Erica (Toppin) Benjamin

"Erica Benjamin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She was born on September 22, 1956, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to Flora Joseph-Toppin and Nehemiah Toppin. From the very start, Erica was a beacon of love and strength, and that light only grew brighter as she touched the lives of those around her.

At the age of 20, Erica married the love of her life, Andrew Benjamin, in 1976. Their love story spanned over almost five decades and together, they raised a family—Sharlar, Karla, Anthony (Benji), and Rick—whom she loved with all her heart. Erica was the matriarch of the Toppin family and became a cherished member of the Benjamin family, always making those around her feel like they were part of her extended family.

In 1985, Erica embarked on a journey to Toronto, Canada, seeking new opportunities for her family. Three years later, in 1988, she settled in Brooklyn, New York, where she created a warm, welcoming home that became a refuge for all who entered. There, she gave tirelessly to those she loved, pouring her heart into raising her children, caring for her grandchildren, and supporting her friends.

For more than twenty years, Erica worked as a caregiver, dedicating herself to the well-being of others. Her compassion, patience, and selflessness were evident in every part of her life. Whether she was providing care to others or providing for her own family, Erica always put people first. 

Erica had a number of passions that brought her joy. She loved shopping—especially when it involved spoiling her children and grandchildren with little surprises. She could always be found dancing to the rhythm of life, celebrating every moment with the enthusiasm that only she could bring. Conversations with Erica, often held on the phone or via FaceTime, were an essential part of her life. She loved to chat, laugh, and share her wisdom with her family, and she took great pride in staying connected with those she loved no matter the distance. She often reminisce on her times back home in Trinidad and Tobago raising her children that brought her joy.

Her love for soap operas, her infectious laugh, and her warm smile will forever be etched in our hearts. Erica had an uncanny ability to bring light into any room, and her joy was truly contagious. 

She lived her life with deep integrity and a fierce sense of compassion. Her unconditional love was a constant source of comfort, and she showed us all what it means to be devoted—whether it was to her family, her friends, or the countless lives she touched in her work and in her daily life. Erica was not just a mother, wife, or grandmother; she was a pillar of strength and a true reflection of love in its purest form.

Her legacy will live on through her son and grandchildren but within the hearts of many.

Our dear Erica is survived by her husband, Andrew Benjamin; her son, Rick Benjamin; and her daughter-in-law, Chanta (Tay) Benjamin. She is also predeceased by her beloved children Sharla, Karla, and Anthony (Benji).

Erica leaves behind her cherished grandchildren:
Shekida, Zaheem, Narissa, Anthony, Amaya, Ayden, Alijah, Ayce, and A'siyah.

She was a loving sister to:
Linda, Wayne, Harry, Florence, Cynthia, and Rawlins,
and is predeceased by her siblings Herbert (known as “Bag-Man”), Julie, Vivien, Eric, Rupert, and Petra.

Erica was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, including:
Cheryl, Bertram, Andrea, Andy, Susan, Darren, Sharon, Steve, Nixon, Stefon, Shawn, Michelle, Tony, Sparkles, Vanessa, Dean, Nicole, Kendall, Marlon, Esther, Hakim, Kadicia, Keisha, Kyle, Latoya, Toya, Lafesha, Waynette, Sarah, Joy, Marvin, Shane, Miranda, Melinda, Kambui, Jared, Rawlins, Nathaniel, Justin, Brandon, Alisha, Nicholas, Keenan, Alicia, Iasha, Julie, Kareem, Alicia, Lasha, and Kareem; and is predeceased by Patrick, Junior, Johnny, and Marlon.

She was also a cherished great-aunt to many great-nieces and great-nephews,
and a loving great-great-aunt to numerous great-great nieces and nephews.

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