Growing up all of us loved going to Aunt Mary's and Uncle Franks, mostly because it was the only place we ever had food like tacos and junk food. It all seemed exotic at the time. Also because we always knew it was a happy place and we'd be loved unconditionally.

Many years later I went through one of the hardest weeks of my life. Both my husband and I lost our jobs in the same week. I had three young children and my marraige was quite strained and really felt as if I would fall apart. With no other family to turn to I talked to Aunt Mary and she said come out there for a few days. So I packed up the kids and she got us a hotel room in Park Forest for a few nights. Over those few days, with Dan there as well we ate and swam and talked and laughed. It was exactly what I needed and she knew that. On the last day I recieved a call that I was offered a job and we drove back to Minnesota feeling whole and loved.

I will never forget those few days and can only hope I have the same impact in the future in someones life. I've misssed you for a while now Aunt Mary and I'm sure I always will.

I could tell many stories, but I'll keep it brief.

 A favorite of my sister Linda and I is of Uncle Frank taking us all in David's room after dark.  We'd sit in a circle with a "tent" of blankets over our head.  Uncle Frank would hold a flashlight, and in his scariest "Basil Rathbone" voice tell us ghost stories.  He'd eventually have us screaming in terror until Aunt Mary would come running in the room to stop him and save the day.  Then we'd all end up laughing because Aunt Mary would be "scolding" Uncle Frank about scaring us so badly.  This happened time and time again, and Aunt Mary was always there to "rescue" us and calm us down.  Who else had such a sweet, calming voice and presence (other than our mom if any of your remember her, Dorothy Smerken).


Kathy Smerken Barber  

My Aunt Mary always had so much love, it was always a treat to be around her. She was one of the nicest people I have yet to meet.

My Uncle Frank blessed me with my love for magic. He use to bring me to the magic store in Chicago to buy magic tricks, it's one of my favorite childhood memories.

I miss them both dearly!

With love,
Enrico Moses 

In 2005, Nana (Mary) and I took a fun-filled vacation to the Washington state area to visit with her son Dan and daughter-in-law Marrissa. Attached is a picture Dan took of us during the vacation. We had a great time together on our trip and I enjoyed getting to spend that time with her.

Mary, David, and Frank