Mary K. Hollen

Can that vivid presence sitting in her garden smiling at us actually be gone? I just can't believe we will never share time together in Chautauqua again, she just lit up the place! I shall miss her horribly- and send my condolences to John, nic, and Pippy. Marikay will be with us forever.

I am Mary K's cousin. I loved her very much and will miss her. There were 4 of us, my sister, plus Mary K. and "Pippy" (Elizabeth) We grew up together in Cleveland and have remained close over the years. She was a unique and creative person.

I am another of Maru’s Peace Corps friends checking in. Though I have fond memories of our times in Arequipa, my most vivid memories are of Maru being a “Houlighan in Hull again.” Several times a core group of us gathered in Hull for a week or so. There was always a theme conjured up from the vivid imagination of Miss Maru. There was a prenuptial tribunal, a marriage on the beach, marching the Peruvian flag to the beach while singing Georgia on my Mind. The most recent get together had us all...

My husband, the late Johnny Delgado, was one of Maru's many fans and often spoke of how he appreciated her kindness and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, you are blessed to have had her in your life.

My heart is with John, Elizabeth and Nick as I remeber the most extravagant and fantastic auntie ever. Her presence was an overwhelming gift that will stay with me forever in showing how to live a full and sunny life against all odds.

Thanks, Maru, for the marvelous peanut butter you made while we were Peace Corps volunteers in Arequipa, Peru. It was a welcome treat. You were always so creative.

Marushka and I were house-mates as Peace Corps volunteers in Arequipa, Peru for nearly two years. We had fun times there, and I know that from her compassion she has helped the family in whose house we stayed.
May she have many Blessings.

To the family of Maru from Patt Behler, one of her Peace Corps compatriots. Never will I forget the times spent with Maru in dusty streets of Arequipa where the huayno music resounds all the days and the stars shine on the mountains every beautiful night. Her gentle loveliness and spry perkiness will stay in my heart always. How glad I am to have had her as a friend!