Mary Sang Eun Erskine

Because of weather conditions Mary's services will take place on Sunday, January 12 Visitation at 1:30pm at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 with a memorial service following for family and friends, at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel.

A lovely, brilliant, and altogether exceptional woman, Mary Erskine passed on December 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Born in Chicago on October 16, 1971, Mary Erskine (née Ahn) was the youngest of five children. Mary’s father, William Dong Soon Ahn, immigrated from South Korea in the mid-1960’s, to build a better life for his family. The Ahn family settled in Chicago, and then Lincolnshire, where Mary grew up.

Mary graduated from Stevenson High School in 1989. She went on to obtain her Bachelors of Science and Master’s degrees from the University of Illinois, where she was also a member of the Illinettes Dance Team. Mary built a successful career in management consulting and project management at Accenture, and later at Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Pursuing a hobby she enjoyed her entire life, Mary also put herself through chef school at the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago.

After leaving the corporate world, Mary became a Guardian Ad Litem child advocate in North Carolina. As a volunteer in this role, Mary found immense fulfillment and purpose. Mary loved children (and they loved her) – being a GAL was her way of giving back.

Mary is survived by her parents, William and Dong Ja Ahn; beloved sisters Shari Song and Sue Nam; and brother David Ahn. She is also survived by her loving husband John Erskine. Mary’s eldest sister Helen Kelley, passed in 2015.

Mary was grateful for her large, loving family; and she treasured her friendships, many of which spanned decades. She held dear her Ahn cousins from California, with whom she shared many childhood memories. She adored her Harris cousins from North Carolina, who embraced her as one of their own. And she doted on her "baby", a scrappy Mexican street dog named Solo.

On September 16, 2000, Mary and John were married at Bond Chapel in Chicago. For the next 24 years, their marriage would be their greatest adventure. Mary and John delighted in one another. They were best friends, they were inseparable, and the love they shared was visible to all who knew them.

Mary faced cancer with a quiet inner strength and grace. Through her last moments, she amazed and inspired those around her. There will never be another like her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary's honor, to these organizations:

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center: https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/giving/

Child Advocates of Alexander & Iredell Counties: https://www.caiac4kids.org/donate

Visitation to be held on 11 January 2025, at 1:30pm at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 with a memorial service following for family and friends, at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel.