It was 30 years ago that I first met Mary Lou.  I was in new employee coming into a very new and different environment – the very staid and elegant New York Chamber of Commerce.  I had all of the apprehensions that one has on their first day.  Often folks say that it takes a really long time to feel at “home” in a new workplace.  Not true for me on that first day because there I met Mary Lou with that big smile, in her “mama mode” taking care of the latest addition to the group.  By the end of the day I knew I was ok and this would be a good home.  And it was true because wherever Mary Lou and I worked together she carried that feeling of being at “home” with her.

Over these years Mary Lou and I have shared lots of laughs, some tears and a few fancy words.   Unprintable here!  She was friend, counselor and master teacher for all of us.   A sister……

As will happen, along the way I learned interesting tidbits about Mary Lou.  I offer just a few.

Did You Know?

Mary Lou was a history buff - she told me that she loved the Civil War history.

She was interested in the supernatural - we talked about spirits and Ouija boards and such

Napkins make really note pads.  They were Mary Lou’s “post-its”.   She used them for writing down phone numbers, taking notes and reminders etc.

One of her favorite sayings was “not for nothing.”   This was a signal that you needed to listen- up for what was going to follow that phrase.

When Mary Lou’s cheeks were red somebody had better step back.  That somebody was in trouble.

Mary Lou did not operate on clock time.  Her time was measured in relationships and keeping them.  Time was spent in making sure that the job was done - done well - whenever and however long it took. 

Piles: Mary Lou’s little mounds of paper and desk top stuff.  Folks reacted differently to the piles. Some were astounded; others frustrated and just wanted them to disappear.  Some folks were tickled and wondered what treasures might be found in the mound. I confess, I belong to the latter group because I am also a member of that peculiar club. 

 Mary Lou and I had an exit plan.  Whenever we were unhappy, really unhappy, about something we mused about the coffee and doughnut stand we were going to erect on some corner where there were no computers or phones and where people spent less than a minute with you.

And, if you did not know it, Mary Lou’s heart beat for all of us and her lovely hands toiled for us.

So, just as, Mary Lou and I have been sojourned in this life, I expect and look forward to continuing our journey in the next.  

Mary Lou for me was the "oak tree" for FWI--that solid tree that never wavered and stood her ground and defended the less extroverted and calmed the over zealous.  She always made time for me, whether it was idle time at the airport waiting for the next flight or just sharing my test results on my cancer check-ups--she emailed me in the waiting rooms waiting anxiously for my results, telling me it was all going to be fine.  Mary Lou listened no matter how busy she was or whether she was on hold for Car 78 to get Margaret to her next destination or to ensure Margaret signed our expense checks.  She was the mothership for all of us.  I am so honored to have been one of her many who she cared about and loved.  Our world will be void of the wonderful love and concern she brought to all of us.  Thank you Mary Lou for living with such grace and grit and for being the friend I will cherish the rest of my days on this earth.  Until we meet again...With Love..The very thought of you....fills my heart and soul.

Nancy J. Di Dia, Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corp