In Loving Memory of Erika Marie Baldwin

October 3, 1948 – April 6, 2025

Erika Marie Baldwin of Winter Park, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, with her family lovingly by her side.

Born on October 3, 1948, in Coconut Grove, Florida, Erika was the daughter of Guy Messina and Dorothy Benjamin. A sixth-generation Floridian, Erika's family roots traced back to Carrabelle, Florida, where her ancestors were Italian fishermen. She carried that heritage with a strong sense of tradition that echoed throughout her life.

Erika was born prematurely—the surviving twin—at just 2 lbs. 7 oz. She was one of the first babies to receive care in an incubator at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Her childhood brought even more challenges, including a period in which she fell into a coma. Yet Erika overcame those difficulties with the quiet determination that became a hallmark of her character. Later in life, she battled—and triumphed over—breast cancer with the same unwavering spirit.

Erika grew up in South Florida and attended North Miami High School, where she was a vivacious member of the school's Twirling Team. Not long after graduating, she married Richard Baldwin, Jr. The couple moved to Winter Park in 1969 and together parented three children:

Stacy Hope Robinson (husband, Bob) of Stuart

Benjamin Ainsley Baldwin (wife, Alexandra) of Santa Rosa Beach

Evans Palmer Baldwin (wife, Mary Rebekah) of Winter Park

Erika pursued her education at the University of Central Florida, earning a degree from the College of Health Sciences. She went on to serve as Director of Medical Records at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, where her warmth and professionalism touched the lives of both patients and colleagues.

In 1995, Erika moved to Pomfret, Connecticut, to be near her two boys during their time in boarding school. It was there that she met Dr. Charles "Chuck" Baldwin, DVM, who brought deep joy and companionship into her life. The two shared many happy years together in Connecticut and later returned to her Gulf roots in Sarasota, Florida. Following Chuck's premature passing, Erika moved to New Smyrna Beach, where she continued to cherish life's simple pleasures before returning to Winter Park to be closer to her family.

Erika was a woman of incredible style, creativity, and generosity. She had a natural talent for interior decorating, transforming every space she touched into something elegant, warm, and welcoming. She was also an exceptional cook, known for her hospitality and for bringing family and friends together over beautifully curated meals.

A lifelong philanthropist and community volunteer, Erika gave generously of her time and heart. She supported numerous causes and organizations throughout her life, including the League of Women Voters of Orlando, First Congregational Church of Winter Park, Junior League of Greater Orlando, Winter Park Day Nursery, Philanthropic Educational Organization, and the Connecticut Audubon Society. She also served on the boards of Rectory and Marvelwood Schools in Connecticut. Her passion for education, environmental stewardship, and child welfare was evident in everything she did.

She was a lover of nature, the beach, travel, and the arts. Erika was also the proud matriarch of the Messina family—who worked tirelessly to ensure that her brothers, sisters, children, nephews, niece, and grandchildren had every opportunity to grow, explore, and make meaningful memories together.

Erika is survived by her three children; her treasured grandchildren—Jim and Caroline Robinson, Genevieve and Hope Baldwin, and Palmer Baldwin; her brothers Paul Messina (Cathy), Christopher McFadden; her sisters Amelia McFadden, Teresa Messina and Michelle Dowers; and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her dear sister Mara Lynn Hilson and her twin brother, Nicholas Messina.

She will be laid to rest at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park, among generations of family. A celebration of Erika's life will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 at 12:30pm at Smyrna Yacht Club, 1201 S Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, with a luncheon to follow. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society. In lieu of flowers, donations in Erika's memory may be made to one of her most cherished organizations, the Connecticut Audubon Society, at ctaudubon.org.