When stripped away of all her jewels and pretty clothes Mary never looked more beautiful to me than when I saw her for the last time. She was one of the sweetest souls I have ever had the privilege to know. She touched the hearts of every person she encountered here at Weeks. It has been such a joy for me to hear everyone’s memories of her as each person makes their way back to her desk. Some stand in silence and some shed a tear but however it comes out we are all in agreement, we will miss this wonderful lady. My dad is starting to slowly clean off her desk that is full of little trinkets that were given to her by many of you. Little stuffed Koala bears, vases that held many flowers over the years, her whip that kept all of us in line, old cards, and her little bird mug that held countless cups of coffee that I think every one of us had filled up for her at one point or another.

She was such an amazing example of strength and grace. When I think of her the first word that comes to my mind is balance. This is something that many people strive for but few ever achieve. Yet for Mary, it was an innate ability and gift given to her by God. She was a woman that was respected by women as well as men. She knew who she was and made no apologies for it yet was in no way offensive. She never had more than one cookie or one glass of wine, everything was in moderation.

And she was a woman that was strong and assertive yet remained feminine. She taught us how to value our work and not neglect our relationships. She was an amazing listener, never forcing her opinions but letting everyone be themselves.

We have lost a co-worker, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. But she is one who is not easily forgotten. We will keep her memory strong in the stories we tell and the things we have learned by her example.

Mary Edith Thompson

May 23, 1907 – April 5, 2009