Author: josh

Mary was one of those rare individuals who influenced and nurtured many people she came in contact with. For me, she encouraged me to stretch myself in reading a wide variety of novels, biographies and autobiographies. For several years we attended a SMU program that met at Maggiano’s for lunch and then we listened to a book review. We worked on quilting projects, one of them was making quilts for newborns in the NICU at Parkland. We loved playing bridge, book club, sharing wonderful recipes, Christmas brunches at Neiman Marcus, birthday dinners with Ralph Disch and my Dad and going to the theater.

She had a wealth of knowledge that I could always tap into. She encouraged me to delve deeper into everything. When reading a book, look up on a map where the story is located and learn about the author. She never did anything half way.

I hosted two viewing parties for the royal weddings. Several of us got together at 4:00 a.m. to share in the excitement of all the festivities. We had scones and wore hats and fascinators to enhance the experience. Because Mary had lived in London, she had wonderful tidbits to share.

Whenever I came back from being out of town, Mary and Tom would have a few essentials in the refrigerator for me and they would prepare a small meal so I wouldn’t need to worry about anything. Her generosity and kindness will be remembered.

—Ginny Lydick

The first thing I remember thinking about Mary when she joined our book club was that she was really going to class up our act. She had such a regal presence. She could easily have been one of the Royals of which she was so fond.

The second thing was that she elevated our selections. When the discussion deteriorated to silly banter, she got a look. Like having a university professor give you that stare for a ridiculous answer.

Mary, thank you for your wonderful patience with us and your uplifting friendship. You are so missed.

—Beth Mentzer

Not long after we went to hear Melinda Gates when she spoke at in Dallas for Arts and Letters live Mary and I had one of our long and interesting conversations about the importance of Melinda’s visit and her book tour for young women. We bemoaned the fact that we had done almost everything we had known to do short of becoming real activists to foster the independence and enlightened thinking of the women in our circles and wondered how in the world we had gotten to this place in 2019 where so much seemed to be retreating to the 60’s norms and standards. Her intelligence, her understanding of the politics of power, her genuine interest in people but especially young women are just a few of the reasons I was drawn to Mary and came to love her.

We must have touched on hundreds of philosophical and psychological topics as we walked together every morning for years. She would come to my house one day and I would go to hers the next to walk at 6:00 am. We became very close over the many miles we walked and I probably told her all my secrets. She listened non-judgmentally and I never felt criticized by her. Don’t get me wrong. Mary was never shy about sharing her opinions and she had lots of opinions.

I admired her for her intellect, her strength and forcefulness, her Southern hospitality, the warmth of her home, her business acumen, her math and computer skills and her manicure. I loved that I could talk to her about books and authors I loved, about women’s rights, or about recipes. She always knew something about every topic. She drew one in and included people and I admired that about her and loved that in her. She was the friend you were always glad you had and I will miss her.

—Dr. Susan Gwaltney

I have many wonderful memories of Mary but the most poignant one was when she stayed by me to get through the passing of my father, known as “Rocky.”

I was too late to be with Rocky at a rehab facility and missed his passing. I called Mary to let her know that Rocky had past and she came right away to help me. I called the funeral home and they came to take him to the funeral home. It was an ordeal and Mary helped me with every step.

She even stayed with me at the Funeral Home as I went through the never-ending paperwork. I don’t remember who made dinner, Mary or Tom or both, but they fed me and we reminisced about Rocky around the kitchen table. Without Mary’s “Force of Nature” I wouldn’t have made it through that time.

I will treasure all of the memories of our fabulous Thanksgiving dinners that we had at Mary and Tom’s home. We had so much fun with the games we played around the table after too much pie!

I will say I did envy her amazing ability to sew the most beautiful pieces of art.

What an extraordinary woman who could do it all!

With loving thoughts,
Sharon Kimberley