A Mother’s Day Tribute to Aunt Mary
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A Rose from Aunt Mary’s garden that graced the podium in Church |
Last weekend, those privileged to be part of Aunt Mary’s heritage packed the center aisle of the church in which Hubby’s aunt had been involved for more than 30 years. Bound closely together by her love, we all processed down the aisle where her footsteps had entered every morning for daily Mass. Her children, 5 still living, and their spouses led the honor walk to the front of the church. Grandchildren and great grandchildren stepped respectfully and filled the aisle as nieces and nephews closed the distance from the back.
With strains of “On Eagle’s Wings” carrying us along, we dabbed at tear-stained cheeks as treasured moments from the past with Aunt Mary flickered through our minds. Aunt Mary’s love, her faith, devotion to helping others, and her hard work touched the lives of all those around her. She had a great sense of humor and a way of letting go of hurts that made everyone feel loved and cared about.
Aunt Mary was a Proverbs 31 woman:
“Her husband trusts her without reserve and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.” vs 11,12 The Message.
Uncle Dick, her husband, who preceded her in passing from this earthly home into the next, always treasured Aunt Mary.
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Aunt Mary and Uncle Dick at her 80th Birthday |
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We were all much younger! |
“She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day…
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, (Aunt Mary dressed for church–then worked) rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to the poor…” The Message, parentheses mine
Aunt Mary was involved in making sandwiches for the homeless and bringing them to the downtown cathedral where they would be distributed. Her faith led her works in many other areas as well.
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Aunt Mary and our Oldest–almost 30 years ago |
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Aunt Mary and Our Youngest 2003 |
“She keeps an eye on everyone in her household and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: ‘Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!’…
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves!
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Aunt Mary and her family |
On this Mother’s Day, we know she is enjoying the face of her Lord, dancing in His presence, and hearing “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Festoon her life with praises!”verses from Proverbs 31, The Message
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Aunt Mary’s 90th Birthday |
Her family, her heritage, sung the praises of her life in a special way for two days. But we will sing her praises all of our lives.
Hubby quoted Oswald Chambers when he spoke briefly at her funeral Mass:
“Let the attitude of your life be a continual willingness to ‘go out’ in dependence upon God, and your life will have a sacred and inexpressible charm about it that is very satisfying to Jesus.”
That was our Aunt Mary~
As a tribute, I am reposting her recipe for Enchiladas–the best! along with a short tale I included about learning Aunt Mary’s techniques.
I tucked him in the baby car seat, snuggled in a warm blanket on a chilly fall night. We were making the trek from the San Fernando Valley to the Los Angeles International Airport area about 25 miles away. Hubby’s Aunt Mary was making enchiladas and had invited us for dinner. Even better, she was going to teach me how to make this family’s most requested dish for the holidays.
Hubby was away on business so just little one, my mother, and I traveled the miles with anticipation. Warm hugs and smiles greeted us upon arrival. I stretched out little one’s blanket, laid him down under Grandma’s watchful eye, and headed to the kitchen for my premier cooking lesson.
Twenty-seven years later, Aunt Mary’s enchiladas top our family’s request list, especially if we have guests.
Sharing the recipe with you, although the kids (young men) feel as if I’m givin’ away the family jewels!
Dip the tortilla into the oil to oat it on each side (30 seconds on a side). Hold it against the inside of the frying pan to drain. Dip into the sauce briefly (don’t soak it or it will fall apart) and slide it to the side of the pan.
Linking with Spiritual Sundays, Scripture and a Snapshot, and Food on Fridays

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I’m so sorry for your loss, Janis, but rejoicing with you that Aunt Mary is home! A happy Mother’s Day to you, sweet friend.
Thank you, Laura. Aunt Mary left such a legacy of love behind, there is much rejoicing that she is at last at home with the Lord.
A wonderful post! Aunt Mary sounds like she was a lovely lady indeed. I will eagerly look forward to meeting her someday – IRLIH (In Real Life In Heaven!!)
I’m so glad I stopped by today – a heartwarming story, special photos, and some food!! YUM, YUM!
Hope you’re having a wonderful Mom’s Day!
GOD BLESS!
Thanks, Sharon. Aunt Mary was wonderful and such a blessing in my life! Glad you stopped by. And when you come to Arizona, I’ll make some of her enchiladas.
Happy Mother’s Day, Friend,
Janis
Hi Janis,
Wonderful, heart warming post, thank you for sharing.