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Mary Ellen Jennings
Mary Ellen Jennings
Born May 1st, 1930
Called to God October 4th, 2004
Click here if you would like to submit any pictures, thoughts, or remembrances
Thoughts and Remembrances:
I feel so blessed having loving memories of my childhood and for having a mother
who taught me so much about God’s love.
Brian Jennings (written in a Mother’s day card on May 1, 1994)
Mary must have been guided by the Holy Spirit when she wrote her poems.
Geraldine Walsh
Your mother was a wonderful person. Whenever I saw her I was always uplifted by
her kind and encouraging words.
Peace
Brian Fife
She was one of the nicest, most entertaining people I've ever talked to or heard
stories about. I doubt very many people that met her didn't realize right away
how special she was. I'll never forget the first time she met Loren (at the
Abbey - Jennifer was playing there)...she leaned over and said "I'll be dancing
at your wedding. I think this is the one..." And then she leaned back, smiled a
little and did one quick nod at me -- like, 'well, that's taken care of then...'
Of course, you're mom knew what she was talking about. I will miss her.
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family,
Jeanne Kemp
She was a lovely soul.
Cathal and I said a decade of the rosary in Irish, at 5.30 yesterday
to coincide with her funeral. I know Noreen attended Mass at that time.
A friend of ours, Fr Paul Walsh, in Camaroon will say Mass for Mary.
With sympathy
Catherine Jennings
She had a warmth and sparkle about her and it was always enjoyable to be in her
company. May she rest in peace.
Mary and Tim O'Brien
Requiescat in Pace...Rest in Peace.
Karl Jennings
At times like these we must take comfort in knowing that she is with the father
who will hold her in the palm of his hand for eternity. Sincerely,
George Gaudio
She was a wonderful person and will truly be missed by many.
Tom & Sherri
Tonight, we'll boil a pizza in her memory.
The cycle of life is inexorable.
It is great when someone is fully there and active to the last moment.
I enjoyed my conversations with your mum.
She had a wisdom and calmness, and a sense of quiet humour.
We’ll say the Angelus for her at 6 pm (Irish time) on Saturday.
Go ndéanfaidh Dia trocaire ar a h-anam.
With kind regards,
Cathal Brugha
She will be sorely missed by a huge population since she touched so many lives.
I felt a personal relationship with her and always looked forward to seeing her
and talking with her at family events. She has been the Lord's servant all the
days of her life and is now with him.
Love,
Ginger
I would like to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of Mary. She was always
caring and loving to me and to Axel. Mary always included us in everything and
she made us feel like family. She is my family. You all are. I mourn with you.
My love, Tammy Irlanda
Story from Garrett
Jennifer and I were flying Aer Lingus to Ireland with my Mom and Dad in 1998. My
Mom had never worn headphones before, but she was wearing them listening to an
Irish comedian. She started laughing the way she does which is very loud, but
she doesn’t realize how loud because of the headphones. She also doesn’t realize
how strangers on the plane are standing up to look back at the woman who’s
laughing on the top of her lungs for the past 10 minutes. Jennifer asked me why
my Dad and I didn’t inform her that she was being louder than she realized, and
I said because hearing my Mom laugh was what my Dad and I loved and we laughed
right along with her. She had one of the most contagious laughs. Remembering
this story always brings a smile to my face.
Story from Colleen
Colleen and her friend Laura were using my Mom’s car when she was in high
school. They would drink diet coke and leave the cans in the back seat, and her
friend Laura would leave empty cigarette boxes. Colleen forgot to clean out the
back seat and Mom opened up the back door and all these cans and boxes fell out.
Laura was really worried what Mom would think of her. But instead of getting
mad, Mom just said, “That’s the brand Evelyn smoked.”
Story from The Jennings kids
Mom would bless everything with holy water – us, the cars we drove, our friends,
our friends’ cars.
Story from Evelyn
We would say the rosary with my Mom and Dad at warp speed with my friends
honking their horn in the car outside, because they were there to pick me up to
go out, but I had to finish the rosary first. I can still hear Sharon Rudnick
screaming from her car, “Evelyn, quit curling your hair”
Story from Garrett
My Mom worked as a waitress at Midway airport where she served some famous
people like Senator John F. Kennedy (she kept the dollar that he gave her). One
day, she was serving a chocolate sundae to a lady. She didn’t realize that this
lady was one of the first transsexual patients and had been in the paper. There
were two guys at the bar that knew Mom very well – they came into the restaurant
every day. They asked if Mom had asked the lady if she would like any nuts on
her sundae. So Mom walked up to her and said, “Would you like some nuts?” And
the two guys at the bar exploded with laughter. My mom had a great sense of
humor and loved to tell this story.
