Mary Evans

We write with great sorrow to announce that Mary McLean Evans passed away on Friday, May 15th, 2026. Mary passed comfortably in her home overlooking the beautiful marsh behind her neighborhood in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was a beloved mother, partner, sister, and friend, and she will be deeply missed in the years to come.

Mary was born in Duluth, Minnesota on July 22nd, 1960, and was one of eight siblings. She attended Hamilton College as part of the first coed matriculating class and received the prestigious James Soper Merrill Prize for her outstanding contributions while there. Close friends from Hamilton described her as an authentic and independent student whose strong sense of adventure and can-do attitude constantly inspired those around her.

After graduating from college, Mary began a long career in education, fundraising, and mentorship. Her positions included multiple leadership roles at Hamilton College, Vice President of Presidential Initiatives at the American University of Paris, and Managing Director for the Committee of 200. She also served on the board of directors for the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, the board of trustees for the Cameron Art Museum, and several other philanthropic organizations. She had a profound influence on the growth and development of these institutions, but her greatest passion was the guidance and mentorship she offered to countless students and young professionals along the way.

Mary also had many passions outside of work. She was an avid runner and participated in marathons around the world, including New York City, Barcelona, and Duluth, Minnesota. She loved to travel, visiting destinations from Paris to Machu Picchu, and even managed a polar plunge in Antarctica shortly after finishing treatment for cancer in 2024. Other hobbies included pickleball with her partner Allen and learning to play bridge during Covid – though she had been beating her family at other card games for years. She loved Wrightsville Beach, and you could often find her enjoying the weather and beautiful views of the ocean at the Surf Club. As an active member of Saint James Episcopal Church, she participated in multiple committees and was a regular verger during worship services.

Mary is survived by her loving partner Dr. Allen Van Dyke, her sons Arthur and Henry, and a countless number of family and friends who miss her dearly. While she is no longer physically with us, she will continue to live on through the incredible impact she has had on so many individuals in North Carolina, Minnesota, New York, and across the globe.

A celebration of Mary's life will take place at 11am, June 20th, 2026, at Saint James Episcopal Church in downtown Wilmington, with a short reception to follow. All who knew her are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Mary's memory to either Saint James Parish or the Cameron Art Museum.