A few years ago, my family and I had the pleasure of getting to meet Mary. She and her husband Pete invited us to come and stay with them when her son Pete, my close friend, and his family were visiting them. Though they didn’t really know us other than the little they may have heard from Pete, they welcomed us into their home as if they had known us for years and had shared good times with us. Mary went out of her way to make sure that my two children were happy and felt comfortable and welcome those few days. She did the same for my wife and I, and I remember all of the adults talking and laughing together, about topics ranging from braces to book recommendations to favorite drinks. I also remember how “cool” I thought it was as I noticed various friends and relatives stopping by at seemingly random times those few days, some just to say hello and for a short visit, and others to sit, relax, and hang out for longer periods. It seemed that Pete and Mary’s home was, without question, the “place to be” in Mechanicvillle. The constant throughout those visits was happiness, joking, and laughter. Clearly, Mary’s positive spirit was infectious, and radiated out, affecting those with whom she came into contact. I was very sad when I heard that Mary had received her diagnosis, so much for her, but also for her loving husband, son, daughters, and all of those lives she touched. I was very sad again for the same reasons when I heard of her passing. Though I had only come into contact with her a small number of times, I’m quite sure she would want all who loved her and still love her to remember the great times shared together, to raise their glasses together, celebrate her, and move forward, taking care of one another and exuding the positivity she possessed. That is what I think of when I picture Mary and her smile.
The Wasner Family - Friday November 09, 2018 via Condolence Message