Mary Jean and I were best friends for many decades. We shared an interest in the church and all the activities there. I met her at a Life in the Spirit seminar and she led me to the prayer group. We shared many years leading groups during the Life in the Spirit seminars. She touched many people with her faith and sharing and I know she led many people to the Lord. She had a special gift of welcoming people and making them feel comfortable. She had the gift of hospitality — often hosting groups and their meetings in her home with coffee and great food.
We also shared a Bible study with some other dear friends, Susan, Lauren, Linda, and Rosemary became lifelong friends. Our Bible study, in varied forms, lasted for many years. The friendships continue today. On a personal level, we shared family celebrations and consoled each other in times of sickness and family troubles. We loved going out to eat, visiting New Jersey and Pennsylvania shrines, and collecting relics to attach to our rosaries. We shared many laughs and tears. She was a special person with an exceptional gift of reaching out to people and a generous soul to those in need. She often gave to the poor or needy anonymously and was always there when someone was in trouble. I will miss her greatly. Have a joyous journey back to the Father ‘Mother Mercy’ and give ‘Sister Shiny’ a hug for me. I hope to see you when my time comes.
