Mary Charlotte Register

Mary Condon Montgomery Register, 96, died peacefully at her daughter's home on December 31, 2016, surrounded by her children. She was born in Charleston on May 6, 1920, to the late William Francis Condon and Caroline Igoe Condon. She graduated from Bishop England High School and attended the College of Charleston and Rice Business School. She was the church secretary at St. Philip's Episcopal Church for over a decade during the 1970’s and 80’s. Throughout her adult life, she was very active in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where she was a Eucharistic minister, assisted in the care of the altar linens, was a member of the Sodality of Our Blessed Lady, the Women’s Guild and volunteered in the church office. She was also one of the first adorers of the Blessed Sacrament through Perpetual Adoration, which began in the chapel adjacent to the church in the 1970’s. She was passionate about her volunteer service to Birthright of Charleston and became Executive Director. She was also a member of the Lion’s Auxiliary, Quis Qui Women’s Club and a proud spokesperson for Gerald’s Tires, appearing in one of their advertisements without royalties for over two decades. She loved entertaining, playing bridge with her many friends in numerous bridge groups, and supper clubs. Just four weeks ago, she was enjoying a game of rummy with her girls and winning. Her purpose-filled life, service to those in need, and strong moral compass grounded in her Catholic faith, will continue to be a source of inspiration for those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her eight children: Edward Rush (Bud) Montgomery and wife Marilyn of Puyallup, WA.; Mary Sue Gambrell of Columbia, SC; Elizabeth (Betty) Rosen of Charleston, SC; Cecilia (Cece) Bielanski and husband Gordon of Catheys Valley, CA ; Margaret (Meg) Inabinet and husband Ron of Charleston, SC; Martha Montgomery of Charleston, SC; Matthew Montgomery of Mt. Pleasant , SC ; and Angela (Angel) Allen and husband Bryan of Columbia, SC; twenty-three grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by two sisters, Eleanor Condon Ilderton of High Point, NC and Jerry Condon McManus of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her first husband and father of her children, Edward Rush Montgomery, her second husband Robert E. Register; her daughter Ann Montgomery Stafford; her granddaughter, Elizabeth Palmer Meggs; her daughter-in-law, Candace V. Montgomery; and her sons-in-law Thomas L. Sponseller and Morris D. Rosen The relatives and friends of Mary Condon Montgomery Register are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Tuesday, with a Rosary service at 6:30 PM, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway. Our sincerest appreciation is extended to Roper St. Francis Hospice for the kind and gentle care she received from her caregivers, particularly her nurse Dixie. Memorial contributions may be made to Birthright of Charleston 1365 Ashley River Rd. Charleston, South Carolina 29407 and Blessed Sacrament Building Fund 5 Saint Teresa Dr. Charleston, SC 29407.