis last July and said, “I have an awesome team working in MSICU and have never felt more valued and supported as a nurse in my entire career.” Colin’s work family was excited to meet Erica and encouraged him to “pop the question.”

Needless to say, she said “yes!” The couple was married on Christmas Eve at Countryside Manor Skilled Nursing Home in Bristol. Erica’s grandfather was a resident at the nursing home, and she wanted him to give her away in marriage. Although his health had started to decline, he was able to participate in the ceremony. He passed away three days later at the age of 94, and Erica says she will forever cherish that precious moment with him.

Erica and Colin have a blended family of five children and are expecting a new addition to their family this spring – a baby boy to be named after Erica’s grandfather, Daniel Joseph. Congratulations, Erica and Colin!

Submitted by Erica Feldt, BSN, RN, MSICU, Saint Francis Hospital.

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