Karen Michelle Erskine

SOUTH PORTLAND - Karen Michelle Erskine, 35, of South Portland, died unexpectedly January 14, 2013 at her residence. She was born in Portland on May 10, 1977, a daughter of John William Wright and Donna Lucille Horner Wright. Karen attended the Small School and was a 1995 graduate of South Portland High School. She was also a former member of the South Portland High School Color Guard Karen married Jarrod Shane Erskine in November 1998. Karen had worked as a waitress at the Embassy Suites in Portland. She was a full time mother and homemaker. She enjoyed time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed campfires and a taste of Twisted Tea. She co-founded the "Race 4 an Angel" which was a 5 K road race that benefited the Maine Children's Cancer Foundation in honor of her good friend Raelyn Reny. Her four children were her pride and joy. Karen was an extremely dedicated advocate for her son Brayden who has been fighting ALL Leukemia. She became a strong advocate for all families that were in the cancer unit. She shared their hurts, joys, triumphs and struggles. Karen will be remembered as a wonderful friend who at the "drop of a hat" would stop everything to help a friend in need. Her personality made her the life of the party. Her brother John is quoted as saying "Karen was proud of all of her kids and family. Karen is the force that solidified our family together". Karen's best friends Jolene Pike and Jen McWilliams were like her sisters. Karen always referred to Jolene as Jarrod's "second wife". Karen always said "Jarrod you are my rock, my world, my everything." Survivors include her husband, Jarrod Erskine of South Portland; four children, Katelin, Shane, Noah and Brayden Erskine all of South Portland; mother, Donna Wright of Falmouth; father John Wright, Sr. and wife Janis of South Portland; a sister, Tina Maietta and husband Robbie of South Portland; two brothers, John Wright, Jr. and wife Melanie of South Portland, Joe Wright and wife Melissa of South Portland; mother-in-law, Mary Erskine of South Portland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jaimie and Belinda Erskine, Joe and Samantha Erskine, Linky and Chantelle Erskine; nieces and nephews, Ashley and Jessica Maietta, Jordan and Jacob Wright, Ian, Victoria and Christopher Wright, Andrew, Geoffrey and Grace Erskine, Morgan Erskine, Riley Erskine and Bubba Joseph; aunt and uncles, Carol and David Galloway, Peter Eskilson and several cousins. Visitation will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited 11:45 a.m. Friday at the chapel followed by a 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Roads, South Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Raelyn Renny Guardian Angel Fund, c/o John Wright, 40 Cash Street, South Portland, ME 04106 or Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Road, Casco, ME 04015.Online condolences may be expressed below.