Maria Lise McStravick St. John

Maria Lise McStravick St. John reposed peacefully in the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025 surrounded by her beloved family.

Born in Overland Park, Kansas on November 2, 1968 to the late Arnold William “Bill” McStravick Jr. and the late Lise Eltz McStravick, Maria grew up enjoying the outdoors as an accomplished equestrian who competed in jumping and fox hunting both in Kansas and in North Carolina with the Mecklenburg Hounds association.  Throughout her life, Maria was dedicated to training gaited horses, teaching riding lessons, and organizing trail rides for various equestrian groups and horse lovers of all ages.

Maria moved with her family to Charlotte, NC in 1983.  She was a graduate of East Mecklenburg High School and Appalachian State University where she attended as a member of the first class of North Carolina Teaching Fellows.  A lover of languages and culture, Maria was a much-loved teacher of French and then English as a Second Language (ESL) in Stanly and Mecklenburg Counties to generations of students. She also served students, families, and teachers as an ESL Coordinator for Lincoln County Schools.  Of particular note, Maria’s ESL students hailed from a wide range of countries and were primarily “newbies” (those new to this country with very limited or no knowledge of English). Maria had a special gift for being able to relate to, connect with and bridge the daunting cultural and language barriers her students faced on a daily basis, greatly easing their transition.  Maria welcomed foreign exchange students into her home on several occasions, as well.

Maria also had a true gift for organizing events, making connections with and for friends, family and business colleagues and motivating others.  She was a superb, self-taught cook who could tinker and improve on recipes with the very best.  She later added ballroom dance to her many interests and hobbies.  It was through ballroom dance that Maria met and later married her dear husband, Eric St. John.  The perfect pair on and off the dance floor, Maria and Eric enjoyed hosting events and holiday gatherings for family and friends, traveling, gardening (purple was her favorite), relaxing at home together watching Maria’s favorite British murder mystery shows and finding as much time as possible for Maria to spend with her beloved horses, mare Daisy and stallion Jo Jo, and favorite cat Ezio. Maria also explored eastern medicine practices including acupuncture and energy work and was a certified Reiki Master.  Maria’s greatest joy though was being a mother to their daughter Brittany.  From pony-themed birthday parties to family cruises to low-key mother/daughter ladies’ nights out, Maria relished every moment and made even the most regular days into special occasions.

Strong in her faith throughout her life, Maria served as a long-time Faith Formation teacher, reader, and Eucharistic minister at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte. Maria was a model of true Christian charity, regularly volunteering and donating to causes in support of others in need.

As a treasured member of the Charlotte ballroom dance community, Maria held positions on several boards and for over 25 years published a free weekly dance update service highlighting local and regional dance opportunities.  She loved music and amassed a wonderful collection of songs which she cataloged and shared as a highly regarded professional ballroom dance DJ at studio dances, competitions, and private events in Charlotte, the Carolinas and around the country.

Maria’s driving force in life was to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her energetic, action-oriented, positive, caring, loving and giving personality was something akin to an indomitable, unstoppable force of nature that indeed made large and lasting differences in the lives of all she touched.  She will be missed immensely and intensely.

Maria is survived by husband, Eric St. John, daughter, Brittany St. John of Charlotte, and brother, Arnold William (“Trey”) McStravick III of Reston, Virginia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte on Tuesday March 25, 2025 at 11:00am preceded by visitation from 10:00 am - 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials or donations be made to causes that were special to Maria or to any charitable organization of your choice. 

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org
• Catherine’s House https://catherineshouseinc.org/
• Bit of Hope Ranch http://www.bitofhoperanch.org
• Any ballroom dance-related group or activity that promotes dance opportunities for all