Guestbook
Posted by:
Karen A. Callaway
Posted on:
Thursday, November 12, 2020
My very dear "Big Dave," Michael, Dave and Marisa: Oh.... that photo! Seeing it broke my heart all over again. The epitome of love and grace and a caring heart. I treasure the years---the decades!---of my friendship with Maryann (and all of you, for you can't be separated from her---to know and love her is to know and love the family). I love you all, as well as Michele and Carolyn, and Gia and Kirianna, and Saundra, and Joe and Geary. I'm holding all of you in my heart and so wish it could be in my arms, with real hugs. As it is now after 11 a.m. on the 12th, I am with you all in spirit and prayer and love at St. Vincent's. Tears, too---that's a given. But also with a smile that I knew her and was blessed by her love and laughter. So much love, Karen P.S. I have been remembering many of the times I spent with her---and all of you---since Marisa told me of her death, including our hours-long phone conversations. One occasion in particular has been on my mind: She and Nonna met my mother and me for lunch in the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's, something she and I had been wanting to happen for a long time. The mothers had a wonderful time, which meant Maryann and I did, too. I like to think the three of them now will be having lunch (or tea) often.
Posted on:
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Precious Maryann! Your love for your family, granddaughters, Leyden and friends was evident in your warmth, kindness and devotion. You were passionate about reading and writing and shared your passion blessing us with celebrating Leyden. You opened up your home and hosted us from time to time as a passionate reader! I had hoped to join in again for a "Literary Leydenites" event you would invite any Leydenites and friend to join. May your passion for literacy be remembered and honored and recognized.
Posted by:
Janet Barkley-Stock
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
I’ve been retired from Leyden for 20 years, but I still vividly remember Mary Ann. I still love reading the Leyden news letters that she writes. Her warmth, her love of the students and her respect for her colleagues always comes through. I will miss those a lot. Mary Ann and I shared the same physical therapist for a couple of years. We briefly shared our pains but soon moved on to Leyden news and good books. She was a wonderful writer, a book lover, and the brightest person in the room – – both intellectually and personally. I was shocked to read of her death because she was bigger than life. I will always appreciate my memories of her.
Posted by:
Pat Godziszewski
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
I was greatly saddened to hear of Maryann's passing and offer my deepest condolences to her family and many friends. She was a wise, gracious, and compassionate soul who always had a smile on her face and warm words for all. I am so sorry for your loss and pray that your wonderful memories of her will remain vibrant.
Posted by:
Terri Berkowitz
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
I loved and still love Marianna (as I called her) so much! She was a truly class act and the type of person I aspired to be. I will infinitely miss her. My heart goes out to the entire Mills and Traficante families!
Posted by:
Carolyn Browne
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
I met Maryann at the beginning of my teaching career at West Leyden and her, love, wisdom and endless good cheer carried me through 22 years of teaching and into retirement. She was one of the finest human beings I've ever known. On several occasions I had the opportunity to meet "Big Dave" - her husband of many years and the absolute love of her life. My deepest sympathies to her entire family and her "cloud of witnesses". Carolyn Browne
Posted by:
Maria (Roselli) Manoni
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Dear Dave and family, I am so sorry for your loss. MaryAnn was a wonderful person and will be missed terribly. I know her family came before anything. She was a good friend and I will miss the Christmas luncheon she hosted each year. When we got together we always felt like we were together just yesterday, even if it had been a year since we saw each other. We laughed, we talked about family, we remembered the years gone by. She will always be in my heart. My prayers are with all of you.
Posted by:
Chris Williams
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Maryann was truly the best. I loved being around her positive, funny attitude. I taught in the Family and Consumer Dept. at West Leyden, while there I spent certain times of the day with her, when she was in subbing for a class in the school. She would tell me funny stories about her children and especially her husband Dave. I am so sorry Dave for your loss. I cannot imagine yet what it is like to lose a spouse. But knowing Maryann, she is watching down on all of you. And you will feel her presence from time to time. She will be missed dearly.
