Mary Huger deSaussure

Mary Huger deSaussure, the third of four daughters of Frances Pelzer and Daniel Elliott Huger, was born in Charleston on August 25, 1932. With the exception of several years in New Orleans where the family moved after her father joined the United States Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor, she lived in Charleston her entire life.

Like her mother before her, she attended St. Timothy's School in Catonsville, Maryland from which she graduated in 1950. After her freshman year at the College of Charleston, she became engaged to Dr. Charlton deSaussure who had recently returned to his family's hometown of Charleston to begin his medical practice of forty years, commencing in 1950.

Married in 1952, they raised their children within several blocks of their respective parents' homes beginning at little Lamboll, then Lenwood Boulevard, next Church Street and lastly, just around the corner from where they started, at 34 Meeting Street.

Mrs. deSaussure was a wonderful and devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and life-long animal lover. She is survived by her son, Charlton Jr. (Ann), daughters: Mary deSaussure Cutler and Catherine deSaussure Mark (Chip); sister, Elizabeth Huger Sterling (Jack); nine grandchildren: Mary Baarcke (Charles), Richard Cutler (Courtney), Caylor Mark (Ellen), Charlton deSaussure (Sofia), Caroline Rowe (Chatham), Frances Murray (Billy), Catherine Fidrych (Chris), Ann Biondi (Jamie), Nellie Allen (Ben); and nineteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and husband; sisters: Frances Huger deSaussure and Louise Huger Pringle; son-in-law, Richard Mortimer Cutler, Jr.; and her beloved Lukes.

During her 93 years in Charleston, she was active in the Florence Crittenton Home, the Junior League of Charleston, and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Mrs. deSaussure was a member of St. Philip's Church where she was baptized, confirmed, married, and where her private burial service will be conducted at a later date. Her funeral service will be held Monday, October 20, 2025, in St. Michael's Church, 71 Broad Street, at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Philip's Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401; Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, South Carolina 29406; and Ronald McDonald House, 81 Gadsden Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401. She will be greatly missed.