Molly Catherine McLaren

Molly Catherine McLaren, a devoted mother and daughter, animal lover, and cherished friend, passed away unexpectedly following an auto accident on March 3, 2025. Molly was a dedicated and loving mother to her son, Logan. Molly was a vibrant and loving soul known for her kind heart, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to Logan. 

Logan and Molly shared a deep love for sports, particularly Gamecocks athletics. They attended nearly every Gamecock football, baseball, and basketball game together, with a special passion for cheering on the Lady Gamecocks. Molly’s enthusiasm for sports and her unwavering support created a special bond with Logan, filled with cherished memories and shared triumphs.  As a consummate baseball mom, Molly never missed Logan’s practices or games and ensured he had all the equipment he needed.

Alongside her passion for sports, Molly nurtured a deep love for all creatures and was a lifelong animal lover. As a trained veterinary technician, she worked for many years with Dr. Emily Hoppmann at Elgin Veterinary Hospital in Elgin, SC, where they formed a close bond.  Molly had a special gift for giving difficult dogs a second chance and earning their trust and love through her patience and compassion.

In her youth, Molly was an accomplished equestrian, excelling in Hunter Jumper competitions. She cherished her horses, Charisma and Bailey, and often spoke of the joy they brought her.  Her time in the saddle not only showcased her skill, but also reflected her determination and grace, qualities that defined her throughout her life. 

Molly loved the beach and spent countless hours with Logan, his friends, and family swimming in the ocean and enjoying everything the coast had to offer. Growing up, she spent summers on Kiawah Island, where she developed a love for roasted oysters at Mingo Point and spent many days crabbing with her dad, brother, grandfather, and friends.  Molly and her mom were usually up and out before sunrise on the Turtle Patrol with the Sea Turtle Conservancy.  At her family’s last dinner together, Molly delighted in devouring nearly all the raw oysters on the seafood tower—a memory that will forever be cherished by Logan, Pat, and Jim.

Molly was a member of Northeast Presbyterian Church. While she has left this world to be with Jesus and those loved ones who have gone before her, Molly will forever remain alive in our hearts.

Molly is survived by her beloved son, Logan James McLaren of Columbia; her parents, James T. and Patricia Stoller McLaren of Columbia; her brother, William James McLaren (Jenna) of Asheville, NC; her uncles, Russell McLaren (Mary) of Columbia, and Brian Stoller (Deb) of St. Louis, MO, and cousin Patrick Grogan (Shari) of Washington, D.C.; and great-aunts, uncles, and cousins in Buffalo, New York, including John D’Arcangelo (Smita) and Peter D’Arcangelo. She is also survived by her godparents, Vana Dabney and Dennis Dabney, and her honorary aunts, Theodora Sextone, Paula Hite, and Julia Lee.

Molly was predeceased by her partner of ten years, Robert Vines of Columbia, with whom Logan spent many days hunting and fishing.  Robert’s love and companionship brought Molly and Logan immense joy and support.  She was also predeceased by her grandparents, William D. and Edith Stoller and James R. and Florence C. McLaren.

Molly had a wide circle of friends with whom she shared countless fun times and cherished memories. She was especially close to her best friend, Lizzy Gertz; Sarah Thompson (Chase) and Melissa Suzanne (Bryce); Mekia McFadden (Sean); and the many baseball moms and dads who became like family. Logan’s best friends, Sean Trotman and JJ Grohman, fondly referred to Molly as their “Second Mom.”  She knew each of their favorite foods and spent many a day with them on baseball fields, at Carowinds, and just hanging out.

A service to celebrate Molly’s life will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223. The family will receive guests at the church from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the service at 2:00 P.M., conducted by Pastor George Crow. A private interment will be held at a later date.

The family has chosen the Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter, South Carolina to assist the family.  Please go to www.BullockFuneralHome.com to sign the Guest Book.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Molly to organizations which reflect Molly’s passion for helping animals in need.  Some suggested charities are Final Victory Animal Rescue, www.finalvictoryrescue.com/donate, 810 Bryson Road, Columbia, South Carolina; Pawmetto Lifeline, www.pawmettolifeline.org; Sea Turtle, https://KiawahConservancy.salsalabs.org/seaturtleresearch/index.html;  or to a charity of your choice.

Molly’s vibrant spirit and unwavering love for her family, and dedication to helping others – both human and animal – will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Molly Catherine McLaren, please visit our floral store.