Story from Evelyn
Reflecting on my mother’s giving nature, I recall as a young girl, wanting the
coveted role of the Virgin Mary in our nativity play. Sr. Mercita explained that
my hair was not long enough to play Mary and that I would make a much better
Angel Gabriel. I went home crying to my mother, cursing my pixie haircut. My
mother took out a lovely tiara from her wedding day. She told me I could wear it
as a halo. I was the envy of the class. Sr. Mercita couldn’t believe that Mom
would give a 1st grader her wedding tiara.
Story from Garrett
I was a very picky eater when I was in the 2nd grade. I would only eat bologna
sandwiches, but my Mom ran out of bologna, so she said she would bring my lunch
to school. So lunch time came and everyone else started eating the lunches at
their desks except for me, so the nun had other students share parts of their
lunches. Then, my Mom comes running through the door, out of breath, with a
dozen Dunkin’ Donuts. She didn’t have time to go to the store, but wanted to
make sure I had something. All the kids got to eat donuts, so everyone was
happy. People often ask, how did my Mom do it? How did she raise 5 kids so close
in age, while dealing with the loss of 2 children. And I think the answer is,
she simply did the best that she could.
I always enjoyed your Mum and Dad's visits to our home in Ballinisland and I
recall the wonderful help and comfort your Mum was to my Mum and Venantius the
night my Dad died.
Pearse Walsh
Mary was a lovely woman who always had a smile on her face. She will be missed
by many. Please accept our deepest sympathies on your loss, and we will say a
special prayer for Mary at Notre Dame Cathedral Sunday morning in Montreal.
Tom & Cathy Joyce
On Saturday from 11am to 12 noon your time I will be in our church here in
Salthill, to spend that hour with the Lord for Mary and for all the family. Mary
was a very special lady and a wonderful sister-in-law to me. I will miss her
very much.
Love Maureen Jennings
We will be having Mass said for you all here in Galway this Saturday May God
give you all the strength and the grace to endure these unhappy times.
God Bless you all
Tom Stenson
Our most sincere condolences for the loss of your Mom. Our Diaconate class will
offer our prayers Saturday morning on her behalf.
Tom Jennings
We will be thinking of you on Sat.
Again our heartfelt sympathy.
Maeve and Joe Walsh
I am greatly saddened to hear of your mother's passing. I remember her
hospitality and kindness as a highlight on my trip to the Stats some years ago.
My picture of her is her gentle smile which is evident in every memory I have of
her, going right back. Her great legacy is her children of whom she was rightly
proud. I hope you all find strength at this time and continuing over the next
difficult while.
All my love and best wishes,
Geraldine Jennings
I am touched, and truly honored to be a Pall Bearer. Your mother will always
hold a very special place in my heart. I enjoyed her conversations, her love of
family, her profound faith, the pride she had in all her children, and the deep
love for her grandchildren.
Jim McGreevy
Dear Grandma,
I’m going to miss our morning cups of coffee. I loved chatting with you for
hours about everything and nothing. I’m going to miss telling you about the
kids. I’m going to miss listening about all the grandchildren. I’m going to miss
your laughter. I’m going to miss you still trying to feed me when I just
finished one of your man-sized meals. I’m going to miss your tea and chocolate
you took from your secret stash. I’m going to miss all your stories about
Evelyn, Brian, Garrett, Larry & Colleen growing up. I’m going to miss you
talking about “himself”. I’m going to miss listening to your worries. I’m going
to miss you calling on the phone and saying “Hello Jennifer, it’s me.” And when
the conversation ends, you say, “Goodbye, God Bless.” I’m going to miss your
advice and words of encouragement. I’m going to miss listening to stories about
your childhood. I’m going to miss listening to stories about your friends and
family. I’m going to miss your chicken cacciatore, your pancakes and bacon, your
ham and turkey, your turnips you made especially for me and of course your world
famous potato salad. I’m going to miss watching “Wheel of Fortune” with you. I’m
going to miss driving around looking at new construction and trespassing home
sites to get a better look with you. I’m going to miss our leisurely walks to
the park while Garrett is way ahead of us watching all the kids. I’m going to
miss you getting nervous when the kids are climbing on the monkey bars because
you’re afraid they’re going to get hurt. I’m going to miss your honesty and your
sincerity. I’m going to miss your prayers.
