Tribute to Steve's Aunt Mary

Steve's Aunt Mary passed away this week at the age of 86. This is our tribute to her - a gentle, wise and caring person who exhibited the fruit of the Spirit.

While I don’t remember the first time we met, I can only guess it was when you and Grandma N. stopped by the hospital in Elkhart to visit the latest arrival in the family. During my earliest years, you helped care for us as you did my other siblings when they came along as well. You were the one that collected the grade school papers and artifacts that others might have disposed of and sent us post cards from Chicago while you were on study leave there.

You came to our house quite often, but visiting your place was an unusual treat partly because of the challenges of getting the group of us corralled, cleaned up and put in the car and partly because there were so many unique things to explore at yours. You took us places that were special and it was special just to spend that time with you.

When you were at our house, there was always a clamor around the supper table as to who got to sit beside Grandma and Mary. Fortunately between the two of you, you had four sides and the majority of the demand was satisfied. Once you even crawled under the table so you could say you experienced what we did to make a quick escape from the corner nook.

After Grandma retired, you drove her to Elkhart 2-3 times a week, where she spent the day and then came back for the evenings events. I am sure it was a challenge to spend that much time on the road. Gas was 35 cents a gallon and US 33 was a long stretch of farm land, but you never complained.

We remember the many times you gave of yourself to the family by working in the garden, helping with homework, typing papers, snapping beans, playing games, encouraging, reading books, giving your time, donations and support and living a life of integrity and love for God and others.

You always had high expectations for us, but you never pressured us. You helped us through the tough patches by believing in us and reminding us that we could do it. You planted the seeds of the love of learning and watered them.

It is with much love and appreciation that we think of you now, hoping that we can be of the same encouragement to others.


Mary is on the left with Steve's Mom on the right.