Marilyn McCormac Stradtman

COLUMBIA - Throughout her life, Marilyn Stradtman cultivated and pursued a love of music that enabled her to fulfill a chorus full of music-related roles -- student, pianist, piano teacher, accompanist, patron, and more. In each of those roles, she infused her passion for music in others through tireless involvement in her playing and teaching, her church community, and a bevy of musical and social affiliations.

Marilyn McCormac Stradtman died peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2023. She was 93.

A lifelong Columbia resident, Marilyn learned the joy of meaningful relationships early on while growing up on Terrace Way in Shandon. She enjoyed a nearly limitless capacity to remember and celebrate details in the lives of friends, families, and all of their interconnections.

Marilyn was the daughter of the late Henry Kay McCormac and Sarah Lenora Jackson McCormac. After graduating from Dreher High School, she attended Sullins College in Bristol, VA, before earning a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of South Carolina, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and Delta Omicron International Professional Music Fraternity.

Marilyn was married to Earl Wimberly Stradtman, a Savannah native who moved to Columbia after serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater of WWII. They enjoyed nearly 45 wonderful years together before he died unexpectedly in 1996 while attending the ACC men’s basketball tournament. Marilyn and Earl raised three sons -- Sandy, Steve, and Leighton -- whose families and professional successes were a great source of pride.

Her love of music was the calling card that enriched her life by connecting her with people pursuing their own musical journeys. With a teacher’s patience and a love of hospitality, she treated grade schoolers learning at her piano in the same manner as she did the world’s leading pianists and vocalists during their visits to Columbia.

Marilyn was always an active leader and supporter in the musical life of the community. She was a past president of the Afternoon Music Club of Columbia and longtime member of the Evening Music Club of Columbia, and a former board member of the Columbia Philharmonic Orchestra. She enthusiastically supported the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, especially hosting and encouraging competitors. Beyond these organizations, she often accompanied other musicians, choirs and informal groups.

She was a devoted member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where she served three separate terms as Elder, was presented honorary life membership in Eastminster Presbyterian Women, and ministered in many other capacities. Inspired by memories of the Great Depression, she was a faithful volunteer and leader at the Washington Street Soup Cellar, an ecumenical ministry of churches in the Columbia area. Her involvement in all these efforts was motivated by her abiding faith and desire to help and serve others.

In addition to her music and church interests, Marilyn cherished her friendships and involvement with many community and social organizations, including the Town and Country Garden Club (past president), Columbia Garden Club, Fortnightly Book Club (past President), Caprician Club, Tarantella Club, Quadrille Club and Forest Lake Club.

She is survived by her sons, Dr. Earl Wimberly Stradtman, Jr. (Cecilia) of Mountain Brook, AL, Stephen McCormac Stradtman (Jennifer) of Nolensville, TN, and George Leighton Stradtman (Kate) of Atlanta, GA; beloved grandchildren, Sarah Stradtman Orwig (Philip) of Dallas, TX, Merrye Summers Stradtman (Mountain Brook, AL), Earl Wimberly Stradtman III (Olivia) of Tuscaloosa, AL, George Leighton Stradtman, Jr. and Cullen McCormac Stradtman of Atlanta, GA, Christian Taylor Stradtman and Stephen Gabriel Stradtman of Nolensville, TN; and great-grandchildren, Molly Frances Orwig and Rhodes Mastin Orwig of Dallas, TX, as well as many extended family members.

Dunbar Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Burial will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. in Elmwood Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends after the memorial service in Thompson Hall at the church.

Memorials may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204, or to the Hugh P. and Evelyn P. Williamson Piano and Voice Scholarship Fund, The University of South Carolina, School of Music, 813 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, Attn: Audra Vaz, or securely online at https://donate.sc.edu/StradtmanMemorial. This Fund was established by Earl and Marilyn Stradtman and several friends in memory of Professor Hugh Williamson and his wife Evelyn.

The family would like to thank the many staff members of Atria Forest Lake and The Palmettos of Parklane who faithfully cared for Marilyn during her last years.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.