Mary Gabrielle Strojny

Mary Strojny ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Goldfinch Funeral Home - Beach Chapel - Murrells Inlet on Mar. 9, 2026.Mary Gabrielle "Gay" Strojny: A Legacy of Friendship,Resilience, and GraceOn March 3, 2026, the world lost a woman whose life was a masterclass in how to face the wind with a steady smile. Mary Gabrielle (Aldon) Strojny-known affectionately to her many circles as Gay or Gabby-passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family that was her heart. She leaves behind a legacy defined not by the illness she fought, but by her quiet dignity, her humor, and the deep, authentic bonds she formed with everyone she met.A Lifetime of ConnectionsBorn and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Gay was the eldest child of the late Andrew and MaryAldon. She adored her siblings, the late Candy and Jimmy, and her "baby" brother, Tom. Fromher earliest years, she possessed a gift for steady, lifelong friendship. She was a proud memberof "The Biddies"-a group of childhood friends from Baltimore who remained her heart's homefor over 75 years. Whether on the softball field, the basketball court, or the bowling alley, Gaywas the teammate everyone wanted-not just for her athletic skill, but for her competitivenature, easy laugh, and genuine spirit.Her life took a romantic turn when she met a Notre Dame student named Dennis JosephStrojny. They married shortly after his graduation, launching an adventure that took them froman Air Force base in Oklahoma to Sparta, New Jersey, where Denny became an AmericanAirlines pilot. In Sparta, Gay and Denny raised their two daughters, Krissy and Heidi. Gay wasthe ultimate "involved" mother-coaching, playing softball and beach volleyball, and managingthe law office of George Daggett for decades. She always found time for joy; there were sailingtrips with dear friends, world travel, endless Notre Dame games, golf, bridge, and a socialcalendar that never had an empty square.The Pinehurst YearsAs empty nesters, Gay and Denny traded New Jersey winters for the greens of Pinehurst, NorthCarolina. For 15 years, life was a beautiful blur of golf, new friendships, community and thecherished "Camp Gabby & PopPop." Every summer, their grandchildren would descend uponPinehurst for a week of undivided attention, and memories that will last lifetimes.Love, Loss, and ResilienceSeeking to be closer to the center of their family, Gay and Denny eventually moved to IndianLand, SC, just south of Charlotte. Those years were filled with the sidelines and poolsides of hergrandchildren's activities. It was during this chapter that Gay faced two of her hardest hurdles:the passing of her beloved Denny and her beautiful mother, "Grandmary." Gay moved forwardwith the same resilience she had shown since childhood-leaning into her roles as a mother,grandmother, and a dear, reliable friend to so many.A Forty-Year FightDiagnosed with breast cancer in 1986, Gabby refused to let a diagnosis define her. For fourdecades, she met every setback with a positive attitude that felt like a superpower. Friends andfamily alike looked to her as a "North Star" of courage. She was admired for her authenticity andher refusal to let a single day go to waste.Two years ago, when the fight cost her her right leg, Gay moved to Pawleys Island to live withher daughter Heidi and son-in-law Keith, remaining just 20 minutes away from Krissy andJason. These final two years were a profound blessing of togetherness-a time where she wassurrounded by the very love and strength she had spent a lifetime sowing into others.A Family Held CloseGay was preceded in death by her husband, Denny; her parents; her sister, Candy; and herbrother, Jimmy. Her memory will be carried forward by her "baby" brother, Tom; her daughters,Kristan Mary "Krissy" (Jason) Enoch and Heidi Beth (Keith) West; and her cherishedgrandchildren: Kyle (Allie) Enoch, Kendall (fiancé Connor Paul) Enoch, Kali Enoch, and DarbyWest.Her final hours were a reflection of the life she led: filled with her children, sons-in-law, andgrandchildren. We laughed, shared memories, and left nothing unsaid. We find comfort inknowing that Gabby is finally back on her feet-dancing, golfing, and celebrating a hole-in-one,surrounded by the family and many dear friends who were waiting at the gates to welcome herhome.A Celebration of LifeIn keeping with Gay's vibrant spirit and love for a good gathering, a Celebration of Life will beheld later this spring. The family looks forward to a time of warm weather and ocean breezes toproperly honor a woman who brought so much color into our lives. Details regarding the dateand location will be shared with friends and family once finalized.Gabby felt deeply that support should stay close to home. If you would like to honor hermemory, she would be touched if you directed any donations to the cancer foundation at yourown local hospital, helping patients and families right in your community. Please reach out toyour local hospital directly for information on how to give.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.