Mollie McCoy

12/01/1926 - 2/26/2026

Sawbridgeworth, England to Columbia, Maryland (via many stops).

“Mollie was a comet who streaked through our lives, briefly but oh, so, so gloriously. She made an indelible impression on anyone she met, and so also on us. Thanks be to God for all that she was, to so many, over her long, well-lived life.”

Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Una Mollie McCoy, “slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God” just two weeks after getting her nails done and visiting with her daughter in law and granddaughter who were visiting from Washington. She was gracious, engaging, and stylish to the end.

Friends and caregivers from near and far were unanimous in talking about her beauty, her kindness, her adventuresome spirit, and how much they loved her. “She was my heart,” Mollie was my angel.” “Mollie made me feel welcome.” “She was so much fun!” “Mollie is remarkable.” In her own words, she danced to life.

Born in Sawbridgeworth, England, Mollie spent her teen years during WWII and had many tales to share about running from buzz bombs in her village or being late to work because of war-related train delays.

While barely out of school, Mollie started her adventures with a somewhat boring job at the Bank of England followed by a glamorous job working for the head of BBC America. In that capacity, she saw many luminaries and dined with the London movers and shakers.

She met a young American captain, Donald Jennings Iddins, and against the advice of her British family and friends, married her “yank” in 1946. After a brief honeymoon, he was shipped back to America as the war ended, leaving Mollie to take a ship full of English war brides to New York City. She endured a “beastly” hot train ride from there to Egland Air Force base, where her first child, Donald Terrance (Terry), was born.

Being in the Air Force meant frequent moves, aka more adventures. Her daughter, Carol Nadine, was born in Seattle, Washington, and her third-born, Lawrence Anthony (Larry) was born at Edwards Air Force base, California after stints in Dayton, Ohio and in Montgomery, Alabama during the bus boycotts.

After that, Cleveland was a snowy respite from the desert. Finally, the family settled in Sacramento, California. Mollie managed to create a loving home in every place the family lived, and dinner hours were a sacred space where she encouraged both “proper” manners and discussion skills. She was a consummate hostess and made lifelong friends wherever she went.

Her proper English lady persona didn’t stop her from regular camping and backpacking trips with the family. She always made the outdoor adventures fun with delicious food and singing around the campfire. Downhill skiing, snowshoeing and waterskiing were part of her repertoire, and she entered each new adventure with gusto.

Mollie’s passion for learning and language led to the realization of her desire to graduate from college with a BA in English literature when she was 50.

In addition to her outdoor, educational, and social skills, Mollie tutored incarcerated adolescents, joined the symphony league, was part of several bridge clubs, PEO, and the local arts guild.

Above all, she was a committed mother, friend, and hostess. Family was her heart.

After her first husband died of cancer, Mollie met and married Robert Paul McCoy. She was back in the Air Force again, this time as a General’s wife, where her hostessing skills shone. They served in Ohio and Utah before Bob retired and they moved back to Sacramento. During their marriage, they traveled extensively, and Mollie cherished frequent stopovers in England to rekindle family ties there.

Tragically, her beloved Robert died after only 14 years together, at which point Mollie moved to Bodega Bay, California. There she thrived in the ocean air, and walked the beach daily with friends or just by herself with the cry of the birds. It was her happy place for 25 years. She cultivated lovely friendships, traveled often, and entertained with a playful flair.

In her mid 90s, Mollie made another move to San Rafael, California, where she quickly developed a new group of friends who shared dinners, bridge, swimming, and trips to cultural events in San Francisco.

Mollie’s last move was to Columbia, Maryland, to join her daughter, granddaughter, and family. Here, she charmed in typical Mollie fashion. Each person she met became a friend and admirer.

Mollie is survived by her son, Terry, wife Carol and children Amanda and Josh; daughter Carol, husband, Jay and daughter Kate, husband Ian, and son Brian (great grandson to his “Gigi”); son Larry, wife Debbie, son Michael and wife Deanna; step-son Michael, wife Irene, and children Robert Paul (RP), Elizabeth, Tommy, and Darcy; and step-daughters Robin and family, Cathy and family, and Becky and family.

In lieu of flowers, Mollie would prefer donations be made in her honor to the Nature Conservancy or the charity of your choice.

Mollie’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 11 am Eastern time in the main sanctuary of Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road Columbia, Maryland 21045. A Repast meal and gathering time will follow the service downstairs. All are welcome. Burial will be a private ceremony.