By Marcy
Recently, I spent a lovely afternoon chatting with fellow International Neighbors member, Mary S. Mary joined IN in 1989, and it became a life changing experience for her. Born in 1925, she grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Her late teenage years coincided with the last years of World War II. Mary worked for the Navy and aspired to be a member of the WAVES, Women Accepted For Volunteer Emergency Service. She met her husband while he was serving on a commission for the Navy. After they married, her husband gave up his commission and the young family moved to Midland where he began working with Dow Chemical. During these years Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. She and her husband lived in Hong Kong for a few years and enjoyed extensive international travel. Mary loved the international character of her husband’s work. He retired in 1989 whereupon they moved to Ann Arbor. Seeking guidance from the Center for the Education of Women for pursuing new interests there, it was suggested to her that she might enjoy membership in the women’s organization, International Neighbors, and so began her long, happy association with IN. Mary joined the Ann Arbor Woods Tea Group making many new and wonderful friends and especially close among those have been her friends, Veena and Homa.
Friends Veena, Mary and Nicole
Mary, Shirley and Hildegard
Mary talked about the changes she has seen in women’s lives as they have become more educated and had their own careers. She recalled a favorite poem that compared friendships to threads in a tapestry. We want to treasure those friends and never lose the tapestry. Regardless of our backgrounds, we all want the same thing - a chance to find happiness and success in life. Thanks so much for sharing some of your life experiences and your beautiful perspective with me, Mary!
Mary is standing with her left arm embracing Ernestina