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Mary's Page

Mary Alicia     b: 12/28/1896 in Heron Lake, Mn     d: 08/12/1988 in Heron Lake, Mn

                       Memories of Aunt Mary

There are so many memories of Aunt Mary.

Even though she never had children of her own, she was like a Mother to many and when Grandma died, Aunt Mary carried on with the many traditions Grandma had begun.

           the birthday cards - always with a crisp, new dollar bill
           tucked inside - - -

           the Christmas box full of practical items - - - socks,
            hankies, mittens, or a scarf - all wrapped in tissue
            paper with curly ribbon - - -

            the box of Fanny Farmer she'd bring on a visit - - -

Who can forget the kiss on the cheek and "bear hug" that almost took your breath away - her unique way of making each one of us feel so welcome and loved.

Aunt Mary was an aunt to more than just her nieces and nephews. Bring a friend with you once, and Mary would always remember them.

Remember --

            visiting her apartment in Mankato and the smell of lilac
            from the bags of soap in the bathroom --

            the tiny kitchen with all the goodies -- and

            eating ice cream out of colored tin dishes - - -

            we always had to stop in for a snack "just a glass of milk"
            she'd say - even if we had just finished Thanksgiving dinner!

            who could forget her famous "under the sea" salad - or

            the "bottomless" candy dish and always signing her guest
            book - - -

If it was dinner out, she always insisted on picking up the check and she'd wrestle men twice her size for it!!

Aunt Mary would always remember exactly what you had given her for a present and never failed to mention how often she used or wore it.

Remember the closet with the big trunk and all those boxes, and how later on, she gave so much away.

How proud she was of her big family and "roots" in Heron Lake.

How many family reunions at Turtleott Park did she organize - (and prayed for a sunny day even if the farmers needed rain)?

She'd always exclaim about the new baby in the group - "so precious - just a miracle".

She was the one who tied things together and made sure no one missed out.

The picnics just weren't the same when she could no longer attend.

Aunt Mary was blessed with good health for most of her life - and proud of it. Maybe her attitude of unselfish love had something to do with this.

Even though she lived alone, "loneliness" was unknown to her - - - she was far too busy thinking about the needs of others.

Her physical time with us may have ended, but the memories of this very special lady will be etched in our minds and hearts forever.

Death has not destroyed Aunt Mary - rather, it has become the doorway to her eternal home.

                                   Peace be with you, Mary - we love you!