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Maryann was a wonderful mother and a great woman. She will be missed by so many!
Posted by:
Patricia Cephus
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Dave, I am sorry for your loss. May God continue to comfort you and bring joy from the memories of her life. God bless your family.
Posted by:
Bettie Shepard
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. To be married to the love of your life for that many years, should bring some comfort and the memories a source of joy. 3rd John 2: May you prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers. Best Regards; Bettie Shepard
Posted by:
Teresa Haworth
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Mrs. Mills was a sub at Leyden when I was a student there. When I became a teacher at Leyden, I would run into her and we reconnected - sharing stories about our families and Italian heritage. She also worked alongside my mother, who used to work in the library at West Leyden. Mrs. Mills was one of the nicest and sweetest people I have met. She always was so kind and positive. She always spoke highly about her family. She has left a positive impression on me that I will cherish. She will be greatly missed by the entire Leyden community. May she rest in peace.
Posted on:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Maryann was a life force. I spoke to her right before her surgery and I will cherish that conversation forever. I'll remember her voice in my head and smile whenever I think of her. The halls of Leyden won't be the same without seeing Maryann walking down the corridor, carrying lots of bags and spreading cheer wherever she went. My life was better for having known her. She was such an incredible woman! My husband, Ric, and I had the pleasure of visiting Mexico City with a Leyden group of teachers that included Maryann a couple of years ago. It was such a pleasure to travel with her and have the opportunity to hear about her life story and beautiful family. I also had the opportunity to hear her work her magic with the Leyden book club. She expanded my reading horizons and I just loved to hear her describe various characters. Maryann cherished each member of her family and I'm so very sorry for your incredible loss. She was an absolute gem and I will miss her terribly!
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Marianne was an extraordinary human being ! She will be greatly missed by all ! Prayers and blessings to her family and friends !
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Maryann was a great lady, whose enduring positive impact upon Leyden is virtually immeasurable. A valued friend and colleague who brought insight, wisdom, and joy to everyone and everything she engaged, she will be greatly missed, but certainly not forgotten. I know how dearly she loved her family from our many conversations throughout the years and from the opportunity to meet three generations of her wonderful family at the performances she publicized and attended.
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Maryann was like a ray of sunshine; lighting up the world around her. I met her at Leyden where we were coworkers. When I got involved with the book club I had the pleasure of getting to know her much better. She was so warm & caring; always having kind words & a positive attitude. She loved with passion: life, friends, coworkers, family. She was brilliant, insightful, & selfless & went out of her way to support others. The world will be a dimmer place now. I am truly saddened by her loss & can only imagine the impact on her family. My sympathy is with you all. Celebrate her life. She found so much joy in everything she did & the wonderful family & friends she had. I'm sure that her wish from Heaven would be for you to carry on that joy. I retired in July & have been spending more time reading lately. I will always remember her when I'm enjoying books. She opened my eyes to exploring other genres than my norm & broadened my horizons. God bless her in Heaven, & god bless her family.
Posted by:
Esther Brodsky
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Marissa and the immediate and extended family and friends. I hope memories of this devoted mother, grandmother and friend allows some solace at the time of this great loss.
Posted by:
Michele Curley
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
I will miss "Marianna" very much. She was always so cheerful and lifted my spirits whenever I ran into her. Her guidance and leadership not only in her public relations skills but also as the organizer of the staff book club were always top-notch as the professional she was. Mi mancherai molto. My deepest condolences to all her loved ones.
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
It's with a heavy heart I write this. Maryann was such a wonderful, kind lady. It was an honor and privilege to have known her. I would always love to talk with her and hear what was going on with her and her family. I got to know her when I started working at Leyden 27 years ago. We also had an OPRF connection:) I will miss her very much! We all lost a truly beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Posted by:
Norma Saitta Thompson
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
A beautiful woman...inside and out! I worked with her for many years at Leyden. A great loss.
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