I’m going to miss you. You always made me feel like your daughter. You were a
great mother to your children and to me, a wonderful grandmother, a loving wife,
and a great friend to everyone.
I love you,
“Goodbye, God Bless”
Jennifer Jennings
Story from The Jennings boys
Mom loved it when people would get together – so much that she would invite
people to weddings that they weren’t actually invited to. For example, she told
Brian, Larry and Garrett’s friends to kind of sneak into Colleen’s wedding after
dinner was over. She said, “You can just sashay in.”
Story from Larry
His friend Glenn was visiting from England and had a breakout on his face called
Rosatia. So Mom put her hands on his head and started praying, which caught
Glenn off guard since he isn’t that religious, but his Rosatia did clear up!
Story from The Jennings kids
Mom used ancient Irish remedies like shots of Brandy for colds and she would
also press coins on our injuries to supposedly keep the swelling down. The penny
on Colleen’s broken collar bone didn’t help too much.
Story from The Jennings kids
Mom can pronounce any name as long as it’s Irish. If it’s not Irish, not only
will she mispronounce it but practically reinvent people’s names. Just ask:
Sue Titball, John Pretzer, Mike Renee, Joe Zizzio, Frank Suecheck.
Story from Garrett and Jennifer
I was singing “You Sexy Thing” from the movie “The Full Monty” and sang the
line, “I believe in miracles” and then Mom jumped in sang at the top of her
lungs, “So do I”
Story from Colleen
I used to drink a lot of Diet Coke. Mom didn’t like the idea of something having
no calories, so she would secretly pour sugar into my Diet Coke bottles so would
get the amount of calories that though I needed.
Story from Brian
Brian had just graduated from college and was 22 and met a 28 year old, who
asked if Brian had a roommate, and Brian said yes (withholding the fact that he
was living at home). So he’s talking to her on the phone, when Mom picks another
phone, doesn’t listen for a dial tone, and just starts dialing. So Brian says,
“Mom, I’m on the phone” – so Brian was caught.
Other times that would happen where Mom would dial without listening for a dial
tone, while we were on the phone with a friend, we would pretend we were the
person that Mom was calling, like one of her sisters, and see if we could
convince her that she was talking to one of her sisters.
Story from Brian
Mom had her eyes glued to the road so much when she drove, that she didn’t
notice Brian reaching from the passenger seat, turning on the cruise control on
the steering wheel and then start to accelerate using the cruise control. When
Mom suddenly realized that she had actually reached the speed limit, she slammed
on the brakes. Mom is the only person we know that ever got pulled over by a cop
for going too slow.
Story from Jennifer
Mom was visiting Aunt Maura Jennings in Ireland, who said she wasn’t feeling
well. So Mom took out a prayer card and pressed it firm against Maura’s
forehead, which was like Mom had invented a new way of blessing people. The
funny thing is Maura kept on talking as if this was a normal thing.
Story from Jennifer
We were drinking whiskey at Uncle Johnny and Auntie Mary’s in Mayo and watching
some singers on the TV. Mom said she didn’t like the really good looking singer
because he was too corny by kissing all the girls in the front row. Later, there
was a singer named “Big John” and he was really big and had a craggy face. So
Auntie Mary asks Mom, “Does he do anything for you Mary?
Story from Evelyn
Mom used to love really windy, stormy days – perhaps it reminded her of Ireland.
Mom would let me go out on my roller skates because she thought it would be fun
to have the wind push me on my roller skates.
Story from Dad
She had a perfect memory and would remember every person that she ever met. She
once remembered a customer including his name after the customer had come back
from being out of the country and came back into the restaurant after 17 years.
The reason she would remember everyone was she had a genuine interest in people
and the stories of everyone she met.
Story from The Jennings Kids
Mom used to run through the fields and jump over fences, so no one would know
she was coming home late from the dances. She believed in dancing with every
single person at the dance. But the town of Ara was so small, that people knew
and would say, “There goes Mary running through the fields.” As her brother Tom
said, “She wasn’t always religious.”
