Thinking of Mary today. We spent a great day with her riding horses and moving cattle on our ranch. ❤️
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I have no pictures to share but I have vivid memories in my heart of the times we spent together as roommates in nursing school in Omaha. I couldn't believe a free spirit like Mary would want me to room with her; she brought out the best in me. We attended our pinning and were tasked to remember Florence Nightingale and her dedication to nursing. Our pin represented all who came before us, etc, etc. So following the solemn ceremony Mary pinned it on as a brooch (me, likewise) and we went out to toast our future in places other than patient care facilities. I'm sure Florence has forgiven us by now. Mary and I kept in touch ever since graduation in 1971--I got married--she was my bridesmaid--then she moved on and upwards. (David, you fit in here!) I stayed in Nebraska but every year she called me in December and we shared our life stories, our birthdays 9 days apart. One summer morning Mary and Yago came to visit in her old Mercedes on her way back west. She asked to take my daughter Sarah, ten years old with her to experience her world and promised to have her back home before school started. My free spirit had waned and I so regret not letting her go!
I remember Mary's phone calls when she told me about her cancer, and her fight and winning that battle! Then her calls and jubilation at her pregnancy! (We'd cry on the phone as she gave herself shots.) She called triumphantly at Schoen's birth. Then her joy at Jorie's birth!
Last time I saw her...David and Mary stopped in Kearney (going to Sarah's parent's home) and we laughed and reminisced. Mary last called me in January and David's daily updates through her battle show the love and support with which she has been blessed. Prayers to comfort Mary's loved ones continue. She fought the good fight and gave it her all. She wanted to go home and she won when God took her there. I know she feels the warm sun and breezes and she walks easily and is light and free! Her love remains!
May Mary's room in God's mansion be close to mine so we can bake those warm gooey chocolate chip cookies together and share them....now that's heavenly!
4
2016, Calgary, AB, Canada
David and Mary at our wedding
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I thank God for the privilege of knowing Mary Hodges. Her determined spirit to love and fight for her family and life was an inspiration to witness. Welcoming and accepting our daughter Sarah into her family will always be remembered and appreciated by her brother Luke, Ann and I. The shared moments at Sylvan Lake and the birth celebrations of our granddaughter Jorie Reid Hodges brought Mary’s warm smile and joy. I will always hold these close to my heart in my memories of her.
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Mary was always very kind to me. She and David both embraced me into their family as Sarah's brother early on, even before Schoen and Sarah got married. They treated me with great respect, kindness, and love. Like one of their own children. I am forever grateful for that. Mary will be deeply missed. She had a loving spirit, a wonderful laugh, and a warm smile. I am thankful for the memories we were able to share together.
David and Schoen, I wish you peace and comfort during this time of healing. Reflect on all of the great memories, and be proud of the love you gave to your wife and mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love ❤️
Luke
5
2012, Priddis, AB, Canada
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Funny, not so funny, story of my first time meeting Mary…We were invited to Davenport for Christmas to meet Schoen’s parents, when he and Sarah were dating. We were greeted with hugs, food, and great hospitality. THEN…I decided to walk outside (in the dark) to the studio. Needless to say, it wasn’t a good choice. I tripped and fell on my eye socket. I made it back to the house and I knew it wasn’t good. Mary went into full nurse emergency mode. After calling Drs., etc, they put me in the car and Schoen drove “quickly” to Stanford hospital. I ended up with a concussion and an orbital fracture. Mary stayed with me the whole time in ER, along with Schoen, my husband and 2 children. David held down the fort. Mary was so kind, loving, and generous. I’m sure she was a wonderful nurse. While it did cut our trip short, I knew my daughter would be loved by this family. ❤️
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We looked forward to Mary and David's trips north to Alberta in the summer. Spending family time in the Rockies holds such special memories with one summer riding our bikes around Canmore...Mary had her ebike that year, it was hard to keep up with her.
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Canmore, AB, Canada
— with
Mary, Ed, Verna with Chester
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Very nice words and memories for a special girl. So happy I got to meet her first in Hawaii..good memories. The ocean will always remind me of her. Big hugs to you guys.
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