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MaryPoshka |
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Mary 1997 |
Mary, JP and Philip |
Mary was a quieter member of OBOD and not active on the NOBOD e-lists. She and her husband, JP, organized the first North American Summer Camp for members of OBOD. That’s where I met her and came to know her.
Mary was the heart of our camps, the nurturing ‘Camp Mother’ who met our needs in quiet unobstrusive ways. Mary didn’t run the camps or organize our day - she left that to others! Mary made sure everyone had food, frequently provided soup for all, especially those who had just arrived after a long ride or flight. She watched to see who JP and others might help with setting up tents, or other practical problems. She was a warm and caring but always in the background. I spent many hours just chatting with her and enjoying her quiet wisdom and peaceful serenity. Mary was fun too! It took us awhile, but we finally convinced her that the hot tub club was fun! After the first time she became a regular!
She created a warm family feeling at our North American Summer Camps, and a home where we could crash and dry out after a big storm! I think we nearly wore her drier out with all our wet sleeping bags!
I was a frequent guest at her home as several of us gathered to celebrate the Festivals that mark the turning year. Mary set up beautiful meaningful altars, and overfed us all afterwards! I enjoyed sitting in her cozy livingroom, filled with quilt samplers and the beautiful cobalt glass she loved to collect. Mary was the consummate hostess!
Mary worked as a librarian and archivist. She was a talented author and historian. She wrote one book on the history of the Chautauqua area, and was in the process of authoring another book on the outstanding local women of a past century.
One of the saddest days of my life was attending her funeral and mourning that this talented young woman was gone. I miss her warmth and loving support.
Donata 2003
Pictures from North American Summer Camps