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