Robert Flynn Mclaughlin
Auntie Mame, that's what I called her. She was my Aunt, my father's sister. I'm now 51, but childhood Christmases are fresh in my memory, when she would bring SO MANY - a Volkswagon Scirocco full of - wonderful presents to our house, and my grandparents' (her parents') house. Greg, you are so right, Auntie Mame was strong willed - in a good way, and always positive, and set a great example for me. She, her parents, and my father loved each other very much and shared a deep, close bond.
I was lucky enough to spend Christmas with Mary and Shila in Baltimore in about 2000, when they were caring for Mary's 98 year old father (my grandfather, an amazing man, even at 98) in their home. As my father might say, that's the Lord's work, taking care of an elderly parent!
I didn't marry or have kids until my 40's, and it was an honor having Mary and Shila attend my wedding. Then, about five years later (20I6?) I was able to introduce my son and daughter to her at her home on the beach in Delaware. She gave them stuffed animals - which they still sleep with :) - and cold war paraphernalia that She and Shila had brought back from Russia.
Mary was one of those people with so much experience and knowledge, that you just wanted to get her talking and hear her opinions. Grew up in a military family during WWII, spent formative years in Japan, equestrian, summers in the north woods of Wisconsin, Georgetown School of Foreign Service Grad, nurse, health care system expert, world traveler, partner, friend, on and on.
Auntie Mame, you were intelligent, fiercely independent, and lived a rich and interesting life. You lived life well.
Love, your nephew Flynn