Obituary of Laura Hoadwonic

Laura Sue Hoadwonic of Columbia, SC passed away on Monday, October 14, at MUSC in Charleston. She was in the presence of her loving family when she gained her angel wings.

Laura Sue fought for her life with grace, courage, and dignity, over the course of 10 years. The family wishes to thank Dr. David G. Koch, for his immeasurable support, and Jennifer Peterson, RN with the Liver Transplant team at MUSC. They’d like to especially thank Eleni Smith, RN, Elizabeth Poindexter, PA and Liz Dickerson, ANP and the entire MSICU unit for their caring professionalism and comforting compassion.  We also want to thank Dr. Mike “Hawk” Hawkins for his support and compassion.

Laura Sue was born in Columbia, South Carolina on March 13, 1960. She was the daughter of George and Mary Sue (Fore) Hoadwonic who both predeceased her. She graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1978. She worked for several years at 5 Points Animal Clinic and retired from Merritt Veterinary Supply after 18 years.

Laura loved traveling, especially cruises, where she could be found at the slot machine in the casino, spending time with her family, and animals.  She was active in fostering animals.  She passionately loved her family and friends. She embraced life and lived it fully, independently and forcefully.  She is lovingly described by her family as dependable, loving, honest, loyal, joyful, resilient, headstrong, inquisitive, determined, steadfast, strong, outgoing, bold, beautiful, kind, courageous, sincere, quirky and present.  Laura had a strong and humorous personality.  You always knew exactly how she felt.  She will be forever missed from family functions as she was the life of every party and event.  She was always ready to go to recitals, sporting events, plays, the Fair, Princess Teas, any circus or out to dinner.  She was fully engaged in each activity and cheered loud and proud for her nieces, nephews and then their children. She loved her family fiercely and was always available to assist in any way. 

She is survived by her sisters Jennie Lee Galloway and husband Frank, Pamela McDonald, Tammy Melton and husband Hank. Brothers Michael Hoadwonic and wife Marion, her twin, Donald George Hoadwonic, PJ Hoadwonic and wife Hollie, Ryan Sandoval and husband Pedro, Gerald Hoadwonic, and Mark Edwards and wife Mindy. Nieces Mary Sue Hinson and husband Brett, Victoria Hoadwonic, Rebekah Robinson and husband Michael, Rachael Arauz and husband Luis, Jessica Rosend and husband Andres, Bess Edwards and Bonnie Edwards. Nephews Patrick John Hoadwonic, Jr and wife Charlene, David George Hoadwonic, George Brett Galloway, Carson Lee Galloway, Jeremy McGee, Joseph McGee, Ralph Eric McDonald and wife Amanda, Brian Norman and wife Lauren, and Willie Edwards. Great nieces Maria Anne Hoadwonic, Riley Barnes Hinson, Adeline Rose Hoadwonic, Destiny Robinson, Ariana McDonald, and Isabella Robinson.  Great nephews Bryce Hinson, Michael Robinson, and Luiz Arauz, Jr. She was predeceased by sister in law Michelle Laws Hoadwonic.

A Celebration of Laura’s Life is planned for 3:00 pm, Saturday, October 19, at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Leesburg Road in Columbia, SC.  The family will have visitation from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow.