Erika Kirk

born July 7, 1934

entered eternal rest April 26, 2023

A full, adventurous, storied life has come to an end, and heaven has gained another angel.

Many knew Erika Kirk as First Lady of Florida, the colorful Gov. Claude R. Kirk Jr.’s “Madame X”, an international beauty, and 50-plus year resident of Palm Beach County. Even more acclaimed, Erika was Mom, Omi, volunteer, friend, and good neighbor to those who came into her life. On Wednesday, April 26th at 88 years of age, Erika’s prayers were answered as our Holy Father God welcomed her home.

Erika Carola Mattfeld was born in Bremen, Germany to Wilma and Heinrich Mattfeld, as the 3rd of 5 children. Her early life was characterized by illness (tuberculosis), wartime, displacement and survival against all odds. Completing school at age 14 she worked various jobs first moving to Baden Baden, then to Zurich, Switzerland where she met her first love, Carlos Eduardo Dolabella, an emerging Brazilian actor. Throwing caution to the wind and in unfailing love, she boarded her first flight ever on a transatlantic route taking her to the African continent then West to a new life with Carlos Eduardo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They began their married life together and welcomed one daughter Adriana. While the marriage did not last, Erika built an enduring bond and unfailing love with Adriana’s grandmother Marina who served as a lifetime mother figure and mentor.

On a pre-arranged blind date, Erika met a dashing young American, Claude Roy Kirk Jr. during one of his business trips. They swiftly began a romantic exchange of letters, courting, and visits while his business travels brought him all over the world. Claude brought Erika to the United States and, much to her surprise, he was sworn in the 36th Governor of Florida and she became First Lady of Florida. They were married soon after at Bethesda by the Sea in Palm Beach. The blended family: Erika, mother of Adriana, and Claude, father of Sarah, Kitty, Frank and Will, grew quickly, welcoming Claudia (1968) and Erik (1970), home to the Governor’s Mansion. Following their service in Tallahassee, they moved to Palm Beach where together they put down strong family roots, enjoying the next 40 years of life’s challenges, while remaining life partners with a love and dedication to be celebrated for the ages.

Proficient in three languages, Erika was an incredible beauty; tall, tan, blonde, blue-eyed, and with a confident air that focused attention on her in every setting from grocery runs to Publix, daily commutes with the kids to Palm Beach Day School, and the frequent rounds of social and charitable events. Erika was an incredible homemaker, mother, hostess and gardener. She was a collector of fine things and a curator of everything lovely, silky, shiny or pretty to touch. She had a keen eye for fashion and finer things. Erika savored all things vintage and loved a good deal or find. In her pastime, she could wander thrift shops with her kids, a tradition that has been passed along to her grandchildren. She was incredibly creative and could refurbish, redesign and repurpose almost anything long before it was a trend. Erika spent decades volunteering at Thrift, Inc. and at the Church Mouse, two Palm Beach staples. Erika loved the sunshine and at every age could be found in her bikini tanning in the backyard or at the beach, fishing on the dock at Duck’s Nest, trimming her favorite bougainvillea, walking or sharing a banana & avocado with wandering Willard, the most famous dog on Palm Beach. Erika’s style, attention to detail, memory, and storytelling of the past was unsurpassed.

Most notably, Erika adored being “Omi” to her seven grandchildren: Wen, Kirk and Marina (Claudia & Stephen Barto, Jr.) and Caroline, Teddy, Kaki, and Annabelle (Kristen & Erik Kirk). Without a doubt, she was incredibly proud of each grandchild and each of their individual talents and skills. Erika had a special bond with her three beloved children; Adriana, Claudia and Erik. Her legacy lives on through each of them. They will remain connected and maintain ties to their extended family in Germany and in Rio de Janeiro because she would want that piece of her rich heritage to remain alive.

Erika lived independently until her last 15 months when she resided at Lourdes Noreen McKeen in West Palm Beach. The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at the facility. May God bless our dear Erika & Omi and may she find eternal rest and peace in our Lord’s loving arms.

Erika Kirk will be buried alongside her husband at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth. Further details and dates will be shared as the family finalizes these plans with the support of Quattlebaum Funeral Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Surface 71, Inc.

6501 Lake Ave.

West Palm Beach, FL 33405

www.surface71.org