At the end of March, our friend Kate unexpectedly lost her mother, Maura Manix. Maura was a beloved member of the community, and Kate would love to gather those memories here for later viewing and reflection.
If you are looking to help Kate defray the unexpected costs of settling her mom's estate well as... see moreAt the end of March, our friend Kate unexpectedly lost her mother, Maura Manix. Maura was a beloved member of the community, and Kate would love to gather those memories here for later viewing and reflection.
If you are looking to help Kate defray the unexpected costs of settling her mom's estate well as the legal costs of managing her grandmother Carmen's care (and taking excellent care of Dolly) that is incredibly kind of you. To do that, you can donate through this memorial.
Kate, you were thought of and prayed for this past Saturday as you celebrated the beautiful life of your sweet mother, Maura! We are so sorry that we couldn't be with you as we were traveling home. Your Mom and I first met 19 years ago when she walked... moreKate, you were thought of and prayed for this past Saturday as you celebrated the beautiful life of your sweet mother, Maura! We are so sorry that we couldn't be with you as we were traveling home. Your Mom and I first met 19 years ago when she walked past our home with her sweet dog. That began a sweet friendship that lead to some yard work opportunities for the boys in more recent years. We had wonderful conversations at my front door and I'll always remember them as we shared some tears together over the tough aspects of life and caring for aging parents. She was such a kind woman and you bear that same graciousness that she wore so well. Blessings to you, Kate, as you have honored her so well. You're always welcome to the neighborhood for a visit and cup of coffee whenever you're in the area. Fondly, The Barnums (Robb, Nancy, Devan, Kyle, & Ryan - 19 Garfield Rd) less
Kate and Maura, you're in my heart today. Just got home from a birthday party for my coworker's 5 year old son. Before this slice was cut, the cake it came from was covered in an elaborate plastic toy dinosaur scene and tons of chocolate buttercream... moreKate and Maura, you're in my heart today. Just got home from a birthday party for my coworker's 5 year old son. Before this slice was cut, the cake it came from was covered in an elaborate plastic toy dinosaur scene and tons of chocolate buttercream frosting. I can only imagine that Maura would have approved. Happy birthday Maura -- and sending lots of love your way, Kate <3 less
Kate,
I just found out about Maura's passing and I am speechless, my heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. She was my late husband David's best buddy. They met walking the dogs- Maura and Joby, Walter and Benny, and David and Emerson. The dogs... moreKate,
I just found out about Maura's passing and I am speechless, my heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. She was my late husband David's best buddy. They met walking the dogs- Maura and Joby, Walter and Benny, and David and Emerson. The dogs were the three amigos. Joby and Emerson were not the friendliest but got along great, and Benny tolerated them. After David's passing Maura was very kind to me, Emerson, and my two sons. She watched Emerson when I went away and walked him while I worked. She also would come to Conard's Musicals to watch my son. She always had a smile for me and we could talk for hours on the street. She truly was one in a million with a heart of gold. I will miss her so much! less
Dear Maura, My heart has been so heavy after learning of your passing. One our last conversations was very emotional as we discussed my moving and faith. You were always so thoughtful of our family and never missed placing flowers in Larry's Memorial... moreDear Maura, My heart has been so heavy after learning of your passing. One our last conversations was very emotional as we discussed my moving and faith. You were always so thoughtful of our family and never missed placing flowers in Larry's Memorial Garden. You always had a kind word and a smile for me. And it was always fun discussing our white dogs, their antics and their health. You were the keeper of the neighborhood and meeting you at the corner or in front of our home brought tremendous comfort over the years. I pray that our conversations and your lingering moments at the Bible verses I wrote at the end our driveway helped to pave your way to Heavenly peace. Until we meet again, I will continue to plant a flower for you in Larry's new garden. Your kind heart made my heart smile. Thank you for being a beautiful soul and being an example of peace and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with your mom and Kate. Kate, thank you for your suggestions of acts in your sweet mom's memory. I will make sure to carry out each one. I cut my bangs yesterday and they look fabulous. less
Maura was so wonderful to our family... my favorite memories are seeing her poke her head out the window to chat with us and the kids. She was a wonderful neighbor who will be missed... loved seeing her out in the yard, playing music with her dogs over... moreMaura was so wonderful to our family... my favorite memories are seeing her poke her head out the window to chat with us and the kids. She was a wonderful neighbor who will be missed... loved seeing her out in the yard, playing music with her dogs over the years. Love you Maura.. may you rest in peace. less
This is one of my favorite photos - Maura with all the little white dogs, including her beloved Jaby. The love she had for her dogs, including those not her own, showed her kindness and generosity. When we traveled and my brothers used to take care of... moreThis is one of my favorite photos - Maura with all the little white dogs, including her beloved Jaby. The love she had for her dogs, including those not her own, showed her kindness and generosity. When we traveled and my brothers used to take care of my dog, Daisy. Maura drove to their house to give Daisy her medications when they couldn't manage the pills. Later, when they were no longer able to take of Daisy, Maura took care of her, even spending the night so she wouldn't be frightened. She was a very good, very kind person, Kate. She took care of the whole neighborhood. less
Taken on on one of our many Yay Days. For several years we would gather our chidren together in the early spring to do our post winter celebration. We called it Yay Day. Such a special time.
One of our favorite pass times was exchanging gifts. She had a way of finding the most wonderful treasures and showering her loved ones with them. She was the boss of gift wrapping! This was my last one from her. Miss her beautiful face and bug heart.
Thank you so, so much for the outpouring of love you have shared with me over the past two weeks, and for all the kindness you showed my mom as long as you've known her. Her friends and neighbors meant so much to her; please know that... moreA note from Kate:
Thank you so, so much for the outpouring of love you have shared with me over the past two weeks, and for all the kindness you showed my mom as long as you've known her. Her friends and neighbors meant so much to her; please know that she loved you.
I know how hard it is to process this sudden loss; harder still against the collective grief of a pandemic year and without the ritual of a funeral. In addition to helping out or donating, I made a short list of ways you can honor my mom's memory with your own personal ritual. I bet if you take a moment to reflect on her essence, you can think of others, but here is a start:
Cut your own hair; proclaim it fabulous
Burn some incense
Bat your eyes at a fireman
Do something kind for a neighbor
Pet a dog
Eat the spicy soup at Pho Boston
Take a small nap on the floor
Listen to Pearl Jam, really loud
Make something out of nothing
Call your kid or someone else you love; tell them you are so proud less