Mary helped me when I was at the lowest part of my life. Mary was an angel on earth! ❤️🌹😇

I only got to meet Mary once but felt as though I already knew her through Diane. I was lucky enough to enjoy lunch with her at Avila Beach, accompanied by her devoted daughter Diane and two other dear friends, Julie and Martha.  She was a very special woman; her legacy will continue through Diane, Craig and Jamie. Sending love to all of you. 

This shout out is not for Mary, you all knew and loved her, as did I. Instead I want to acknowledge DIANE, she was the one who kept this lovely lady alive for as long as she did, after getting cancer.  Diane, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking such good care of your mama. Your food is outstanding and quite the testament to what excellent nutrition and love can do for a person. Mary lived quite well after surviving what cancer could not. My hat is off to you sweet sister, you have gained one of the best guides there ever will be. She WAS quite the way shower.  Mary J, touching that white light, the Rodriguez women love you fiercely and will never forget that last hurrah with both you and Kevin. Spirit willing we'll go around again, but next time I get to be the thin one!! XOXO 

Mary was a beautiful soul both inside and out.  I met her here in Ajijic shortly after her arrival and at the very beginning of the Covid fear and isolation. She lived just a few houses down the same street I did.

I met her when she donated a very substantial sum (several times) to a project that Bobby Snyder; a local restauranteur and raconteur had put together to provide hot meals to impoverished families (150 people) just east of Chapala as Covid had closed the factories and put all out of work. There is no safety net here in Mexico.

During these first few weeks of isolation Mary and I spent quite a bit of time getting to know each other.  We'd spend hours on her terrace just expounding on life. She was a bright, lively lady who also carried quite a bit of sadness for her recently departed son; Kevin.

Although in isolation in a new home, town and country, she reveled in her garden, her birds, and her cat. She showed no boundaries in her efforts to help others, always anonymously.  She will be greatly missed. The world is a little less bright with her passing.

A favorite memory is when Walt and I spent part of an afternoon with Mary. Mary and I enjoyed some Lambrusco wine and dark chocolate.  Her warmth and smile always brought us joy.