I remember Mary as friendly, fun and feisty at Lowell, but really only saw her in class and occasionally at lunch. I got to know her a lot better after High School graduation, when she moved into a big 2-room flat in Noe Valley with Karen Dean and Nora Lee as roommates. She was dating Al Newman at the time as well. Despite her usually outgoing personality, there was a lot going on behind those lively eyes that she didn't share, part of which may have been a heavy burden that she was carrying. My memory is a little unclear on the exact details, but I learned that when she was a kid, a fire broke out at her home. She was able to rescue a younger sister, but despite her heroic efforts she was unable to save her little brother.
When I learned (in the Alumni newsletter, I think) in early 1996, that she had died while in San Diego less than 30 miles from where I lived at the time, I was doubly saddened. I tried to find out the circumstances, but was unsuccessful. I guess I wanted to know that she had a loved one, a friend, or at least a business associate with her so that she didn't have to make her transition totally alone in a strange city. And--magical/wishful thinking I know--but I wish I could have been there for her at her time of need. But I like to think her little brother was there waiting for her on the "other side" with open arms and a big smile!
Ken Carter (1968)
I remember Mary as friendly, fun and feisty at Lowell, but really only saw her in class and occasionally at lunch. I got to know her a lot better after High School graduation, when she moved into a big 2-room flat in Noe Valley with Karen Dean and Nora Lee as roommates. She was dating Al Newman at the time as well. Despite her usually outgoing personality, there was a lot going on behind those lively eyes that she didn't share, part of which may have been a heavy burden that she was carrying. My memory is a little unclear on the exact details, but I learned that when she was a kid, a fire broke out at her home. She was able to rescue a younger sister, but despite her heroic efforts she was unable to save her little brother.
When I learned (in the Alumni newsletter, I think) in early 1996, that she had died while in San Diego less than 30 miles from where I lived at the time, I was doubly saddened. I tried to find out the circumstances, but was unsuccessful. I guess I wanted to know that she had a loved one, a friend, or at least a business associate with her so that she didn't have to make her transition totally alone in a strange city. And--magical/wishful thinking I know--but I wish I could have been there for her at her time of need. But I like to think her little brother was there waiting for her on the "other side" with open arms and a big smile!
Raoul Gruenberg (1969)
Raoul Gruenberg (1969)
[Mary Frances Andrews]