Mary Louise Foltz O'Day

Mary Louise "Mel" Foltz O'Day, 90, of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away on November 10, 2026. Born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Johnathan Clinton Foltz Jr. and Louise Jones Foltz.

Mel devoted her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. She spent much of her nursing career serving aboard the Project HOPE ship, a calling that reflected her compassionate spirit and deep commitment to helping those in need. Her work was not only a profession but also a meaningful expression of service to others. Following her service on the SS HOPE, she earned a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Mel enjoyed reading, needlepoint, and traveling, especially her visits to Small Point, Maine. She was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson, where she taught Education for Ministry (EFM) and sang in the church choir.

Mel will be remembered for her kindness, gentle presence, unwavering care for others, and the love she shared with her family, friends, church, and community.

She is survived by her sons, Richard O'Day (Novie) and Steven O'Day (Mika); her daughters, Jane Fontaine (Roger) and Sue O'Day (Herb); five grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Anderson O'Day.