Last week my Auntie passed away Mary. Yesterday we celebrated her life with a Mass followed by a gathering of my auntie, uncle, cousins and friends. There many stories were told about her rich and fulfilling life.

 The stories I liked best were the tales of self- sacrifice, for her parents, her husband, her children, grandchildren and her family business. Mary from a young age was committed to helping her parents in the family market garden doing whatever was necessary to ensure the produce was ready to sell so, they could put food on the table. It would not have been easy long days outside in glasshouses overcoming what ever the weather had in store. The fact that Mary chose what her parents had asked of her, depicted Mary’s resilience and desire to work hard.

 This was exemplified in setting up a family-owned petrol station with her husband, son and daughter. She would operate the cash register and sort out the accounts with her daughter while her husband and son would attend to the mechanical repairs. In other words, she was the face of the service station and therefore, it was vital that through her friendly service and meeting the needs of customers, she guaranteed that the business would be successful.

Above all, and most importantly, were her relationships with her family and friends. This was underpinned by Mary’s faith demonstrated by her praying of the rosary daily. She was able to provide wisdom and display generosity to those who required her guidance as they journeyed through life’s complex issues. She always made time for me and for that I am truly grateful.