Thursday, September 8, 2011
Mary was someone that had a great influence on me a long time ago. I started working at O.D. Heck in the repite program in 1975 and not having any parent figure, she was both a great help in my personal life and a great mentor for my very first time working with developmentaly disabled people and their families. She was a friend, teacher and co-worker to me until her (2nd) retirement. As I haven't seen her since then, it's wonderful to her that happy face in the picture you posted. I was there when Fred had his stroke and when her forst grandchild was born, shared lived for a time I guess. But the most important things she taught me were how to deal respectfully and with kindness always, when dealing with the families we worked with. I am still working atO.D, Heck, in recreation and there are some families I'm sure and staff (fewer) that will remember Mary's wonderful gentle words and touch. You were lucky to have her as a mother, wife, grandmother, etc, etc. As everyone was lucky that knew and interacted with Mary for any length of time. My sincere condolences to you all. Ellen Snyder
