Mary "Bootsie" Hoopaugh Gilwee, 61, of Blythewood, died Sunday, July 14, 2019. Born on June 27, 1958, she was a daughter of Nellie Ruth Cooley Hoopaugh and the late Furman William Hoopaugh.

Most who knew Mary only knew parts of her story. As an Air Force brat, she was born in Quincy, Florida where she attended Quincy Elementary and later Hageman Elementary in Salina, Kansas. While Mary was in the third grade her family moved to Blythewood where she attended Blythewood Elementary, Hanberry Middle and went on to graduate from Spring Valley High School.

In February of 1985, Mary met the love of her life, Roger and 6 short months later they were married on the 23rd of August. They had good times and bad but shared the kind of marriage most of us only hope for, always remembering how much they loved one another. Roger helped fulfill her wanderlust; traveling together frequently, both domestically and abroad, creating memories that will never be forgotten.

Mary started her career with Owens Steel upon graduation from high school and while attending college part-time. She began at the bottom but through hard work and determination she worked her way up to project manager. Later when Owens Steel was acquired by Frasier Industries, she was looked at as someone who could be counted on, and was offered the opportunity to become the General Manager of a new plant in Lamar, SC. As a true member of the Owens/Frasier family, she was adored by her coworkers.

Her next endeavor was with The Ritedose Corporation, a pharmaceutical company in Columbia. She began as a Floor Supervisor and worked with the company for around 6 years before becoming a Plant Coordinator. Mary always cared about and respected her co-workers and staff, and in turn they cared for and respected her, leading to her many successes.

When she retired, she didn't wait long until she was on to a new adventure, becoming known around Blythewood as "The Gourd Girl". Carving and painting gourds, transforming them into beautiful birdhouses, lamps and other creative items. She reunited with old friends and made new ones; she was special that way.

Mary was many things to many people, but most would agree on three; that she was hard-working, quick to laugh, and she always stood up for the underdog. A true friend, Mary would as quickly call you out on your bull, as do anything to help you. She was beloved and cherished by her family and all of those whose lives she touched. She lived her life on her terms, and she enjoyed it.

In addition to her mother, survivors include her husband, Roger William Gilwee; sister, Judy Boone Arnold, of Blythewood; nieces, Kirsten Boone Olson, of Blythewood and Barri Arnold Thompson (Lance), of Columbia; great nieces and nephews, Jacob, Lola and Gussie; as well as her uncle, Johnny Cooley, of Columbia.

A visitation to honor and celebrate the life of Mary will be held from 5 until 7 o'clock, Friday evening, July 19th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.

Memorials may be made to the Heart Disease Research Foundation, 50 Court Street, Suite 1107, Brooklyn, NY 11201; to the American Cancer Society, SC Chapter, 200 Center Point Circle, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210; or to the charity of your choice.