Marie Agnes Stilo

COLUMBIA - Marie Gatch Stilo, 99, was born October 21, 1921, and passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, July 31, 2021. She was the last survivor of ten children born to Ruby L. O'Brien and Edward W. Gatch. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Col. Frank G. Stilo.

A graduate of Daughter's Business College, Marie was a student at the University of South Carolina when she met Frank, a first lieutenant stationed at the Columbia Army Air Base during World War II. It was "love at first sight" - a love story that lasted a lifetime! Marie's main goal in life was to be the best Military Wife ever - which she accomplished with much pride and dignity. She traveled to many countries and throughout the United States, always supporting Frank throughout his military career. They were stationed in Kokura Japan when the Korean War began. Frank departed for Korea, and Marie, expecting their child, came home to deliver their beautiful son, Glen, alone. They were reunited on Armed Forces Day when Frank returned home from Korea, accompanied by a CBS broadcaster, Edward R. Murrow. The reunion was featured on the radio program the very day their son was six months old.

When Frank retired in 1975, they returned to Columbia to spend their remaining years in the beautiful city where they had met so many years before. They opened another chapter in their lives and became competition ballroom dancers as a hobby - traveling to many cities where they competed and winning many trophies and making new friends along the way.

Marie is survived by her loving son, Glen and daughter-in-law, Beth of Clearwater, Florida; and one granddaughter, Donna Stilo, of Hollywood, California; as well as former daughter-in-law and dear friend, Anna Paddock. During her retirement years, her dance instructors, Joyce and Paul Lagatore, opened their hearts and home to Frank and Marie. Mary Jo Mathers and Randy Cooper, her helpers, were dear friends for many years, as were her neighbors Uta and Jack Valpey, Tommy and Patty Sharko, and Skip and Cindy Mann.

Marie will be reunited with her dear Frank in Arlington National Cemetery as her final resting place.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street on Friday, August 6 from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following charities Marie supported or to a charity of your choice: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or Wounded Warriors.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com