Mary Lynn Gage, 59, of Columbus, N.C. died at home on Wednesday, July 1, surrounded by family. Born in Hackensack, N.J., she lived in Venice, Fla. for 29 years, and has been residing in Columbus, N.C. for the past 14 years. Mary was a self-employed bookkeeper, worked for the Eye Health and Vision Center (Venice, Fla.), and previously worked at Tryon Lumber. She volunteered at The Second Chance Thrift Store, was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and especially enjoyed participating in the Circle of Mary women’s group.

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Eugene Hroncich; mother, Helene Hroncich; brother, Larry Hroncich; sister, Jean Kenne; and brother-in-law, David Gage. She is survived by her husband, Michael Vincent Gage of Columbus, N.C.; sister, Lynn Maio of Sarasota, Fla.; children, Deborah (and Jay) Ware of Columbia, S.C., Michele (and Vance) Valenzuela of Denver, Colo., Emily Gage, and Vincent Gage; grandchildren, Elliot, Aeona, Wynton, and Béla; brother-in-law, Dennis Gage; and sisters-in-law, Sharon Gage and Sandra Gage.

Mary was a loving and faithful wife, devout Catholic, supportive mother, and generously offered grace and mercy toward others. Her family cherished her gentle nature, humility, wisdom, infectious smile, and witty sense of humor. A woman of steadfast integrity, dignity, and honor, Mary was a superb example of what a devoted mother and wife should be.  She was an inspiration to those who knew her, a comforting presence to those who were hurting, and a helping hand to those in need. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 6 at 2 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon, N.C. A burial service will be held on Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at Venice Memorial Gardens in Venice, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hands of Hope for Life, PO Box 513, Columbus, NC 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.