Mary Boswell Cawley

Mary Boswell Cawley, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 7, 2026, in Fort Mill, South Carolina. She was born April 11, 1940, in Atlanta Georgia to Joseph and Mary Boswell. Mary (AKA Sissy, Mom, Grandma, Gamat, Memaw, Grandma Mary) will be remembered as an amazing, selfless, patient, unconditionally loving mom to her clan of “mine, his, ours and theirs” and known for her strength, wisdom, ability to listen, a devoted wife to the love of her life Robert Cawley, and a loyal, loving daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. She was a voracious reader of books instilling her passion for reading with some of her children and grandchildren. She loved a good, sometimes heated discussion about politics or any current event and was a master of debate. She instilled her independence, work ethic, and values in all her children, leading more by example than lecture. One of her greatest joys in life was her children’s happiness and success, whatever that may be. After proudly earning a BA in English from Kennesaw College later in life, she became editor for the consulting group Family Business Advisor. She coauthored “A Century of Service; A History of Cobb and its Bank” in 1987 and participated in “The Cobb County Oral History Series” in conjunction with Kennesaw College. Because of her exemplary editorial skills at Family Business Advisor and her continued connection to Kennesaw College she was often sought after by PHD candidates to edit thesis.

Once retired she continued to fulfill her passion for books by working part time at The Book Exchange in Canton, Ga. She enjoyed the friendship of coworkers, meeting people who shared her interest in books and having the opportunity to recommend a good read. She also enjoyed helping host author events and signings at the store by showcasing her culinary talents to provide a dish or two from the setting of the promotional book to share with attendees.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert and her brother Bill and is survived by her children Julia (Mitch), Don (Shaun), Gregg (Michelle), Joe (Harry), Barb (Roy) and Carol (Mike) her beloved sister Betty and brother Henry as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

A graveside celebration of life will be held on Friday February 6 at noon at the Marietta National Cemetery, Marietta, Georgia