Mary A. Smetak

Dear Mary,

I know there must be a good reason why you left this world so soon, but I wish you hadn't because I miss you very much.

When we reconnected at the reunion of our high-school class five years ago, you looked young and beautiful and healthy. No one could possibly have guessed that you were sick. Those of us who cared for you felt certain that you would recover. The news that you could not was devastating. I take some comfort, however, from the fact that...

Dearest Mary,

I don't think I will ever forget the impact you made on our "new moms" group the day you showed up with newborn Alex. Your quirky sense of style immediately set you apart and intrigued many of us. At the time, I was surprised to learn you had returned to Harrisburg to raise a family.

I gravitated to you because we were both "older" moms. I have my feet firmly planted on the ground and enjoyed being with someone who dared to dream big. Together we...

I found photographs of Mary. Many photographs. She looks beautiful, healthy, happy. I honestly thought that, of all people, she would not let this illness get her - she had more life energy than anyone I ever met. I remember her saying, many times, both before and after she got sick, 'I love my life'. It's still so shocking, so strange, to keep thinking that she's gone.

Mer! I am still filled with disbelief that you are no longer with us here on this planet. I was expecting to hear from you once you came to Boston and fully anticipated joining you once again to hold your hand, or talk or just listen and be with you. I am truly grateful that I met you and got to know you for four years, even though the latter part of that time included your illness. My only regret is never meeting Anna. Anna & Alex, my thoughts are with you and all I can say is that you are...

Although I never met or spoke with Mary, I heard of all her trials and tribulations with CLL through my dear friend Colleen Filanowski. The two were always in my prayers. Now that Mary is no longer with us, my prayers will include her dear children. May God bless you all and grant you peace.

I have followed Mary's journey through our CLL online support group and want to send prayers to her family. My family is in Atlanta,Ga and we wish you all blessings in the new year.
Carolyn & Esteban Homs

Mary, the years had a way of taking us away from each other and then bringing us back together. The last two years we more inseparable than we were in John Harris. We talked long into the night every night, whether I was back in the burg or we were on the phone. We talked about lost loves, our hopes, our fears, the memories from school and a few years after. We knew we were meant to be friends for life, it wasn't just a season or for a reason that God brought us together and nurtured our...

Mary,

You always intended stay ahead of cll. It took me by surprise that you were taken away so suddently. I hope your children understand that you did everything you could to stay with them.

I remember you so well from the Baltimore CLL conference in March 2001. You were so beautiful and so articulate. I will miss your correspondence on the list. May you rest in peace.

I want to express my sorrow to Mary's family at her passing. I knew Mary through the ACOR CLL List. We corresponded often during her illness. Her bright voice will be missed.