Erica Gittings

There wasn’t much Erica Gittings couldn’t fix. Dubbed the reverse tornado, Erica tackled – with good football form, of course – any mess, conflict or project. A force of nature, she would quickly identify the problem and act on a resolution. Those witnessing Erica in her element would watch in awe as she cleared obstacles and resolved conflicts.

We lost our unstoppable and unforgettable Erica on Dec. 16, 2024. She died from ovarian cancer. A cherished mother, wife, daughter, friend and colleague, she was 41.

Erica was born on January 10, 1983, at Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois, to Linda Plaza and Francisco Plaza. At Wausau West High School, Erica was both the captain of the cheerleading squad and a prominent Thespian. She majored in journalism and strategic communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 2005 Summa Cum Laude with a 3.99 GPA. 

Erica earned her law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2008 and began practicing family law. In the 12 years that followed, Erica became a top litigator and senior management partner at a large international family law firm, overseeing over 300 attorneys in offices across the U.S. and London. Despite this success, Erica's true professional passion lay not in conflict or litigation, but with healing and mutually beneficial resolutions. In July 2021, Erica opened Wisconsin Divorce Solutions – a family mediation firm dedicated to helping families navigate divorce gracefully.

Working from home and meeting with couples in her living room, Erica had a talent for guiding her clients through the tumultuous emotional waves of conflict towards a previously elusive compromise. Prioritizing the children’s welfare, her mission, embodied in her business’ symbol of the phoenix, was to help the family forge a healthy path forward. She excelled at establishing a foundation for the recently separated couple to thrive as co-parents.

Erica met Leslie in 2008 while both were members of the Wisconsin Wolves – the women's tackle football team based in Madison. They began dating that May and married in New Haven, Connecticut, on September 20, 2010. Erica and Leslie played five seasons together, winning a championship in 2009. Erica was a stellar outside linebacker, known for her quick hands and heads-up plays, earning all-star status.

They have two children, Grayson, age 9 and Savi, age 6, both students at Pope Farm Elementary.

Creating a joyful life was a priority for Erica. What child wouldn’t love a family pasta night where the rules are no utensils or plates? Together time was a given. Early in their lives, family bike rides were a weekend staple. The “perfect Saturday” included cycling to the Original Pancake House for breakfast, and then to the Union Terrace and finally, Henry Vilas Zoo. Erica taught both kids how to ride their own bikes and on a trip last year to Paris, the family peddled along the Seine. 

Erica took great pride in Grayson and Savi, teaching them to show compassion to others, and, in general, how to navigate life. Here, she drew on her professional chops, gleefully instilling in Grayson and Savi the secret to successful negotiation – learn what the other person wants, provide the goods and get what you want in the process. As Leslie can attest, that’s exactly how Erica demolished her opposition when she played Settlers of Catan. 

Erica regularly volunteered at her children’s schools, serving two years on the board of directors at Preschool of the Arts in Madison. She was also a Big Sister for nine years and a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club. She brought the same joy, optimism, and love of life to those commitments as she did to everything else.

Erica traveled enthusiastically, as long as the destination was warmer and sunnier than Wisconsin. The beach was her happy place. There she could feel the sun on her face, wiggle her toes in the sand and listen to the waves. 

Erica was kind, generous, and exceedingly positive in her outlook. She saw little benefit from anything negative: “Let that shit go. Focus on what matters” reads the sign in her office. When her wife asked her how one person can have such a net positive impact on the world, Erica shrugged and replied simply, “I just care.” 

Erica and her superpowers will persist. If in the future you find yourself a little more thoughtful, more empathetic, or radically more efficient, understand that Erica might be lending you a hand.

Erica will be dearly missed by her family, many, many friends, clients and acquaintances. She is lovingly celebrated by her wife and two children, rescue dogs Buddy (5) and Lovie (1), her mother Linda Plaza, brother Mario Plaza, sister-in-law Jocelyn Plaza, and nephew Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Erica's name to Agrace Hospice Care. A celebration of Erica's life is planned for the spring, the start of her favorite weather.