Many people have come and gone in my life. A few stayed for the ride. But one jumped the roller coaster too soon.
Two years ago Mary was unexpectedly yanked from this ride by death. Mary was genuine and the real deal. She left behind a memory that is hard to shake. She left an impression. She was one of the few good.
I first met her in 1955. We took our First Communion together, graduated from grade school and high school together, partook in each other’s weddings, watched each other’s kids grow, and shared the grief of doomed partnerships.
I’m writing a new book with the working title “We Were The California Girls.” It’s about my patchwork life and the girlfriends who were always there when the world crashed around me. Mary is one of those California girls. When I pulled her photo from an old trunk today, I sobbed like I did the moment I had to order flowers for her funeral.
Honoring Mary Dermody McGrath is the least I can do for all the presumptive moments of friendship.
The Muse Pallet 
Char! I was going through stuff for my Christmas tree today – I always add photos of my nearest and dearest. Mary’s wedding photo is among these. Wanting to get in touch with Andrea or Mary Francis again, I happened upon this, your blog. What a fantastic day!!! Ya, I laughed ’til I cried, reading in Mary’s obit again: “Dull moments did not exist in her vocabulary, as all who knew her would agree.”… I SO miss my nutty, lovable friend… Hope your Thanksgiving was great and your Christmas will be wonderful!!!! Much love & hugs, from freezing Washington State (yuck!), Marina
Aunt Charmaine,
You are wonderful as always. Thank you so very much for keeping moms memory alive. Instead of being sad , I was over joyed. You are the best. I love you so very much. Mom would have loved to read your books. She owned one the gathering basket. It is packed away with her things. When i find it i would love to read it. That goes for We were the California Girls. Dont think i have that one.
Could you tell me who Marina Heilman is? She writes in the comments the she would like to get a hold of us? She can have my e-mail
Thank you for including me. Merry Christmas Mary-Frances Wilson