Story from Evelyn
Mom loved this red dress, but she needed a little lift to fit into it, so she
stuffed her bra with some toilet paper. Her date started laughing at a joke and
said, “What do you think of that one?” and elbowed Mom, and all the toilet paper
flew out.
Story from the Jennings kids
Mom was asked out by a pilot at Midway, and Mom said yes, but later had to
cancel. She felt bad about canceling the date and asked the pilot, “What will
you do?” To which he replied, “I think I’ll have to kill myself.” Mom would
laugh so hard when she would tell this story.
Story from the Jennings kids
My Mom was such an overly careful driver that she couldn’t pass a bicyclist
riding by the curb even though there were 2 lanes – she didn’t like going neat
the center line of the road. So she would just go whatever speed the bike was
going. Also, she didn’t’ like to turn left – instead she would make 4 rights and
go around the whole block. She was the ultimate back seat driver – when we were
approaching a stop light she would yell, “Red, red R.E.D. red” or “S.T.O.P.
stop” – she would spell it out so we would listen and slow down more quickly.
Story from the Jennings boys
She loved to participate in conversations, even if she wasn’t and expert in that
topic. For example, she never watched a Bulls game before, but started telling
our friends one day that Michael Jordan was over-rated. So, our friends took it
to the next level – Mom on a sports talk show saying things like, “Jordan has to
develop his low-post game”
Story from the Jennings kids
We gave our childhood dog Pierre, a white poodle, to a lady who really wanted
him and just loved and adored this dog. This lady, a German co-worker of Mom’s
asked if Mom could watch the dog for a week while she went on a trip to Germany.
Mom let Pierre play outside, but his fur got so tangled and dirty that Mom
decided to give the dog a wash, but the fur on his ears wasn’t getting cleaned,
so she trimmed the fur with a scissors, but after the fur dried, Pierre’s ears
looked like two satellite dishes on his head because the fur dried and just
popped up. So her German co-worker came to pick him up and was so upset, she
kept repeating, “Why you cut his ears?:”
Story from the Jennings kids
Dad would tell a slightly dirty joke and Mom would say, “Larry stop.” But then
when Dad got the punch line wrong, Mom would deliver the punch line correctly
and say, “God, forgive me”
Story from Brian
The typical meal growing up our Irish household was steak and potatoes. One day,
I said, “Red meat again!?” Mom replied, “It’s not red, I cooked it”
No doubt your mother was a saint and lived for nothing else but good. She must
now be enjoying her well-spent life and she will help from above. We all loved
Mary and it was such a joy to meet her. Lawrence will miss her most. Do tell him
how sad I am to hear this news - but Mary was ready to meet God. Nice she had
you there at the end and was able to join in the Rosary - so dear to her.
Sr. Kathleen Jennings
Story from Brian
Mom went to Northern Illinois University to visit me in school and met my
roommate Jojo for the first time. Jojo had his lifelong collection of playboy
centerfolds covering the walls of their dorm room. So Mom had just met Jojo and
saw the pictures and just started ripping them down and said, “I’m saving your
soul.”
Story from Garrett and Jennifer
After Dad added a big 2 story deck to the 2 flat, we had a huge party. I was
cleaning up the next day and found 4 rosaries and about 10 scapulars around
various posts on the deck. Mom was afraid someone would drink too much and fall
off the deck, but the rosaries and scapulars would prevent that from happening.
Story from the Jennings kids
Nothing could ever be thrown out. Every piece of leftover food would be fed to
the birds or other backyard animals. It was like she was back on the farm
slopping the pigs, except this was slopping the birds.
Story from the Jennings kids
Mom would like to coerce people to sing a song at the dinner table by saying, “I
wonder if you could sing us a song.” And if the dinner guest said no at first,
she would just press it a little more, “You must know a song.” So finally,
she’ll get the person to sing a song, and if he ‘s out of tune, Mom would think
out loud, and say, “Oh, you can’t”
Or if Dad was singing, Mom might say, “You’re off, you’re off” and if Dad stops
singing to let Mom sing on her own, she tries to get him back, “What happened to
you?”
