Mary Papadea, 82, homemaker loved animals
August 22, 2024
Mary Lynn Papadea of Columbia died Aug. 15 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 82.
She was born in Columbia, the daughter of Claude McIntosh Lynn and Eloise Padget Lynn. Mary graduated from Dreher High School and the University of South Carolina (1964) with a degree in business administration. At USC she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, the YWCA and the Wesley Foundation. She was also on the May Court.
After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, A. Nick Papadea, and they were together for 59 years until his death in 2023. The couple moved to San Diego where Nick was stationed in the Navy.
After his service, they returned to Columbia where Nick continued his education at the University of South Carolina and Mary worked at the Five Points Savings and Loan.
In 1972, their only child was born. Mrs. Papadea chose to stay at home and played an active role in many of his activities, including being a Cub Scout den mother.
She was a member of Main Street Methodist Church.
Mrs. Papadea loved animals, especially golden retrievers, and could be found walking in the neighborhood or playing on the beach with her dogs. She played team tennis and took water aerobics classes.
As she got older, she enjoyed her time at the Lourie Senior Center and taking strength classes with her sister.
She was remembered as a sweet lady who loved a good laugh, a good book and a good time with friends, especially at the beach.
She also loved to garden, growing tomatoes, citrus fruits, plums and other Southern vegetables outdoors and filling her sun room with plants, trees and African violets.
Mrs. Papadea was eternally optimistic, her family said. Even as her health declined, she never complained and held the hope that one day she would drive down to the beach again.
She is survived by her son, Dr. Nicholas A. Papadea (Meredith) and two grandchildren, Ella Marina Nicholas Papadea and Apostolos Nicholas Papadea, of Murrells Inlet; her sister, Claudia Swygert (J.B.) of West Columbia; her sister-in-law, Dr. Christine Papadea of Murrells Inlet; her brother-in-law, Jim Papadea of Columbia; her nephew, Dr. N. Jim Papadea (Maggie) of Columbia; and her niece, Kate Papadea of Columbia.
A graveside service was held Wednesday at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Emergency Dental Clinic at Helping Hands of Georgetown, 1813 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440.
Condolences may be sent at dunbarfunerals.com.
