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Gayle C. “Mimi” Bushee, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family in Chapin, SC.
She was born on November 7, 1934, to Carrie and Kenneth Burke of Clover, SC, and was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Darla Kirkley and Daniel Burke.
In 1953, Gayle married her high school sweetheart, Paul Gregor Last, of Silver Spring, Md. Together, they owned and operated an auto body shop during the 1960s. When Paul passed away in December 1969, Gayle courageously took over the business, becoming one of the only female body shop owners in the country at the time. Her creativity and sense of humor showed in her creation of a “two-headed car,” a project that perfectly captured her playful spirit.
Gayle had a style all her own. She had a flair for bold, colorful outfits, loved the color red, and never left the house without her hair & makeup done as well as jewelry that sparkled as brightly as her personality. Her sense of fun and individuality was unforgettable and endearing.
Above all else, Gayle cherished her family. She gave each of her grandchildren special nicknames—Sugar Plum, Punky, Dolly Dumpling, Tootsie, Rosebud & Big Boy, names they still hold dear. She taught her granddaughters how to sew, and together they created countless dress-up outfits for impromptu fashion shows and dance performances. Fall afternoons were often spent with her daughter Cathy, carefully crafting handmade Halloween costumes for her grandkids & friends. Sleepovers and girls nights were filled with laughter and late-night memories. The house was full of love, laughter, and hidden treats, each grandchild remembering a special snack she kept tucked away in different hidden spots.
For over 30 years, Gayle owned the Shadow Lodge Motel in the Poconos, where she created a magical childhood for her grandchildren. Summers were filled with berry picking, exploring the woods for newts after a summer rain, and performing dance routines in the outfits she helped them sew. The family will forever cherish their annual trips to Ocean City, special visits to Nana and Bumpa’s, and the many other vacations that created a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
Gayle is survived by her daughters, Cathy Jo Mann (Amil) and Christie Sue Tabor (Mike); her grandchildren, Misty Seagraves, Jessica Seagraves, Nick Marrow (Lana), Heather Hamer (Brian), Renee Macdonough (Matthew), Katie Jones (Zach), and Esder Shin; and her great-grandchildren, Dylan and Kylie Hoiberg, Gage and Piper Hamer, Jack and Adeline Macdonough, Tyler and Julia Marrow, Savannah and Hayden Jones, and Ashton Vasquez.
Following her time in PA, she moved back to Silver Spring, MD to be closer to her daughter Christie. She spent her final years in Chapin, SC, with her daughter Cathy. She enjoyed sunny days by the pool and took great pride in decorating her cozy apartment with anything red she could find. This past summer, she was celebrated with a wonderful early 90th birthday party by the pool, where she proudly showed off her apartment and enjoyed being surrounded by her loved ones & friends.
Her best friend, Sandy Smith, remained a treasured part of her life, sharing countless trips and adventures together.
Gayle’s legacy is one of strength, creativity, and a fierce love for family. She will be remembered for her one-of-a-kind style, vibrant spirit, and the unforgettable memories she created with those she loved.
A private family service will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.
South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.
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South Carolina Cremation Society
At South Carolina Cremation Society, you'll discover a team of compassionate professionals dedicated to guiding you through the process of simple direct cremation. Our approach is straightforward and designed to be affordable, ensuring you have the freedom to create a personalized memorial that perfectly honors your loved one's legacy. We take pride in our ability to cater to the unique needs of each family, offering convenient online arrangements, identification viewings, and language interpreters when necessary....
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