One of our priests here will offer mass tomorrow (Saturday) for your Mom's
eternal rest. If I understood the date correctly, your Mom died on October 4th,
the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. I thought that there might be a particular
significance to this fact. Many of the saints have been privileged with dying on
feast days of special devotion for them. For those of religious orders, these
have often been those of saints of their their own orders. Sure enough, one of
your Mom's friends from St. James, Mrs. Stansbury, told me that your Mom was a
Third Order Franciscan, or Franciscan Tertiary.
The First and Second Orders are the men and women who are vowed religious of a
particular order. Third Orders are those meant for clergy or laity who cannot
live the consecrated religious life of a monk or nun because of their own state
in life, such as marriage or diocesan priesthood, but desire to incorporate the
spirituality of a particular order into their spiritual lives. Obviously, if
your Mom was a Franciscan Tertiary, she must have had great devotion to St.
Francis, and so it is reasonable to hope that her death on his feast day is a
sign of special favor.
But if you see fit, perhaps you would pass on this observation about the date of
your Mom's death. It gives an added incentive for hope of her eternal joy with
God, coupled with that hope already well-founded because of her devout and holy
life. I pray that you and all of your family are well.
God bless you!
Fr. Jared McCambridge
We are very saddened your families loss. We care
deeply for your family, and know how close you all are. Because of this
closeness, you will all pull together and support each other well. Take care.
You've all been in our prayers.
The Weinbergers
Martin & Jill Weinberger (Buffalo Grove, IL )
Dear Larry & Family
We wish with all our hearts that you will be consoled in your great loss by
knowing that your own dear Mary Mom Grandma is finally home where she's been
longing and praying to be. We shall never forget her nor finish thanking God for
the inspiration she was to us "to do a bit of good while theres still time."
Pray for us dear Mary Ellen till we meet again, Siocain, Jack & Joan Craig
Joan Craig (HoHoKus, NJ )
Dear Larry and Family,
Neil and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and the family on the passing away
of your beloved wife/mother, Mary. We were shocked to hear the sad news,
however, I know she is up in Heaven looking down on all of you. Love and
Prayers.
Neil and Peggy Bergin (Palatine, IL )
It is with a heavy heart that we got the news of Mary's death. We at "The
Moorings of Arlington Heights" will miss her very much. We appreciated that she
came every Sunday morning to set up our altar for the weekly Mass. We will miss
her delightful accent and the joy she shared with us. She was a Saint and will
go straight to heaven. We will pray to her that she clear the way for our entry
therein.
Matt and Marcie Stala (Arlington Heights, IL )
We express our sincere condolences to the Jennings' family.
We met Mary at the back of the church saying The Rosary after Mass with all the
regulars. "Let's do the Seven Sorrows for our Blessed Mother, we have time,"
she'd say. She led us in The Chaplets at Holy Hour. A lady of compassion for
Jesus Christ and Blessed Mother Mary, she was never ending in her true devotion
to prayer, prayer for peace, for the unborn, for all of us and for the poor
souls. She and Mary Therese were always in the Chapel at Holy Hour and at Rosary
Group on Friday nights. For years, the two Mary's tirelessly set up Mass at the
Moorings. If we were lucky, Mary would sing for us the joyful songs she wrote.
Mary easily expressed her warmth to others. When you knew Mary you got the real
deal. She was herself and we loved her for it. It is good to have known the
likes of you good and faithful Mary Jennings. We will miss you.
Joanne & Bill Nolan (Arlington Hts, IL )
My deepest sympathies to all of Mrs. Jennings' family on the passing of a
wonderful woman. Most of all, my heart goes out to my friend Evelyn, who became
the kindhearted person she is because of the guidance of her parents. Having
lived with Evelyn, I know just how much her mother truly was her rock and a
strong influence in her life. I wish I could be there to offer my sympathy in
person. Mrs. Jennings has had a wonderful influence on many people and will be
missed.
Angela Eberts (Chapel Hill, NC )
To the family: My deepest sympathy and prayers go out you for the loss of your
wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. May the memory and light of her
love give you strength at this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing she will
be rewarded greatly in Heaven for all the good she did with her time spent on
earth. (Friend of Evelyn)
Diane Cooper (Naperville, IL )
To the Family: My deepest sympathy and prayers at the passing of Mary. I had the
privilege of working with her at the Moorings with Father Charlie Becker. Mary
was a wonderful and prayerful woman. She will be deeply missed by all of us.
