Mary Ramsay Obituary

Dear Rhett, Marianna and Georgie,
With sorrow I heard of the passing of your dear mother. I as well as many other "native" Charlestonians have always considered her the true southern Belle. When I think of our childhood, I always remember her loving smile and kind heart.While she will be very much missed here I know that heaven is rejoicing.
Sincerely,
Helen Gatgounis Ulmer

to the Ramsay Family,

My prayers are with you all during this time as Mary moves on to her next Journey.
I met Mary at the College of Charleston. We were close friends and sorority sisters. We had many good times and fond memories together. After graduating from college, I left Charleston to take training to teach the deaf. Mary Lorretta stayed in Charleston and became a well known figure. We both became interested in helping handicapped children. During her lifetime, Mary contributed so much to the Mentally Impaired in Charleston. It is no wonder she got so many awards.
I was so happy to get a chance to visit Mary in her home in 2008 during my trip back to Charleston to attend the College of Charleston's alumni reunion. I was with my 2 daughters, whom she had never met. Patty Deitsch from Atlanta. GA and Mary Ann Derkacz from Michigan. we had a nice visit reminiscing.

I will miss my friend and Charleston will miss someone who gave so much to the city and state. The Post and Courier have said it all. Peace be with you and God Bless.

I have only fond and happy memories of Mary. She was a generous and kind friend to me and my family. And a very good friend to my father. We will all miss her!

I hate having to say goodbye to such a wonderful woman. She was so kind and supportive to my father through the years and especially wonderful when he began to decline. Mary was sweetly generous to all of us. I will miss her expansive and compassionate soul.

I only got home from an extended trip late last night. I wish I could have been here this week to say a last goodbye.

Mariana and Family,

Our deepest condolences to you.

This is a time of mourning, but on the other side of mourning comes a time of remembering and celebrating all of the things that Mary stood for, accomplished, and shared with all of us. They are too numerous to name, but
we would all be honored and proud to live as glorious a life as Mary Ramsey.

Mariana
We were so saddened to learn of the passing of your Mother. I felt so privileged to have met Mary and to have had dinner with the family when Cathy and I were passing through Charleston back in January on our way to our honeymoon cruise. My only regret is that we didn`t have more time to spend with everyone. I can certainly understand Mary`s prominence to the community and everything she did to make life better. We are thinking and praying for the family and look forward to seeing you again in the near future. Our love to all of you.
Ray Stinnette

MY FIRST TIME SIGNING A GUEST BOOK ON LINE.FOR MARY I WOULD DO ANYTHING SHE WAS SO LOVED BY HER COUSINS,KATHY BLANCHARD,HELEN O'HAGAN, AND JOHNNY O'HAGAN.
HER DEVOTION TO OUR MOTHER HER "AUNT HELEN" WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. EVERY
SUNDAY SHE CAME WITH GEORGIE AND SOMETING CHOCOLATE.
COMING HOME TO CHARLESTON WILL ALWAYS
SEEM STRANGE WITHOUT MARY.I TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING SHE IS NOW WITH HER GEORGE.WHAT A LOVE MATCH.
ALEX,MARIANA AND DAVID,RHETT AND GEORGE .
KNOW THAT I AM ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY
YOU ARE ALL IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS
AND I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW TERRIBLY I FEEL FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS LOSS.YOUR
MOTHER WAS THE MATRIARCH OF THE O'HAGAN.CROGHAN AND RAMSAY CLAN.HOW PLEASED
SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH THE BEAUTIFUL
CELEBRATION OF HER LIFE. 2 BISHOPS,OVER
1000 PEOPLE AND HER BELOVED FATHER WILSON.
MONDAY EVENING WAS SO SPECIAL AND I COULD SEE THE FINE HAND OF DAVID.MY
HOW SHE LOVED HIM!!
I SEND YOU YOU ALL MY LOVE AND A TENDER
HUG,
WEE HELEN
HOW HAPPY SHE WOULD BE TO KNOW THAT
HER DIVINE GRANDCHILDREN,MARY B,ALEX,AND GEORGE,KATHLEEN,MARIANA(WEE)
AND MIKELL, ANNA AND CAROLINE WERE SUCH A COMFORT TO ALL OF US






I

Marianna and David:
We are so sorry to here about Marianna's mom passing on the 25th. We will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Please tell David my thoughts are with all of your family. Hope to see you in the near future. Take care and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Scott, Kathy, Kaitlin, and Scottie
[email protected]
Cell-864-498-2126

To the Ramsay Family,

We all thought the world of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Conklin Girls (Jan, Suzy, Rhett and Cheryl)

Dear George, Alex, Mariana & Rhett,
I've know your mother over 30 years...
from the start of Goodwill to Special Olympics to buying beautiful jewelry for my wife. Your mother had such a giving heart and was always full of life. Charleston is a better place and so fortunate to have had Mary Croghan Ramsay.
With sympathy and prayers,
Kenny & Lolly Fox

Dear Ramsay Family -

I am so very sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of your mother - in particular the day I took my husband-to-be to Croghan's to pick out a wedding band. When we walked in, she threw out her arms and said to him "Oh - you are so lucky to be marrying one of those darling Kossler girls!" She was always ready with a warm smile that spoke of her warm heart. She will be missed.

