To the members of the family, many of whom I got to meet in person, and Mary's friends, I am sorry about Mary's illness and passing. Mary and I were at City University in London in the end of the 70s. We were in the same dorm (nobody shared rooms). The ground floor had a bar. This was amazing news to the USA students who came over for a year. Mary, Lourdes R (on the same 1-year scheme) and I hung out, as one does, in "Northampton Hall".  Lourdes was a big fan of punk music. In our youth we explored an Iggy Pop gig, buying vamp style lace-up black velvet shoes in Camden Market, amongst other things. At the time the $ £ exchange rate was harsh for the American students, so we made our own entertainment at times. Lourdes liked a guy who was keen on karate, so she signed up. At well under 5 foot tall, it was hard for Lourdes not to get the worse end of any tuition. The three of us laughed a lot about that the karate lessons. When the year ended we all kept in touch.  I visited the USA and stayed with Sue and Mary at their apartment. Mary took me to the office of the congress member she worked for, and I was allowed to sit at his desk, and play for the team in baseball matches on the lawn. I was terrible, she was considered to be a good pitcher.  It was the year that Diana and Charles got married, so we all got up early to watch the wedding. Over the years we stayed in touch a lot, seeing and staying with each other when Mary came to this side of the pond, and when we popped over. I really liked talking about politics and history with her.  

One time Mary contacted me to say that a party of three USA students in Spain wanted to come to London for the weekend and stay with us. One was a nephew. I took them all to a famous art gallery which was quite small, but had several significant pieces including a Rembrandt.  Being a small museum, the security was on the low side. One of the group was so in awe of a painting, that she touched the surface, almost petting it like a cat. The rest of us gasped and told her to stop. They were worried that before long they would be arrested for damaging the painting. Luckily the episode did not reach the attention of the security team. We made a fast exit. Three of the four of were in shock. I remember telling Mary the story and hardly able to keep the sentence going, with us both laughing so much.

A wonderful, clever and loving friend - who could possibly forget you?

Nancy, Pat and Joe and the entire  Geraghty family,  I’m extending my  condolences for your loss.  Mary was deeply devoted to her family and friends.    She showed this her entire life.  Mary …your generous nature, your adventurous spirit and curiosity to see the world , your wonderful laugh and smile that was infectious , your storytelling and gift of gab(even though we were both too afraid to kiss the Blarney Stone), the way you gave everyone nicknames, etc.   You were so brave!!

Mary was the great connector of people.  I know my life was forever changed in 1980 meeting you at MWC.  Thank you for our travels, our long phone calls, ,your words of wisdom, the support  you provided with my mom and Mike, and being in the lives of Casie, Chris and Kevin  over the years.  I love you as a sister.  My heart is broken.  But I promised you to have more adventures.  So I will think of you as I climb the mountains and trails of this beautiful Earth.  

 Until we meet again.  I celebrate that you are at peace and reconnected with sweet Susie, and your amazing parents Joe and Mary.

Sue

Mi hai regalato sorrisi, leggerezza e quella gentilezza rara che resta nel cuore. È stato bello conoscerti, con quel sorriso dolce e quegli occhi così profondi: mi mancherai Mary, ma il tuo spirito allegro e la tua risata speciale non verranno mai dimenticati.

You gave me smiles, lightness, and that rare kindness that stays in the heart. It was a joy to know you, with your sweet smile and those deep, soulful eyes. I will miss you, Mary, but your cheerful spirit and your gentle laughter will never be forgotten.