Joanne Ranallo (Lake Zurich, IL )
Our deepest sympathy to the Jennings and McNicholas family on the loss of a very
special and kind loving person. We will also miss you too dear Mary. Bill and
Breege.
Bill Breege Noonan (Arlington Heights)
As a friend of Mrs. Jenning's daughter Evelyn for many years I can't tell you
how many times Ev has told me how blessed she is to have had her parents watch
over her children. Her mom was such a wonderful influence not only for her kids
but for her as well. Evelyn told me last night that her Mom was her rock.
I know Mrs. Jennings is looking down from heaven and smiling proudly at her
loving family. There is no class that can prepare you for Motherhood that will
guarantee your children will be kind, caring, loving, and successful in whatever
they choose to endeavor but she has done just that with her family with her
husband by her side.
I am so thankful to know and share so many happy memories with a product of her
love and nurturing, my friend Evelyn.
Much love to the Jennings family,
Tammye Ojeda (Palatine, IL )
Our deepest sympathy to Laurence and the family on the death of Mary Ellen. You
are in our prayers.
Jim & Kathleen O'Connell (Evergreen Park, IL )
Dear Larry & Family:
We are sad to hear of Mary's passing. We always enjoyed seeing all of you at
Marie's house. Mary had a beautiful smile and she shared it so easily. We are
grateful for having the chance to know her and cherish the photos of our
gatherings. Mary will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with your family during
this difficult time.
Marcy & Steve Schuering
Marcy & Steve Schuering (Downers Grove, IL )
She was a
great lady and one that I will sorely miss.
When our parents, Tom and Marie Hughes, passed away I treasured all the little
stories people told me of their younger years so I would like to share a bit of
your Mom with you.
Your Mom came to our house, to her Uncle Tom, when she arrived from Ireland. At
the time I was about 6 years old. Being the smallest person in the house, I was
the one designated to sleep with Mary Ellen, the lady from Ireland. She brought
such excitement to our house. Many people came to visit just to meet her. She
and my dad sat for hours telling stories about the folks back home and being 6,
I was all ears.
She got a job, I believe at Stouffers in Midway Airport. She was soon able to
move out and get an apartment but she came back often for visits. I think my dad
thought of himself as her surrogate father and kept close tabs on her.
She was very kind to my Mom also. When the time rolled around for my first
communion, Mary volunteered to give me my first permanent wave because I had
poker straight hair and my Mom had no idea how to do the wave. She came over and
got right to business. When she was all done, I looked just like a walking
Brillo pad and we all cried over how badly it all turned out!
Mary and I had a good chat on the phone every few months and caught up on all
the "news". She would always be able to fill me in on some little details about
my dad or his family that only she would know and I treasured those
conversations. I will miss her and those phone calls greatly. I'm sure she will
meet my dad in heaven and they will have a good chat over old times.
Please share my deepest sympathy with all the members of your family. I will
keep Mary and all of you in my prayers.
Sincerely, Kathleen Carlig
Story from Ann Butler (Mom's sister)
Mary was supposed to bring the Lasagna to a
family gathering at my house. So she showed up a little late, handed me
the lasagna, and went off to socialize with everyone at the party. I
realized that the lasagna was frozen solid. I asked, "Why is this frozen?"
and Mary said, "Because that's the way you buy it from the store!" I said,
"You could have at least cooked it for me!" On the directions, it said
that it would take 2 1/2 hours to cook, so we put it in and it made a good
midnight snack for all the kids who were getting hungry again.
Story from Evelyn
As a new mother I went a little overboard for my son Freddie's first birthday
party. We had ponies and an inflatable bouncy for the children. We had over
100 people at the house and catered the event. At the end of the day I plopped
down next to my mother feeling exhausted but content that I had thrown the
world's best birthday party. I said to my mom, " How did you like the party ?"
She said, " Well you had everything I could imagine...(I smiled appreciatively)..
except you forgot the half and half!" This was a cardinal sin to my mom and her
sisters who needed half and half for the tea and coffee. It became a family
joke and whenever I had a party my brothers would mimic my mom's voice in their
Monty Python woman voice ...:she's got everything but the half and half. Of
course though, I never forgot the half and half again. :)
Story from Garrett (submitted on September 28,
2005)
I was recently reminded of a story where Mom and I and my brothers (when we were
teens) left a restaurant that she liked to take us to for lunch after mass.
