Mary DWYER

Mary Dwyer, Matriarch of the Dwyer clan, died peacefully at the age of 94 at her home on Jupiter Island, FL. Mimi, as she was affectionately named by her grandchildren, embraced life and her family with an enchanting smile, a lifetime of stories, and an impish and infectious laugh. Mimi, the daughter of Henry B. Thompson and Mary White Thompson, attended The Green Vale and Miss Porter's Schools before marrying Martin Dwyer, Jr., a Yale football player and decorated WWII Army Air Force pilot. It was a whirlwind courtship and they never slowed to catch their breath. Over the next twenty years they would raise six beloved children, splitting time between houses in Laurel Hollow, NY, Mantoloking, NJ, and Jupiter Island, FL. Mimi was a 5'2" bundle of energy teaching her children tennis, skating and writing skills; yet she could always find time for a new project. She was talented at sports, gardening, hooking rugs, painting and her personal favorite, furniture refinishing. About the only thing Mimi was not good at was being on time! But nothing was more fun for Mimi than parties and being around young people and she excelled at both. Well maybe one thing was more fun- no dessert could go untasted. In later life Mimi was inspirational with her grace and grit. In 1967 she lost her oldest son, Marty, age 21, in an accident and in 1987, her husband died of cancer. For the last 44 years Mimi fought a determined and protracted battle against Bipolar disorder. While she was never able to conquer it, she would never let it conquer her. She delighted in her dogs, her stories, her beloved Jupiter Island; but most of all she was about her family. Watching the grand and great-grandchildren learn to swim or play tennis, she would wait for the exact moment to dispense just the right words of wisdom to those who had traveled so far to visit. She leaves a legacy of the joy of life, striving against adversity, and the power of family. Mimi is survived by her five children: Andy Dwyer (Cindy), Dede Brooks (Michael), Lisa Fielding (Ed), Elly McKenna (John) and Henry Dwyer (Madelon); thirteen grandchildren (Nancy, Carter, Elly, Chris, Lisa, Emilie, Katie, