Mary Klaasen

The Lord Knows….

He knows when we need those special people to enter our lives and so He sent Mary my way. Through a friend connection I was directed that I needed to meet Mary. I was at a low level of confidence and vulnerability in my life due to personal and business circumstances and needed guidance in taking over as sole owner of my apparel company. I immediately felt a calmness after my first visit with Mary. We had a bond from the beginning as Mary was very understanding and interested in my craft as a designer as she too had a love for all things handcrafted.

She jumped right in and assessed the situation and began immediately to help me sort things out. Even after just having a hip replacement, she was soon at my office and diligently proceeding on what needed to be done to stabilize my situation. I’m sure my employees had wondered why I would hire someone that came in with a walker her first day! That didn’t stop Mary one bit and the employees too saw the progress we were making together and things began to settle and my anxiety began to diminish.

The original plan was for Mary to get things organized and stable, then she would help me find someone to take over the financial and business area of the company that she was hired to do as a consultant. After several months I felt I should not take advantage of the situation any longer, as I had become quite comfortable with the way things were progressing. So one day I reluctantly asked Mary the question “I guess it is time to start looking for someone on a permanent basis?” and she quickly replied “Why?” From then on I really realized what a gift the Lord had sent to me. Her wanting to stay was so comforting and heart warming.

She continued to look out for the company and for me. She treated me like a daughter and got to know my two children and guided me on decisions with them. They too got to know Mary and love her. She not only mentored me but them too. They looked up to her for advice and direction and they trusted her. She adopted us like so many here today.

Together we solved issues within the company and agreed to disagree on others, like stockpiling toilet paper! See, Mary always was always prepared and I seem to sometimes fly by the seat of my pants! That’s why we made a good team. Even after she no longer worked with me on a full time basis, we continued to touch base and she always gave me the support and advice I needed.

I believe God crafted Mary to enter and touch my and all our lives. Like every stitch of a needlepoint project, every patch in a quilt, or every seam in a dress, she will forever live on in our fond memories.

God Bless You Mary, you are Forever in my Heart.

—Frances Malik

Compiling everyone’s memories of Mary for this site has been both joyous and heartbreaking. Every new entry is a celebration of her spirit while also being a devastating reminder of the loss of that spirit.

Which is what I expected, of course. But I didn’t expect to laugh so much, too. And one thing I enjoyed was all the different ways people said that Mary liked to do things Mary’s way. Mary was in charge, always. Mary was—and these are my words here—a bossy boots.

And she was! But, in my experience, she just wanted things to be the best they could be, and she wanted you to be the best version of yourself. And if that meant bossing you around, then so be it.

Which is how she taught me so much throughout my entire life. About literature and travel and cooking and games and—yes—even stuff I had no interest in learning about but needed to know, like finances and taxes and running a business. Mary helped make me who I am today.

That’s why her voice suddenly being gone has left me feeling adrift. Still, that voice was so strong and smart and delightful that it’ll always be with me, and her guidance will always be there. From now on, whenever I’m in doubt, I’ll just think: What would Mary boss me to do?

—Joshua Allen
Nephew

Mary was a wonderful, caring friend to me. She and Tom both were generous including me in holiday dinners, trips to hockey games and lunches together. Mary and I became friends when I was going through the worst time in my life. She empathized, gave excellent advice and listened when I didn’t think I had any friends that would listen. She was an intelligent, compassionate and caring person. She encouraged others. We both loved ice hockey and she and Tom and I had season tickets together for a few years. We had similar childhoods and could discuss how it affected adulthood. We both loved books and shared those we liked. We enjoyed the same genres and made recommendations to each other. When I moved far away we had less contact but still shared via email. When we could meet live again it was as if we had never been apart. She made friends easily and taught me a lot. I will greatly miss our talks and discussing Dallas Stars hockey with her and will also miss her caring loving spirit. She was a spiritual person and I will miss that also. I pray God will give Tom peace and comfort during his grieving. Thank you, Mary, for all your help. I miss you.

—Bob Miller

What a loss to Mary’s friends and family. She was the friend who called and set up lunch when you had been thinking “we need to get together with Tom and Mary.” She was always there to answer some very weird questions and provide support when we needed it. Her thoughtfulness ranged from helping identify locations for family reunions, to the best products for my Mom struggling with Parkinson’s, to where to find the appropriate dress for a wedding. Who other than Mary would have the answers and provide detailed information to help? She really listened and followed through.

Since our offices were next door at Texas Wesleyan, we had many discussions about students, finance, long-haired dachshunds, travel, sports (fishing, tennis and hockey) and their New Orleans bookstore. I was thrilled when we had an opening and Mary joined our faculty. With her experience and knowledge of small business, she was perfect to teach our entrepreneurship class. 

Friendship formed over many years is very special. Tom, we will treasure our memories and enjoy lunch with you post Covid-19. 

Wishing you peace.

—Sandy and Bobby Hart

Dear Betty and Tom,

I was really saddened by the news of Mary passing. She was an amazing person. At times she seemed like a force of nature that nothing could slow down. While she could certainly dominate a situation, I always felt she was doing what she thought was best for everyone. I regret that I wasn’t able to be with her more often over the past many years. She was a loving, supportive, encouraging friend to me. I can only imagine the great sense of loss both of you must be feeling.

I’ve been remembering some of the many fun times we had back on Madalyn Lane, the great visits to New Orleans, and treks down to the bay.  Mary is always a constant, positive, fun presence in those memories.

Please know I’m thinking of you both at this difficult time. I hope you can do what I’m doing: remembering the good times.

—Mike Allen

It has been a month today since I received the sad news from Tom that Mary had passed away. My grief is deep and it has taken me this long to be able to put my thoughts together in honor of Mary, my dear friend. I’d first like to share my condolences with Tom and all of Mary’s family and friends. You are all probably as sad as I am in this great loss.

We met in New Orleans when Mary was running Logos Books on Royal Street. I was working in an art gallery next door and as soon as we met we became friends. I would go into the store frequently on breaks and my first impression of Mary was that she was warm, friendly and smart!

That was in 1975 and our last conversation was on November 19, 2020.  I had no idea how sick Mary was at the time and she promised that when she felt stronger we would have a good, long talk. There was always so much to share. Forty-five years is a very long friendship!

Over the years I spent time with Mary and Tom at their home on Cadiz Street in New Orleans and often had a sleepover there. Mary liked my cooking so we would share recipes and often try them out.

When I’d travel west, always going through Dallas, I again stopped and spent the night with Mary and Tom. It was always such a joy with Mary being the best hostess, making a road weary friend a good meal and warm bed.

We spoke often and texted more over the years and between visits.

Mary and Tom have been amazingly generous and kind friends to me helping me through a devastating accident, illnesses, floods, hurricanes, family trials and tribulations. I will miss Mary terribly. She was an intelligent, kind, gifted woman and those of us that knew her and spent time with her are blessed forever. Although her body is gone from this Earth, wherever her Spirit and Soul are there too is her Light!

Rest in peace my friend.

—Mary Ann McClellan

• One of the key things I loved about Mary was her distinctive, clear voice and laugh. It was the perfect pitch by which to hear “y’all” across the room. (Smiling as I write this.)

• Mary (and Tom’s) home on Cadiz Street constantly offered me a warm sense of place. The interior (subtle yet colorful statements of design) and exterior (handsome, white clapboard, raised cottage with a balance of sunlight/shade) surrounded by live oaks, made me feel comfortable and always welcome. It was a genuine extension of our Logos family. 

• I fondly remember book discussions there, Christmas parties, the fireplace, even a Passover Seder meal and a funeral upon the closing of Logos Bookstore.

• Mary (and Tom’s) culinary skills awakened my food senses with their kitchen partnership, especially the New Orleans favorites: gumbo, jambalaya, grilled redfish and coffee. Pure delights!!

• Our book discussions, which sometimes included friends from the Klaasen’s university professor network, set the foundation for and encouraged me to be a “life-long learner.”

Continue reading “A Life We Loved” →

I first met Mary in early 1979 when she welcomed me into the Green family. I recognized then that she was a special person but over the next four decades I learned just how special she was.

One of the many times that her generosity and her well-thought-out and well-meaning abilities were very helpful to me was when I moved to New Orleans in 1988. She and Tom taught me how to survive and thrive within that extremely complex and exciting city. It seemed like Mary and Tom knew most everyone that lived there, from university professors to street entertainers. When she and Tom moved to Dallas in 1989, I missed them but they continued to counsel me from a distance.

Mary had that rare ability to have fun even when the adventure was not always fun. I always wondered how she was able to achieve that balance so consistently and I finally decided that it was her extremely strong sense of optimism that dominated all of her actions. I never saw any evidence that she doubted her ability to figure out and then solve a problem.

When Betty and I moved to Dallas in Christmas 2017, it was clear that Mary’s physical body was failing. She remained optimistic that she could deal with all of these complexities and she was able to do that right up until the end. I know that all of us wished that we could help her in the final weeks of her life but we could not.

The world will not be the same without Mary’s powerful presence and we will all miss her. However, we continue to live in a better world that Mary helped to create. Thank you Mary and God bless you.

—Lynn Trembly
Mary’s brother-in-law

Mary hired me to work at Logos Bookstore and opened a door to a unique set of experiences and special group of friends. I will be forever grateful for her guidance and friendship, and especially for introducing me to Beverley, my lifelong friend. Mary is now at peace with the Lord. Amen.

—David Ford

If one is fortunate, he or she will have multiple mentors throughout a career given over to meaningful work. Mary Klaasen, who once owned a Logos Bookstore in the French Quarter of New Orleans and who later invited me to serve (at a very young age) on the Association of Logos Bookstores’ board of directors, was my first professional mentor. She spoke into my life and a vocational discernment process at two critical junctures that led me in directions I would not have imagined on my own, and I have always been grateful. I was saddened to learn of Mary’s death on November 30. I was to have had coffee with her in Dallas this past April. Sadly, that trip was cancelled due to the pandemic. When I wrote to tell her my trip was off, she said, “Promise me when you can travel I will be on your itinerary.” I promised her she would be. My friends Becky Gorczyca, Rick and Susan Lewis, Jay Weygandt, Cindy Crosby and and many others from Logos Bookstores will remember Mary. She shared much in common with my friend Steve Garber and spoke “visions of vocation” to me years before Garber put that vision into powerful words through his IVP book of the same title. I light a candle today in Mary’s memory, and give thanks for her impact on my life. Her passing and my memory of all she taught me serve as a reminder and a challenge to invest in others’ vocational journeys, where possible.

—Jeff Crosby

Mary was always so thoughtful in finding an appropriate item for my birthday or Christmas like a ball cap that became a favorite.

She was especially great at keeping me informed on football scores from my “adopted” West Texas high school team, the Balmorhea Bears. Tom and I saw them play the Marfa team during a “cousin” reunion a few years ago.

Mary was always a positive presence whenever I would visit the Green extended family with Beverley.

            Unexpected loss 
                  for all of us

—Alan Chensvold

Me and Mary and my awful terrible
2020 original poetry

It was a daily occurrence since first day
of 2020
Not in a mentor student relationship
but friend to friend mutually shared
Exhilaration

I’d write a poem and post first thing
each morning
Mary would email back
with personal thoughts or
constructive feedback
Letting me know this project
meant as much to her as it did to me

No holds barred
no restrictions
no taboo topics
On either of our parts

Only rule was to be Honest
confront the elephants in the rooms
Seek to resolve the elephants
free them from their confining rooms
Do for others what they will not
do for themselves
Heal the brokenhearted & bind their wounds
(Psalm 147:3)

We found ways for the universal & the personal
Bared our souls
Explored our innermost feelings
our broken hearts
our seeping wounds
our terrors from the outside world
the fears realized in politics & protests
And all that coronavirus stuff

Thoughtful meditations on life
& loves & families & friends
The gifts we receive
The gifts we bring
We both brought much to the table
Often all of all we had to bring.

We sought to rise above the mundane & banal
To find wonder in each thought
cares & concerns & angers exposed
Relentlessly explored & discussed
in the open honest truthful ways
most poets most often do

360 original pieces shared
before the events of
that fateful weekend

One of the last pieces was a harbinger
I wrote this for Thanksgiving Day 2020
Four days before her passing
my deepest depths already felt her
slipping away
I wanted her to know how
strongly her absence would be felt
I’m fairly certain she got the message
in the open honest truthful spirit in words
We shared every single morning in
awful terrible 2020

Take care, dear one, Amsterdam hoist beams
   are unable to bear
      weight of my heavy heart

—Frank Key

How does one begin to recall 45 years of friendship with such a remarkable woman? I’ve struggled with writing this, not because I can’t think of what to say, but because there is just so much to say. The fun and extraordinary people we met in the French Quarter at Logos Bookstore; her enjoyment of my children, Rachel and Chris; her support of my life changes; her utter love of the grandchildren, Wesley, Stephen and Miles; all the books we have read; and so much more. I have recalled, over the last two weeks, so many times in which she enriched my life…her enthusiasm, her incredible memory, her brilliance, her opinions always made known! Simply put, I miss my dear friend.

—Rebekah Hamilton

Dear Tom, 

Mary and you were such good friends from the time I met you in MI as we worked together in a summer program there. So many memories of when we lived on Carondelet and then you all moved around the corner. You all always had a place for me when I needed one, too. Working at the bookstore or deep discussions about whatever and watching the Mardi Gras parade in front of your house and other good times will always be treasured memories for me. Mary was a good friend and I loved her and you and are sorry she is gone but that she is with Jesus gives comfort and peace. I hope you are coping well with her being gone. Praying for you.

—Rose Ellen

Mary and Tom have been our friends since mid-1960 when we met at Michigan State University. Despite the distance, now Sweden and earlier Switzerland, we have had contact through all the years. Mary wrote very interesting letters about their life and travels and we exchanged Christmas gifts each year. Mary will be greatly missed by us and she will remain in our memory always.

—Birgit and Hans Fankhauser

Transcript of the video:

BEVERLEY

This is a remembrance altar by Joanne Taylor and Beverley Green.

We assembled objects that reminded us of the times we spent with Mary. And in just assembling the objects, all the memories of who Mary was to us seemed to shine through.

Fabric & Needlework

When I think of Mary, I’m reminded of her passion for fabric and needlework of all kinds. She gave me these cloth coasters years ago, which demonstrated her love of fabric, even in something as ordinary as a coaster. Alan and I use them every day.

New Orleans

Also I brought this needlepoint piece of the Chestnut Street house in New Orleans that Mary and Tom owned. I lived on one side and on the other side, over the years, Becky and Frank and Sue and Steve. I learned needlepoint from Mary and she designed this piece from a book, Your House in Needlepoint, and I stitched it. It hangs on my kitchen wall.

I bought some doubloons, Mardi Gras throws, to symbolize all the wonderful Mardi Gras we spent together in New Orleans.

Continue reading “A Remembrance Altar” →

For years we looked forward to seeing Mary at our monthly bridge meetings. She was a good bridge player, a kind and lovely person who always made us feel welcome. She was lovely, friendly, and intelligent. We will miss her.

Our deepest sympathy to Tom and family.

—Linda and Bernie Goldman

Mary was a thoughtful, caring lady. She always wrote notes of appreciation to people who did little things that brought her joy. As a recipient of some of those notes, she touched my life. I will always value her friendship.

Also, Mary was very competitive when she played poker with our bi-weekly poker group. She was the only woman in the group but was a very astute player. In fact she was my nemesis. Many times she relieved me of my nickels, dimes, quarters, and even dollar bills!

When someone you like passes on, the absence leaves a hole in your life. I will miss Mary greatly!

—Lou Duggan

I have many Mary Memories that make me smile and here is just one.

I had tried to catch Mary for lunch, but her latest job kept her busy. And suddenly we had a date! She emailed a request to include Susan, and that was a bonus. Then a second request came: How about taking a sandwich to Susan’s home? She would furnish chips and drinks. Another plus! We oohed and aahed over Susan’s new home then enjoyed a three hour lunch! Great fun. We decided to meet once a month for a brown bag lunch and rotate homes. Then Mary’s sister moved to Dallas, and we asked her to join us. We became the Fabulous Foursome—at least that is what I called us because our lunches were so much fun and were very stimulating. I am sure we will meet again someday after Covid is under control, and we will remember and miss Mary.

—Carolyn Sime

If the old adage is true—that the definition of a well-lived life is leaving it better than you found it—Mary’s life is a true success story.  Having read the tributes to her, I sense that she touched every person in a way that enhanced them. I know it is true for me. Even though geography has kept us physically apart for the last three decades, Mary remains one of the most important people in my life. The word “partner” springs to mind—yes, certainly in the bookstore but beyond that as we shared birthdays, book discussions, memorable dinners and, at best, a common belief system—not only spiritual but in what is important in human relationships.

She deserved a good life, and I feel that she had that. With loving parents and sister, an extended family and friends who appreciated her many gifts, and most of all, a devoted husband and true partner in Tom.

—Mary Grey James 

I first met Mary when I moved to the French Quarter in 1972 and started volunteering at Logos bookstore. Besides being fun and brilliant she had a way of adopting you and including you with her life and friends that was very special. Such a giving person—Mary had a way of knowing your needs even before you did. I missed Mary and Tom so much when they left New Orleans.

Lots of good memories.

—Jackie Gamble

Mary was one of the most important people in my life. There wasn’t a day in my 41 years that I didn’t have her presence. She will be sorely missed.

Some memories:

1. Mary helped me plan my wedding. I remember sitting in her den putting together decorations and my wedding bouquet. Which is to say, she knew my color scheme. It was a May wedding so we went with white and lavender. On the day of the wedding, everyone else came in their pastels and spring florals but Mary showed up in a hot pink ensemble with lipstick to match. No pastels for Mary! She had such style and such an iron-clad sense of herself. She was always an individual and I loved that about her.

2. Mary taught me—or tried to teach me—all of the different handicrafts she learned from her aunts and grandmothers. She wasn’t just a hobbyist, she was truly an expert. I remember being in the front room of their house, when it used to be her sewing room, literally sitting at her feet as she showed me some technique for making something out of nothing. She was so patient and generous with her time and a remarkable teacher. Knitting is the craft that stuck for me and it was something we shared for many years. She was my favorite audience for anything I was making. It was one of the gifts she gave me that I treasure the most. 

3. Last year (before COVID hit), Mary and Tom offered to pick up our son from school and take him to music lessons once a week. Mary loved to take that time in the car to chat with Miles. From what I gather, they had lots of good conversations. Every Tuesday, my husband and I would receive a text full of compliments, questions and concerns from Mary about Miles based on whatever they had talked about in the car that day. She was so engaged with him and wanted him to be his best self. He was never shy about his own questions or opinions—very blunt, like Mary—and that amused her (and us). I looked forward to those texts every week. I’m so glad Miles has those memories of his own with Mary.

There are so many other memories. She was so good to me and my family. She was a friend to my husband and an active, loving presence in our son’s life. I have been so blessed to have Mary and Tom in my life. I miss her dearly and I always will.

—Rachel Holt

I met Mary through my husband Chris Key. I will always remember her for how thoughtful and generous she was. There was never a school play, choir program, book fair, birthday party, etc., that she missed—if the kids wanted her to come, she found a way to be there. She gave our kids so many opportunities to learn and to love learning. Wesley and Stephen spent so many summer days and weekends at Mary and Tom’s house playing board games, building crafts or exploring new hobbies.

She gave so much of her time and we will miss her so much. Every time I hear Wesley play the piano or Stephen play hockey I will think of Mary and how she inspired those gifts in our kids. She was an amazing friend, we loved her very much.

—Vicki Key

Mary was like a grandma to me I loved her very much. We would go to the movies all the time and we went to the Arboretum together. She always had fun to do at her house. She loved hockey just like me. I loved when she would come watch me play hockey. She came to all my birthdays and we played lots of games.

—Stephen Key

I remember when Mary came to my baptism and we had lots of fun. I have known her my whole life, she was like another grandma. She gave me a lot of opportunity like piano lessons, taking me to museums and musicals. We loved her a lot and we will miss making gingerbread houses with her.

—Wesley Key

Since “distance” and aging keep me from traveling, I really appreciated the Zoom connection that Mary initiated for our family this past year. It was a wonderful gift from a very caring sister-in-law.

—Elaine Klaasen

I couldn’t believe it when a mutual friend called about Mary on Tuesday, December 1st. I had an email from her the previous Saturday and while very ill, she sounded positive about her future. This friend and I have called, texted, cried, reminisced, and expressed how important Mary was in our lives. My best description of Mary is admired friend and challenging mentor. We shared a love of textiles and crafts. I always felt she challenged me and all of her friends to be better and do better, to set goals and make active plans to achieve those goals. One of the last things that Mary mentioned to me in September was that she wished she had done more for women. She was still setting goals that are now up to us to achieve in her honor.

—Judy Mortenson

Dr. Mary Klaasen was a lovely generous highly intelligent person whom I was so grateful to know as a neighbor and friend. She will be so missed by so many. Blessings to Tom.

—Joanne Thede

Four memories:

First: “Far” out in Matagorda Bay near Palacios, we were headed back to the Green’s residence when the weather turned windy. Mary was piloting our small boat as we bumped over the waves and I tried not to bounce too hard. We (Mary, Betty, Norman and I) were at jeopardy in my novice 15-year-old mind and I was lost, but not Mary as she guided us safely back to a distant shore. I was truly impressed and relieved. Today I relate Mary’s performance to that of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 when Abigail displayed good judgment, generosity, and common sense.

Second: Sydney gave Mary the car keys and asked her to take us to Palacios to pick up some items, probably groceries. Mary and I had June birth dates and both were 15. Norman was one year older and Betty one year younger. This was going to be an adventure! About halfway there Mary pulled over and asked Norm if he wanted to drive. He did. Then Mary asked Betty if she wanted to have a turn. To my amazement she drove well, which really made me uneasy because I knew who was next. Yes, Mary next asked me if I wanted to drive. I did not hesitate to let all know I would not be taking a turn. To my relief, Mary understood my reluctance and she drove the reminder of the trip. Mary, like the Biblical namesake of her mother, see Ruth 1:8, was kind. This kindness extended for as long as I knew her.

Third: Shortly after Lynn and I were married, Mary invited us to visit Tom and her at their New Orleans home, and we eagerly accepted. I don’t know the focus of Lynn and Mary’s conversation, but they both loved to quilt. I had a great time when Tom took the day off from his professor job at LSU and treated me to an all day salt water fishing trip. Then we came back to their home for Mary’s delicious home cooked meal. Like Nathaniel in John 1:47, Mary (and Tom) were “without guile—no deceit, no hypocrisy, no disguise, no trick.” They were just really good folks and we loved getting to know them in their comfortable married life.

Lastly: At the closing communion service at MacGregor Bible Chapel, Sydney Green led us to Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” I have no doubt about Mary’s salvation and faithful service. For our friend Mary, many good things took place when she met Jesus.

Mary was a beautiful woman in so many ways. We treasure memories of her and are thankful God put her in our lives.

—Phil & Lynn Davis

August 1960: I was standing behind her in the registration line at University of Houston. She introduced herself and immediately had questions for me. As we left she invited me to stop by her house to meet her parents and sister. That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted six decades.

Over the years we have shared the “ups and downs” of life, with phone calls, giggles, letters, cards, emails, and texts. Hardly a week went by that we did not exchange a short message about a “must read” book, or some art or fashion news. Two days before she died she sent me a text noting that Jill Biden needed a “dresser” to upgrade her “appearance” so that Mrs. Biden would “look” like the wife of our president! I assured her she need not worry, someone must be looking after that detail.

Mary was a dear friend. I will miss her loyalty, energy, kindness, generous spirit, honesty, and challenging mind. She was a gift to me and many others. I will miss her.

—Sue J. Brown

Mary was my first cousin—even with a 23-year age gap. Our moms were sisters. Even though we did not grow up together, my Aunt Ruth was my favorite aunt, so especially after I got married and had kids, and they moved to Dallas closer to me, we would get together a few times a year.

As a child my parents would take one vacation a year. A lot of times that involved going to see family—usually for my dad to do some handy work while we were there. One time was a trip to New Orleans. I was probably 10 or 11. Mary owned the Logos Bookstore in the French Quarter. I could walk the couple of blocks to catch the streetcar by myself and go to her store to “work.” I would dust, and be paid in either books or ice cream money.

I was introduced to so many new things that small town Corsicana did not have. I saw a Mardi Gras parade, caught plenty of beads and even saw Telly Savalas aka Kojak in a parade! I also saw my first drag queen which at the time was very eye opening. I did not walk to the ice cream shop by myself again. I always had an endless supply of books and for the past several years a subscription to monthly crossword puzzles.

The last 20 years or so we would get together around Christmas, meet up for dinner and Dallas Stars games, or games at their house. We shared a love of crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. I will certainly miss our Christmas dinners and game playing.

—Carolyn Phinney

I was Mary’s manicurist for many years so we had a lot of chat time during appointments. Unlike others I found she was interested in my life and family and often brought gifts of banana bread for my husband. Mary was not shy about how she wanted her treatments. Once she asked, “Am I going to have to buy you some new towels? These old ones are too thin and my feet are cold.” Needless to say, I bought new towels before her next appointment.

She was very special to me. I will miss her.

—Blanca Trevizo

Dear Friends of Mary,

I have been so lucky to have known Mary Klaasen.

For me, I am a recent friend as Louis and I moved back to Dallas after eight years in Fort Worth. It was a rather tumultuous move (as most are) into a new house in blazing hot July. We have now lived here five years, right behind the Klaasen’s—from garage to garage across the alley we gradually became more frequent visitors to each other’s homes. And lives.

My first encounter with Mary was a phone call asking if it would be alright if she brought over a peach pie to welcome us to the neighborhood. Would it be alright?? A warm, delicious homemade peach pie…

When I became ill last July, I’m pretty sure all the cold, fresh fruit she brought saved me.

And so, over the years we shared. We shared knitting, books we loved, and made each other laugh out loud. I know there will be so many stories of those who were touched by Mary. I am so glad I was one of them…and very, very grateful.

—Leigh Schultz

Mary was such a special person. She guided me through my stay in rehab last year. We shared so many interests—books, plants, politics, genealogy, jigsaw puzzles. I was so fortunate to have her as a friend.

—Barbara Gordon

Mary Klaasen, whom I knew for over 40 years, was one of the most important people in my life. She was my first mentor during seven of the 12 years I lived in New Orleans. In fact, many years later, on Mother’s Day, my pastor encouraged us to acknowledge a woman outside of our families who had a significant influence on our lives. It took me less than a minute to think of Mary and then to send her my love and gratitude in a letter.

