Columbia – Mary Ellen Maass, known for her kindness and for always putting others first, died on Monday, July 19, 2021, in Columbia, SC. Mary was 68.
Mary was born August 28, 1952 in Joplin, MO. She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore N. Maass, Sr. and Caroline Hunter Maass; her sister, Eliza Maass Wilkins; and her brother, Theodore N. Maass, Jr.
Mary was a graduate of Dreher High School and attended the University of South Carolina. She began her long career in the insurance industry at Boyle-Vaughan Insurance Agency, and then transitioned into the insurance-technology field with Policy Management Systems Corporation (now DXC) for over 35 years. Mary was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Church, often providing numerous baked goods for the annual bazaar. She was also a member of the Junior League of Columbia, as well as several professional associations.
Mary was a dedicated and devout friend to many – always remembering special days, baking birthday cakes for practically all of Columbia, and going out of her way to offer a supportive shoulder to lean on if anyone needed her.
Mary had a beautiful intellect – she was a master card player and could beat anyone in a game of “Words with Friends” or Scrabble. She had a love for cooking, and many were the recipients of her talent. She happily attended the Cooking School of Columbia (Fleur de Lys) and was one of the top students, having participated in more than 330 classes! She had numerous “cooking school” friends that she loved and who loved her. In the past few years Mary participated as a “test cook” for the American Test Kitchen and made several friends throughout the country. She was known in that group for her wonderful assistance to all members and her beautiful plates of food!
Mary took great pride in maintaining friendships and connections to her family. She also took pride in her beautiful yard and her amazing ability to grow peonies in Columbia!
Mary is survived by her brother, James E.H. Maass and Linda Adams Maass; brother-in-law, Mitch Wilkins; sister-in-law, Lyn-Ellen Maass; nephews, P. Mitchell Wilkins (Jessica), J. Nicholas Wilkins, James E.H. Maass, Jr., Theodore N. Maass, III (Ryan) and Carl A. Maass; niece, Caroline H. Maass (Evan Kaiser) and two great nephews. She is also survived by her longtime companion, Ray Barrosse, and lifelong best friends, Karen Brown and Laurens Norton.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Foster, Providence Heart Center, for his excellent care of Mary for the past twenty-five years, as well as her primary physician, Dr. Rubin Mayer, Columbia Medical Group. They would also like to thank the staff and caregivers at Agape Hospice Home for their compassionate and loving care during Mary’s final days.
Mary was loved and admired by so many for her kindness, compassion, honesty and humor. These traits, which she exemplified even during her final days, will be most missed and remembered.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Friday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m. As Mary loved to feed everyone, memorials may be sent to Harvest Hope Food Bank, Columbia, SC.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
DONATIONS
Harvest Hope Food Bank2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201
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