Momma...I only called you that late in life.. you were always Mommy..but I remember you remarking on how strange you thought it was that your grown daughters, as well as you grown sons..measuring 6ft 8 are still calling you Mommy...you were slightly irrritated by it. But, as we do, we ignored your observance (wish?) and continued to call you Mommy...i started noticing this, and yes...it was pretty funny to hear and see my brothers or sisters, by now married with children and careers, calling you "Mommy". But none the less, I was struck by how endearing it was....and they were oblivious. Had they known, as me the baby, carefully observing their words, and vernacular with my Mother, they would have immedialty shifted into some more less raw, formal mode of communication with you. Yes, I was your baby, but this showed me for real, that ...I share my mother. Really think about it....those of you with Mothers alive now, do you ever consider the fact that you share her??? O.k....I am the youngest of 8..I think I did know I was sharing her or always vyiing for her attention, but really listening to my older brothers and sisters call her Mommy....there is something needy in that, juevenile...and of course leveling....on an emotional level....but she was MY MOM.... That was a stunning observation for me....she was MY Mother...and low and behold...because of this observation...I realized i was SHARING her...but then as my eyes and ears opened wider...I started to look at the people I was "sharing her" with.....and guess what ...diverse, strong, flawed, crazy, smart, artistic, .....just flat out people that if I were at a random cocktail party and got stuck talking to one of my brothers or sisters, I would walk away with their email, and phone number, making planes to meet again. As I am sure we are meant to be here at this time, sharing this moment...supporting each other through this loss, yet celebrating all of the legacy that we have been given. I love you all......xoxo

It was in the 1980s that I first met Mary and, from the moment I saw her, she was the picture of grace, compassion and love. We walked along the beach and, as she spoke, it was clear that this was a woman dedicated to her family. She invited me to her home and fed me dinner, and, in doing so, invited me into her family. Music filled the air that evening as she and Steve played and sang a few of their old stand-bys. After that, Mary, MiMi and I walked down to the dock and watched the dolphins swim by. And this was only the beginning of a long appreciative relationship I had with her. I have many fond thoughts of Mary and her family from over the years. They will endure as will the spirit of this special woman continue in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Debbie Dodd Squires

I am so sorry to hear that Mary has passed away. I am so glad we came to visit with you all last summer, and got a chance to see her and spend some quality time with the whole Spahn family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Diane

"Respect, Respect, Respect" Those words first come to my mind upon hearing of the passing of a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, to a wonderful family I have known for over 30 years. Life is a journey we know as only a short period of time here on earth from birth to death, but we know in our hearts we enter into another dimension of journey where we can be with our loved one, and Mrs. Spahn is no exception, as she continues her journey now with her beloved Mr. Spahn. May God bless her soul and the entire Spahn family at this time of the celebration of a journey well taken and the new journey she starts. With deepest respect and sympathy, I mourn the loss of a wonderful person and share in your sorrow, taking solice in the thought of a better life hereafter. May God Bless the entire Spahn family.

Karen and family - I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I shall miss Mary greatly. Her 'kind and gentle ways' touched me deeply, as did her fathomless devotion to all her family. But what a legacy she leaves, with her 'Great Eight' continuing to hold and build a bond of family connectedness that is there for all who come close to the Spahn family to respect and admire. My thoughts are with you all during this time of sadness and celebration of her quiet, glorious life. Fred

My daughter Caroline and I made a little pilgramage last Sunday afternoon. We took the Mayport Ferry then drove past the home where Steve and Mary used to live in Florida. I shared memories with Caroline about the Spahn Family, how there are always stories to share, a musical instrument to play, maybe even an Irish jig to be danced. Mary was a beautiful kind soul, and I always enjoyed spending time with my friend Mimi's fabulous family. Thank you Mary, for sharing your life with so many, your family is in itself such a great tribute. I'd like to think that somewhere Steve is chilling a Sidecar and sugarcoating the rim of a glass for his lovely wife, Mary. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Rest in peace, Mrs. Spahn. God bless you and your loved ones at this time.

To a great family who lost a great Mother! Thinking about you all during this time. Much love, Maureen Ahern

We love you so much Grandma and are wishing you a safe journey beyond the bar to be with Grandpa.

Carin Berolzheimer made a donation to Catholic Relief Services

Carin Berolzheimer made a donation to Catholic Relief Services