Thursday, August 1, 2024
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Mary was truly a rare gem, a one-in-a-million kind of person. Her passing has undoubtedly left a deep impact on many others, as her kindness and generosity touched the lives of so many. I admire her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and her unwavering support for those struggling with addiction (my brother Justin was one of those who struggled).
The realization that Mary is no longer with us in the physical world has yet to fully sink in. I think for many of us, it may never sink in. She was not only my mother's closest friend but also someone who had been a constant presence in our lives for as long as I can remember. Whether it was in Brooklyn, during her visits to Seattle, or the countless hours spent chatting on the phone, Mary was always there. I vividly recall when I went back east as a teen for my sister Lyn Marie's wedding, and Mary, without hesitation, opened her door for my brother and I's friends and her daughter Katie's friends to all camp out for the summer. What a wonderful time we all had.
My mother often reminds me how I took my first steps for Katie's father, Steve Ahlgier, a man I still strongly believe to be the kindest soul here on earth, despite my initial reluctance to walk as a toddler.
Mary was the first person I reached out to when I received the devastating news of my brother's passing, which I was oblivious to in the beginning if it weren't for her getting a hold of me. I hate that my brother passed away, but I am forever grateful for Mary to be there for me. She was also the one to call me over and over again until I answered from a deep slumber to put on the TV because an airplane hit one of the Twin Towers. We were on the phone together when the second plane hit.
Her thoughtful gestures, such as never forgetting our birthdays (she, my brother, and I were all born in December) and never forgetting holidays, even after my parents split up in 2001(Mary grew up with my father), I felt this exemplified her unwavering presence in our lives in Seattle, particularly in my mother's. My father introduced my mother and my second mother, Mary, to each other after Mary was struggling with the loss of her baby boy, Jeremy, and my mother also had lost a baby girl, Kerry. My father, Kevin, really wanted to help Mary, but I also think he wanted my mom to meet her because of how fantastic she truly was back in 1978. From that day forward, it was nothing but fun chats, board games, musicals, music, and family adventures. The Makuta's and The Ahlgier's were inseparable. They were all there for each other when all of us kids were born. Mary would always joke around, "I knew you before you were even born, kiddo," as she would say on many occasions.
It is evident that Katie held a special place in Mary's heart and soul, being her favorite person in the world. Mary often spoke about you, Katie, in the most endearing and positive light, with a love that radiated through every mention of your name. Your bond with your mother was undeniable, and her love for you was palpable. Although your mom may no longer be here in the physical world, her spirit and love will always be with you, Katie, and with all those she cherished. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled. I find solace in believing that she will continue to watch over us, especially you, Katie, whose bond was truly the most special.
My condolences to everyone and anyone who loved and thoroughly enjoyed my second mother, Mary. I love you, Mary.
