Erin O’Brion Page, of Austin,TX and formerly of New Canaan CT, passed away after a long and courageous battle with AML leukemia on March 21, 2024. Her faith, hope and positive spirit carried her through until the very end.
Erin O’Brion Page
Erin was born on May 29, 1956, in Austin, TX, daughter of Frances Van Meter deButts Page and George Matthews Page whose family lived in Texas for generations.
Although Erin was born and raised in Texas, she considered herself to be very much a Virginian, summering with family in Upperville, VA and graduating from The Madeira School in McLean, VA. Erin attended the University of Texas at Austin, was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, and graduated with a BFA in Studio Art and minor in art history from Ithaca College.
Upon graduation, she spent twelve years working on 7th Avenue in the heart of NYC’s Fashion District. Erin always felt she had the best job, working with buyers, helping create private label programs, and traveling to shows and the Fashion Apparel Marts. After retiring, she worked for nine years at Burke’s Antiques, an English antique shop in NYC. As the daughter of a renowned architect, Erin had a keen eye and she loved every aspect of her home renovations, interior design, art and antiques.
Erin was always involved in civic and philanthropic activities. She was a member of the Junior League of NYC and co-chaired an art class for disadvantaged children; a member of the Junior League of Northern Westchester and worked closely with the Lighthouse for the Blind. She was also recognized for her outstanding service and dedication to the young children of Westchester County.
Having been diagnosed with AML leukemia, Erin felt very strongly about raising funds for research. She co-chaired two successful fundraisers benefitting the Leukemia Discovery & Bone Marrow Transplant Fund for Massachusetts General Hospital. A research article published in Blood Cancer Journal was funded in part by “The Erin Cortright Miracle Grant”. In 2010, she was recognized as the largest individual fundraiser in Connecticut for the “Light the Night” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She was the guest speaker for their “Starwrite” event and worked with patients and families in their “First Connections” program. She was also a supporter of the National Marrow Donor Program. Erin worked one-on-one supporting her fellow AML patients and their families throughout her fifteen-year leukemia journey.
Erin was a member of The Congregational Church of New Canaan and delivered Meals-on-Wheels, provided rides to congregants, and participated in the card writing ministry.
Most of all, she loved her son, Barton Dillingham Cortright of Brooklyn, NY, whom she was so proud of and who survives her. She also leaves behind a large and loving family in Virginia and Austin,TX and many friends throughout the country.
A memorial service for Erin O’Brion Page will take place on Saturday, June 15th at 11AM at The Congregational Church of New Canaan with a reception to follow in the Church’s Smith Hall.
In lieu of flowers, Erin wished that any gifts be made to:
MGH Stem Cell Transplant Discovery Fund
Online: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate using link to designate gift to “MGH Stem Cell Transplant Discovery Fund”
By check: include “MGH Stem Cell Transplant Discovery Fund” in “To” section and mail to:
MGH Development
Attn: Heidi Bergmeyer
125 Nashua Street, Suite 540
Boston, MA 02114
Be The Match Foundation
NW 5948
P. O. Box 1450
Minneapolis, MN 55485
The Congregational Church of New Canaan