Mrs. Mary Louise Congdon Price

Mary Louise Congdon Price, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and dedicated community servant, passed away on October 31, 2023. She was born on May 22, 1938, in New London, Connecticut to her loving parents, Lula Hanes Caffey Congdon and Thomas Boss Congdon. She was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut and graduated from Greenwich Academy. Mary Lou's journey led her to Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, where her mother's southern roots guided her. It was there that she met Robert Howell Price, Jr. (Bob) of Salem, Virginia, who would become her husband. They eventually settled in Columbia, South Carolina raising a loving family of three sons, Bobby, Peter, and Tommy. As a young mother, Mary Lou was not only dedicated to her family but also to her community. She served as the Chairman of the Mother's March of Dimes, a board member of the American Red Cross, and a board member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Her dedication and service extended to her work at the South Carolina National Bank and her partnership with a friend to establish the Friendly Yarn Shop, where she nurtured the artistic talents of countless women in Columbia, teaching them needlepoint, cross-stitching, smocking, knitting, and crocheting. Mary Lou's commitment to public service led her to a career in the South Carolina Senate. She worked for Senator Ed Saleeby of Darlington, Senator Don Holland of Camden, Senator Linda Short of Chester, Senator Gerald Malloy of Darlington, and Senator Clementa Pinckney of Jasper. Her work in the Senate included serving as the Research Director of two insurance study committees, which later evolved into the Insurance Subcommittee under the Banking and Insurance Committee. Through her dedication and expertise, she played a vital role in passing significant legislation, including automobile insurance reform, health insurance reform, and the comprehensive re-writing of the entire insurance code. Throughout her life, Mary Lou was deeply involved in her faith community at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, dedicating nearly six decades to serving on various committees and volunteering at the annual Trinity Bazaar, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her faith and the church community. When Mary Lou retired from the South Carolina Senate, she began pottery classes at the Columbia Art Studio. She focused on whimsical folk art and was known for her nativity scenes, cityscape bowls, Christmas carolers, bird bowls and, especially, her angels. Mary Lou is survived by her three sons Robert Howell Price III (Pam), John Peter Price, Sr (Becky) and Thomas Boss Congdon Price, Sr and her grandchildren, John Peter Price Jr., Thomas Nelson Price, Mattie DeVoe Price, Robert Howell Price IV, Andrew Congdon Price, Marian Margaret Price, and Thomas Boss Congdon Price Jr. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her loving brothers, Thomas Boss Congdon, Jr. and William Hooper Caffey Congdon. Mary Lou's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her community, and her faith. She will be remembered for her kindness, her keen sense of humor, and her enduring love. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 o’clock, Monday, November 6th at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St, Columbia, SC. A reception will be held immediately following in Satterlee Hall. The family will greet guests from 4 until 6 o’clock Sunday, November 5th at her son Bobby’s residence located at 1665 Woodlake Drive, Columbia, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary Lou's memory to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, 1100 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201.

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Mrs. Mary Louise Congdon Price

May 22, 1938 - October 31, 2023