Mary Louise Haffner

Mary Louise McGruder Haffner, of Columbia, SC, was surrounded by family and friends when she went to be with Our Lord on Friday, April 8, at the age of 74. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Haffner, children: Brian (Kim) Payne, Therese (Christopher) Oberg-Wood and Timothy (Kristine) Haffner; grandchildren: Kimberly Wood, Jordan O’Briain, Kelsey Oberg, Alex Oberg-Wood, T.J. (Susie) Haffner, Taylor Haffner, Tucker Haffner; sisters: Patricia (Daniel) Willette, Vicki (Dave) Terwilliger, Valerie (Steve) Cleath; brothers, Thomas (Valerie) McGruder and Mark (Tami) McGruder; mother-in-law, Mary Haffner; brother-in-law, Ron Haffner, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald McGruder; mother, Marguerite Weiseth; and infant brother, Kevin McGruder. Mary Lou was born on May 27, 1941 in Minneapolis, MN. She was the first born of 7 children and a loving sister to all of them. She attended the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, MN. Mary Lou worked at various jobs throughout the years, including home day care, which kept her child-like spirit alive. Her most rewarding accomplishment was raising her three beautiful children - Brian, Terri and Tim, who adored her more than words can express. In 1987, Mary Lou and Dan moved to South Carolina and resided for many years in Blythewood. They were members of Columbia Country Club and Woodlands Country Club where they enjoyed many a dinner with close friends. Mary Lou was strong in her faith and an active member of Transfiguration Catholic Church in Columbia, SC; she so appreciated the love and support she received from Pastor Andrew Trapp and her entire church family.  Mary Lou not only possessed the qualities that come naturally to a first born child, she was also the most giving, selfless, energetic, fun-loving person we have ever known. She enjoyed working in her yard, playing cards, chatting with friends, and making trips to California and Minnesota. She was a tireless “worker bee” who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need and who could cleverly repair, refurbish or beautify almost anything. Mary Lou was an adoring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt that enjoyed nothing better than spending time with family. She was blessed with an uncanny ability to make friends wherever she went, and was considered by many to be their best friend and confidant; she will undoubtedly leave a huge void in so many people's lives. Lou had a mischievous side that kept all of us on our toes, an infectious smile, and was best known for her sense of humor. She taught us all that we must be thankful for each moment and to be completely full of love - that nothing else really mattered. We did not lose our most joyous person, but gained our most joyous angel. We trust that she is whole again, welcomed by loved ones who have gone before her, and confident that she will keep a watchful eye on us, as always. ~ When someone you love becomes a Memory - the Memory becomes a Treasure.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 15, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Kornegay & Moseley Funeral Home, 4645 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m. at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 306 North Pines, Blythewood, SC.
 

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