When I graduated from high school, I didn't bother to reserve a cap and gown ($10 fee was more than I wanted to ask my mother to pay). It was Ward and Marylee that stepped up and said, "this is something to celebrate".  They took me out to a restaurant for dinner and even ordered me a Mai Thai (it was probably a virgin Mai Thai). I got to keep the Tiki glass and treasured it for many years. 

For me they were my "rich" relatives.  Now I know that what made them rich was their warmth, their generosity and their strong sense that life was something to celebrate.

Marylee was always ready to step-up.  When I casually mentioned how I liked camping but by husband didn't she said, "I'll go with you".  We planned a trip with my then 2-year-old son, an old tent that was a challenge to put up and had a wonderful time.

Marylee was a strong woman and a mentor.  I feel lucky to have had her in my life.

When I was a kid, Grandma MaryLee would pick me up from school and watch me for a few hours until my parents were done with work. So I saw her almost every day. I remember long walks, parks, pools, bird-watching, hide-and-go-seek, classical music, and poetry books. When I would stay overnight, she would pull blankets out of the black dragon chest and make up the pull-out bed. We would whisper into what felt like very late in the night. Everything that comes out of that chest has a very distinctive smell, and to this day, that smell sends me careening into those childhood memories of whispered stories and sleep-overs with Grandma.

She was an extra-special grandma, and I miss her dearly. I am so grateful that my children got to meet her. In so many ways, I feel like she hung around just to meet them.

Marylee was one of my favorite people! I always enjoyed our time together. She was such a kind, caring and fun person. I miss her and Ward! They were both very special.