Marianna,
Please know that we're thinking about you and your family. We thought a lot of your mother and we'll miss her greatly.
Sincerely,
Tom Young
The Cargo Hold

Dear Ramsay family
I have so many wonderful memories of your mother. My parents were blessed to count her as one of their closest friends. She gave me a bridal luncheon almost 40 years ago that would be any bride's dream. She was a lovely and much loved woman. Charleston and all who knew her will feel her loss.I will keep you in my prayers.
Love, Judi Kossler Newton

Mariana and George,
Your mother was such a genuine person, and always made others feel welcome...I'm glad to have known her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Marianna - Our sympathies and condolences go out to you and the rest of your family. Mary was a warm and welcoming person to us and we really appreciate all that she did and what she stood for. Best wishes, Jeff, Lisa, Andrew, and Eva

Dear Marianna,

I was so sad when Marilyn Buist told me about your mother. I still remember those shrimp salad lunches at your house growing up, and all the lovely gifts from friends and family over the years that came from the Jewel Box. I send heartfelt thoughts from me and my sister, Merrill.

Elizabeth

Dear Ramsay Family --
What wonderful memories I have of your lovely, gracious Mom. I remember how thrilled my sister's and I were when Dad discovered Croghans Jewelery -- and your Mom guided him in choosing gifts for my Mom for years. Dad definitely needed the help! What a full, rich and giving life she had.
I pray for God's comfort during these next difficult days.
With love --
Libby Kossler Barber

Dear Marianna, George, Rhett, and Alex: I was so sad to hear of your mom's death; she was a beautiful person who made a wonderful impact on so many lives. I am happy to have known her. I have always admired her drive and wisdom in the choices she made for George--she has been a real inspiration to me. I am thankful that she raised a beautiful family who will continue her legacy. I will pray that God comforts you during this time with the kind of peace that can only come through Him. Lots of love, Katie Kossler Taylor and family.

Alex, Mariana and families:
You have lost a truely dynamic force, one that will be missed by many.It is not often that one gets to know a living icon and thus it was an honor to have had that privledge. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless.

Dear Mariana, Rhett, George and Alex,
I was shocked to find the back gate locked after 3 PM this afternoon. We have just figured this out. Alex and I will see you at 3 PM. A great loss to us all.

Dear Mariana, Rhett, George, and Alex,

I am truly saddened to learn of Mary's death. Coming to Charleston to see Tom will not be the same knowing Mary is not there.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." And Mary certainly left a footprint in my heart.

Peace be with all of you.

Janie Waldrep

To the Ramsay Family

I m very sorry from what I heard. Ms.Mary Rasmary was a caring and kind person. To the family my mom Neandra work for ya'll these are her two daughter :(. We ar very sad

Marianna and family,
I was saddened to hear of Mary's passing. I have always admired her support and presence in all things Special Olympics. What a brave and beautiful person to encounter. May you all find peace in the memories.
Best to you all.

TO MARY'S FAMILY, JOAN AND ARTHUR SARNOFF ARE TRULY SADDENED TO LEARN OF MARY'S DEATH. WE SERVED ON THE SPOLRTO BOARD WITH MARY AND KNOW HOW IMPORTANT SHE WAS TO THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF THE FESTIVAL. THE WHOLE CHARLESTON COMMUNITY IS DIMINISHED BY HER DEATH. BEST WISHES, JOAN AND ARTHUR SARNOFF

Dear Marianna, David, George and Rhett,

What a beautiful mother and mother-in-law you had. She gave so much of herself to our Earth and community. She enriched the lives of all she touched. I have no doubt that she has already redesigned the pearls on the gates of Heaven and is ordering nicer halos for all angels. You know she is continuing all the good deeds she began down here up there.

She took me into her home one summer in College when I did not have a place to stay. I will never forget how gracious she and all of you were. Her smile will be missed so much but of course it is carried on by her children.

My heart is filled with sadness for you all but also with some many warm thoughts of her.

