Erica Lynn Wright (or Eryka as she preferred), 34, of Stonington, passed away Monday August 29, 2022 at her home.

She was born in Hartford the daughter of Charlene Basso-Wright and Robert "Bob" Wright of Stonington, CT.  In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister, Heather Wright Fitzgerald of Branford, CT; her maternal grandmother, Dorothy (Gladwin) Chaffee Balamucki of Middletown, CT; her aunts and second mothers, Kathie Basso of Old Saybrook, CT and Camille Harrington of Niantic, CT; her sister, Lisa "Lee" Rudman of Boylston, MA; her brother Steven McLaughlin of Pawtucket, RI; her extended brother and sister, Adam von Gootkin of Essex, CT, Joshua Gootkin of Centerbrook, CT and Myesha Tess Fils-Aime of Montclair, NJ; her significant other, Jeremy Hagan of West Haven, CT; and beloved extended family members.

Eryka had an effervescent personality and a captivating smile that some people called contagious. Her vibrant charisma and sense of humor would brighten any room she entered. The warmth she brought everywhere made her a magnet of energy that drew anyone around.  Eryka loved her family and friends fiercely. She had a caring spirit and a special love toward her pets, both traditional and unique. Eryka loved to sew needlepoint and cook (she was famous for her apple pies she made from scratch each Christmas). She knew everything there was to know about Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Her love for Darth Vader in particular earned her the nickname Lady Vader by her friends. Among her many gifts and talents were her love of dance, playing the violin, and lighting up a room with her energy.

Eryka was the manager at Fierce Boutique in Watch Hill, RI and had a long history of roles that always involved children, elders, those with special needs, and the community. She had endless energy for helping others, especially those who needed extra attention. She loved her work with young children and people with special needs, especially at Studio 3, a dance school she was involved with for many years. She spent much of her time raising money and helping families with food insecurity receive meals, especially around the holidays. Eryka had an ongoing mission to help those around her, which gave her a great purpose in life.  Eryka's favorite places, besides her family home, were Newport, RI and her family's special vacation destination in Anguilla. Eryka's dream to be Ariel when she was little made it fitting; she would feel most alive by the sea.

Her visitation will be held on Friday, September 9th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send contributions to any of the following organizations:  No Kid Hungry - www.nokidhungry.org • All Worthy - www.allworthy.org • Best Buddies - www.bestbuddies.org Offers of random act of kindness to someone in need in Eryka's memory are also appreciated.

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