Erin Philyaw (nee Philyaw) lost her fight against pancreatic cancer on February 20, 2024 at the far too early age of 53. Diagnosed last August, she fought like a warrior to have as much time as possible with her husband, Michael Grant, and her two teenage boys, Liam and Dermot Grant, whom she loved so dearly. In true Erin spirit, she had an incredible attitude, wanting to get as much as possible out of the life she had left. She took up pottery, began to play the oboe, visited relatives, baked her heart out and planned several trips with her family to create memories they will carry forever. She exuded energy, positivity, curiosity, determination, warmth, love…and fun. Erin was a dancer, an actor, a writer, an adventurer, a gamer, a foodie, and a teacher. Ms. Philyaw taught at Von Steuben High School in Chicago, touching so many students in her 18 years there. In addition to her husband and sons, Erin was survived by her mother Patricia Naylor, her father Lynn Philyaw, her sister Jana (Naylor) Csenger, her niece Alexis Csenger, her nephew Mattinicus Csenger, her brother-in-law Michael Csenger, and her great nephew Arthur DeLone. She was preceded in death by her step-father Bruce Naylor.

A Memorial Party celebrating Erin's life will be held on Monday, April 1st from 7pm to 10pm at The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue, 1st floor, in Chicago. Cash bar, food and dessert will be provided.

Friends and relatives of Erin have helped set up a GoFundMe to aid Erin's family with the many medical bills and family expenses they will experience moving forward. We will miss her every day.

https://gofund.me/e3728c8a