Mary O'Donnell Obituary

Mary Frances Bootle O'Donnell, 69, of Georgetown, South Carolina passed away peacefully, gazing at the ocean, surrounded by her closest friends and family at her home, also known as her "happy place", on Monday, October 2, 2017.

Born on May 11, 1948 in Winnsboro, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Doyle Odell and Helen Brown Bootle.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Robert "Robbie" O'Donnell; daughter, Gibbs O'Donnell, son, Robert O'Donnell and wife, Alecia, all of Georgetown, South Carolina, a brother, Dell Bootle and his wife, Nancy, a niece, Laura Cherry (Kevin), nephew, Brian Bootle, all of Columbia, South Carolina and four very loved grandchildren, Hannah Glueck, Gini Ard, and Brooks and Charlie O'Donnell.

Mary graduated from Ridgeland High School, Spartanburg Methodist and Limestone College with a degree in education. She taught in the private and public school system, including McDonald Elementary and Winyah Academy in Georgetown County. Mary also worked as a healing touch practitioner for years, assisting those who had physical and emotional difficulties, using energy work to help them achieve peace.

She was "Mary Frances" to old friends and family, "Mare" to her husband, "Mom" to her children, "MOD" to the babysitters, and "Mimi" to her grandchildren.

Mary was a longtime member of Georgetown Presbyterian Church. For years, she was actively involved at the Strand Theater, where she acted, directed, and performed many other tasks with the Swamp Fox Players in Georgetown. Mary belonged to a fun-loving group of women who were intrigued by the moon and all its phases. She enjoyed her Monday yoga and lunch with friends at Kaleidoscope Yoga in Georgetown. Mary was one of the founding members of the Dragon Boat At The Beach, a wellness program for cancer survivors and their supporting friends and family, aka "dragonflies". Dragon Boating is an ancient Chinese water sport and though there are many divisions internationally, Dragon Boat at The Beach was founded in 2007. Currently there are more than 100 "dragonflies" in this support group. Mary loved to travel with her husband, Robbie to the Dragon Boat festivals throughout the Southeast, where they competed and often won medals. She and Robbie enjoyed the weekly practices at the Reserve Marina in Litchfield as well as all the outings this group participated in. Mary paddled and sometimes beat the drum at the head of the boat.

Even though Mary has battled breast cancer for more than 10 years, you never found her without a smile on her face. She enjoyed life to its fullest and never gave up her fight.

She and Robbie enjoyed quiet walks on the beach, dinner, theater, traveling with friends, and spending time with their grandchildren, often having them stay for days on end so they could enjoy the beach and the pool.

The family will receive friends at Mayer Funeral Home on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 5-7pm. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dragon Boat at the Beach, PO Box 230, Pawleys Island, South Carolina, 29585, Swamp Fox Players, PO Box 911, Georgetown, South Carolina, 29440, or the charity of your choice.

Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com.

`