I remember how much Mary valued her friends and her kids friends..as a friend of her son James..Jim to me..I always felt welcome at her house and she would laugh with us and converse with us making me feel a part of the family...I was always treated like a son in that house....I loved her laugh , it was real and hearty and full of life.. she would always ask how I was doing and had genuine concern for my well being...and always made sure I had snacks and a drink when I was around....I felt blessed to be part of her and her husband Joes life and had the opportunity to get to know the family ...all the Shipps family are wonderful people and I am better for knowing them...It was truly a blessing for me.
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I have just sadly learned of Mary's death. She was one of my best friends at CCHS from where we graduated in 1959. Here are a couple of memorable highlights: The summer after high school we planned a trip to Europe, but at the last minute it fell through. She let me select her in the role of Antigone when I directed the community theatre production in Fort Wayne in the early '60's. Who knew she could act!! She roomed with me in Boulder the fateful summer of 1966 where we both met our future husbands! Life has a way of separating you when you are not living close to one another, so we haven't been in physical or verbal contact for a number of years. Today I was preparing to send her a Christmas card and something told me to check her Facebook page where I saw this obituary. I will always remember her with great fondness!
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Mary and I are cousins. We barely knew each other growing up given our age differences. It was when my husband and I moved to Colorado, that we got to know her and her lovely family. It was comforting to have a blood relative near by. She and Joe welcomed us.
Mary reminded me of her mom—my aunt Celeste; sincerely happy to see us and interested in a catch up. As years passed, our visits were twice a year lunches- once during the holidays and once in summer. Jon always wanted to go, he enjoyed her energy too. Over time those meet ups morphed into phone calls. But they remained positive and newsy.
Our conversations - often shifted to what lay beyond death and other spiritual mysteries. I can’t remember a single detail, only that we knew there was more. I loved those conversations.
Mary was very proud of her children and cherished her baby sitting years with the grandkids. She was a wonderful woman.
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Mary truly touched my life. She came to my water aerobics class when I was teaching at the rec center. She will certainly be missed. -Sharon Ehrgott
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I am so saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. She was always such a light at Rock Ridge Elementary. The library is the hub of an elementary school. Mary loved being our librarian. She was filled with passion as she passed her knowledge and love of books to all of the students. Mary made everyone who entered excited to read. As staff, students, and volunteers walked into the library, she’d be genuinely happy to see all and you were greatly with a hearty welcoming greeting and smile. I’ve thought of Mary often over the years. We discovered, through FB, that I was working with Nancy Bluhm, whom she is related to. Such a small world and made my connection with Mary continue through the years. To all her family; I send my condolences. She will be greatly missed.
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Mrs. Shipps was my elementary school librarian at Plum Creek Elementary. I always loved her kind, funny nature, and listening to her read. She taught me to love books and literacy and contributed to my future career in education. My deepest sympathies for her family and friends. ❤️
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James, I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She was such a kind and wonderful lady. I am keeping you and the kids in my thoughts, and I am here if you need anything.
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