Here are some memories:

I first met Mary when I interviewed her for a sociology class. I think the assignment was to interview a career woman. At the time, 1976, I didn’t know any women outside of a few female professors who had careers. A mutual friend connected me with Mary because she managed and was part owner of the Logos Bookstore in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

During the interview, Mary and I sat in her kitchen. I was nervous but within minutes Mary was co-leading the conversation. She was solid and grounded, yet she had high energy. I can only remember a few conversations in my life where I felt “high” afterwards, and this was one of them.

Continue reading “Confidence, Wisdom, Generosity” →

Dear Tom,

It was in the spring of 1973 when Naomi was baptized at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church with you and Mary agreeing to be her Godparents. This picture was taken by Margareta’s mother who came from Sweden for this occasion and has been shown in our living room now for many years.

We are forever grateful for your unfailing friendship all these years and pray for your strength in this most difficult of time. We miss Mary so very much.

With love,
Yutaca and Margareta

The last time Mary and I saw each other in person was March 8, 2018. We had gathered as a family to celebrate the life of our Aunt Ann, the last of her generation in our family.

All of us cousins returned to our lives, touching base at Christmas, until Mary served as the catalyst who brought us back together via Zoom on April of this year.

I am grateful she thought of it and to enable us all to share this year with her and each other.

Somehow it is fitting that books were at the center of our last visits on Zoom.

All of my love to Tom and all those whose lives Mary touched.

“…and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”

—Mary Kay Green

Growing up in a small town at the edge of civilization occasional visits by a seemingly endless host of relatives brought much color and entertainment to our lives. It helped that many of them told some pretty good stories. Knowing those aunts and uncles gave me a connection to the larger world. I learned we weren’t just hicks from the sticks. Our family had a history grounded in the red dirt of Smith County, Texas. We actually came from a specific place that was real. It is there still to this day. I loved to hear them talk. Among my living relatives there was for a time three aunts named Ruth and two named Mary. There was a curiously large number of distant cousins named Eunice. And until this week, I had two cousins named Mary. What once had seemed like an abundance of family turned out to have never been enough. Oh, how I want more time.

Mary and Tom were somewhat abstract to me when they came to live in Dallas. Tom was smart and taught something. Mary had a book store. That’s what I knew about them. Turned out they could not have been more real. Over three plus decades their gracious hospitality and Mary’s innate ability to organize and improve things greatly enriched the lives of many, many people including mine. It turned out Mary too had an appreciation for family history. We enjoyed referencing our dear grandmother of whom we shared happy memories. We traded family recipes. We both liked books. I hold pieces of their family furniture, which I cherish. Tom throughout the years proved to be patient, kind, and tolerant of the family he’d married into. For that and for his friendship, I am grateful. To adequately express the love and appreciation I feel for Mary would take an impossibly long time. And I don’t know where to start. So let me end by speaking for all those who love Mary. We are better people for having known her. My heart goes out to Tom and Betty and Lynn.

Memories of Mary

Earliest – I’m standing with David Looney on a dock at the bay and I’m in trouble. There is a boat floating freely and Mary is yelling at me to get in the water and secure the boat. I, terrified of jellyfish, found the courage to say, “No!” David to the rescue. The boat was saved. And I learned it was possible to say no to Mary and live to tell the story.

Later – In Dallas I’m riding in the backseat with Mary driving and Betty co-piloting. The radio is playing. I think to myself, please don’t let Mary ask me what’s the number one song in Dallas. Of course, she asked. And she never did she stop asking questions. Hers was an amazing thirst and capacity for information.

Later still – Uncle Sydney telling of the newlywed Mary turning in her credit card. That surrender for him brought home the fact that Mary was truly wedded, gone, and off the payroll.

Speaking for my late brother Jack who would want this story told – Mary in my hometown on a hot summer day suggested going into town to find an air-conditioned store to get away from the heat. Sadly, for Mary no such store existed for many, many miles.

—Ken Dingler, a cousin