Mary Elizabeth Cairns McAvoy, 86, of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Wellmore of Tega Cay.

Mary was born June 23, 1939, in Ft. Pierce, FL to the late James and Adele Cairns.

 Survivors are her devoted daughters Kelly Salamone of Sherrill, NY, Mary Beth McAvoy (Bruce Hodge) of Asheboro, NC and Tracey McAvoy of Lake Wylie, SC; grandchildren Nicholas Salamone (Sydney) of Twentynine Palms, CA and Taylor Salamone of Fairport, NY; sister Helen Barrington of Orlando, FL; and sister-in-law Debra Cairns, Port Richey, FL. She is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Gary Salamone; sister Joan Allen; and brothers James Cairns and Michael Cairns.

The family would like to thank her care teams at Lake Wylie Senior Living and Wellmore of Tega Cay for the exceptional loving care provided in the past year. 

Services will be held at a later date to allow family and friends to gather to celebrate Mary’s life.

Donations may be made to hospice in Mary’s name: Via Health Partners, 1061 Red Ventures Drive, Suite 130, Fort Mill, SC  29707; or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

 M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Ms. McAvoy.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.