Much love, Callie Shell

Marianna and George,

We are deeply saddened by your loss, Mrs. Ramsey was a gracious and wonderful woman. We hope you find peace and solace in the wonderful memories you have of her.

Marianna & Family,

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Mary was w wonderful person and so supportive of our association.

We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.

Jane Spencer, SC Jewelers Association

Alex, Mariana, George, Rhett & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Elise & I are thinking of all of you. I have happy memories of staying in your family home on Broad Street and lively conversations with your mother. She will be missed by all.

Aunt Jackie will be missed by myself, my family, and so many others. She was special in my own life for so many reasons, beginning long before I ever met her. My mother-in-law, Elsie Condon Runey, was her maid-of-honor and Aunt Jackie was the maid-of-honor in her wedding. Aunt Jackie helped me choose my engagement ring, pay what we could, and kept track on a card! When my mother-in-law was sick, Aunt Jackie would often deliver breakfast on a tray. Once she gave me a beautiful sapphire bracelet, saying "thank you for taking care my best friend". My most recent memories are meeting with her to help promote a program for intellectually challenged children in our local Catholic schools. Due to her previous work in the state and community in this area, she gladly offered assistance. There was a time I thought this would never happen, but now my own child is at Bishop England in a program for these special children. I have left out so much, but my message to Aunt Jackie's family is "thank you for sharing her with so many of us who needed a wonderful friend and mentor in our lives."

Marianna and David and Rhett - There are no words to describe the emptiness and sadness one feels in losing a mother, especially one who meant so much to her family and to the commuity. Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Dr.Alex and family, You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary was a wonderful person. My late husband, Walter, admired her greatly.
Sincerely,
Shirley Venning Kruger

Marianna and family, My deepest sympathies to you in the loss of your dear mother. I will never forget her kindness towards me when Stuart died. Charleston indeed lost a special lady.

Jill Stevenson
Asheville, NC

Mariana and family, I'm sorry about your mother's passing. What a terrific lady! Her generosity and kindness are legendary. She was also determined. When she enrolled in the Diet Center program to lose a few pounds, her weight stayed the same over a period of time. I couldn't figure it out. She said she absolutely was following the diet! Exasperated, she wanted to quit, and as we talked about it, Mary divulged she'd been eating lots of ice cream, in addition to the diet. She was adamant about continuing the ice cream, so I had to tell her there was no way to be successful on the diet unless she stopped. She was delighted, as though a burden had been removed from her shoulders, and we parted company as friends. She figured she'd won! (And she had.) It was a pleasure to know her, and I grieve along with all of you.

~Carolyn Jones~ (Candy Lemacks' niece
and former Diet Cen-
ter owner)

Alex and Marianna and family,
What a wonderful and caring lady who meant so much to Charleston. We served on boards with her. She was benevolent and caring and philanthropic and contributed so much to the city and area she loved. She did so much good. We will all sorely miss her and her absence will leave a permanent void, but she will be long remembered.

Tommy and I are thinking of all of you, Mary's wonderful familly. There are many good memories of your Mother's kindness toward our children.
We will miss being with you tomorrow and Tuesday. We will be visting my sister at Fripp.
Marilyn Buist

Our families go back many years and generations. Your family will remain in our hearts and prayers. I would love George to get in touch with me as it has been way too long. May God Bless You and Keep You.

John and I are so distressed over Mary Lorettos passing. What a wonderful person, mother and community leader. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

A great loss to our community. She was a loving and caring person.

Harriet K and Gerald J Warshaw

i met your mother thru my husbands family. madeline,margaret,octavia mosimann, and louise smith. croghan's was where they bought the majority of our gifts and we went quite regularly and it was a wonderful store.your mother was a wonderful woman and so helpful i'm really sorry to hear of her death, she will always be a part of our lives because of all the fanastic gifts we recieved from croghan's. so she will always be a part of our lives and of our boys because of the wonderful gifts we recieved. your family is in our prayers and thank you again for being a store my family loved and your mother. sincerely, ellen t smith

To the Ramsay family,

I extend to each of you my deepest sympathy in Mrs. Ramsay's passing. In my years working with the downtown merchants association, Mary Ramsay was always supportive and a pleasure to work with in support of the preservation of King Street. From my days as a College of Charleston student and shopping at Croghan's, Mrs. Ramsay made her first impression on me as a Charleston gem.

And a gem she was, leaving a remarkable legacy!

My thoughts are with you now.

Bill Morton
New York, NY

With deepest sympathy for your loss of a gracious,kind,caring lady.
Harry & Alicia Zourdos

so sorry for your loss she was a very dynamic and generous woman