She was telling us how fast she was in her youth and I said, "Yeah, right!"
So, she says, "I'll race you to the car." And she shoves me to give herself a
head start and took off like a jackrabbit to the car. She beat me to the
car. Of course, it's not easy to run when you're laughing.
Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. I
know you Mother is watching over all of us now. She was a very special person
with such a tremendous capacity to love others.
Love, Sheila (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
Just thinking of you all to-day and especially Mary.
I am having mass said for her. My love to all the family.
Maureen (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
She is still and always will be in our thoughts and
prayers.
Love,
Jeanne (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
The slideshow really shows what a wonderfully caring
mother and grandmother Mary was. Cathal and I will be with you in spirit
tomorrow. Absolutely amazing - everything: the singer, the song, the
photographs, the tribute, the memory, and the woman herself.
Catherine and Cathal (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
I will attend mass at Prince of Peace in Lake Villa
for your Mom on Tuesday.
Betty and Bill (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
What a beautiful woman your mother is and she raised
a very beautiful family.
God Bless you, Laura (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
I constantly remember her in my prayers, and being on
Retreat all last week, gave me many opportunities for prayers. I'm sure Mary is
in Heaven enjoying the reward of her splendid life.
God Bless you.
Sr. Kathleen (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
I will be there in thought and spirit.
JR (submitted October 3rd, 2005)
I think of you and your Mom often. I'm so sorry
for your loss. She brought such joy and was an inspiration in her faith.
I know she is watching over you. Keep her close in your heart - she will
be with you always. She has an even more direct prayer line now!
Beth (October, 2005)
I feel so strongly that your Mom's spirit lives on in
you, your siblings and all of your beautiful children. Your Mom's mass
card hangs in my kitchen and it reminds me and inspires me to "keep the faith",
even when it seems out of style. Your mom's memory reminds me that I'm not
in control (of much!) and of the importance of prayer. I wish you peace
and the absolute treasure of memory.
Marita (October, 2005)
I look forward to you sharing the many special
memories of your Mom & family with us, with so many lessons of love, laughter
and hope.
Scully (October, 2005)
Your mom was awesome and I have to throw in two of
my stronger memories of her. Having grown up at St James, we've known your
family forever, but when we lived together in "Fire Code Place", I got to know
your mom a lot better. Anyway, I remember coming home one day after work when
you mom decided to help us boys out by "washing" our dirty windows [which
basically was her and a hose making our dirty windows now caked with mud.. But
it was great she tried to help. I thought that was cool. The second, and my
favorite, was your mom's abuse of her spare key policy. Although she was
operated stealthily while we were at work, her presence was detected by her
placement of rosaries throughout each of our rooms [in sock drawers, behind
stereos, closets, under furniture, etc]. The best part of it was, if you
recall, her fairly regular and overzealous Rosary Raids, combined with our
innate Catholic guilt, necessitated that we devote an entire drawer in the
kitchen that was pretty much full to capacity of rosaries. Her heaviest 'raids'
were always just before our annual deck parties where, I believe, there had to
be about a 5-to-1 Rosary-to-guest ratio tied into every wood slat. And,
although we always kind of took it with a grain of salt, for all the drinking
and stairs and potential 20+ foot drops, no one ever got hurt.
Andy (October, 2006)
Song from Jennifer:
“She Says”
By Jennifer Jennings
She says everything will be
Be alright this time
She knows just what it’s like to see
The other side
She works by touching the lonely hearts
Of those who are left behind
She smiles and waits to see a change
In an open mind
Chorus:
She says everything’s alright
She knows she won’t die tonight
And when the moment of silence falls
She prays to stay awake
To see the lives of those before her
And after this
Chorus:
She says everything’s alright
She knows she won’t die tonight
Bridge:
And we’re all crying
With beads in our hands
We know she is leaving
She’s done all she can
Solo
Chorus:
She says everything’s alright
She knows she won’t die tonight
"She Says"
YouTube video slideshow
tribute
Click here to go back Mary Ellen Jennings homepage
Click here to go to the Twins Page #1
Click here to go to the Twins Page #2
Click here to go to the Jennings Kids webpage
Click here to go the Grandkids Website
Click here to go to the 2002 Pics B Website
Click here to go to the 2003 Pics Website