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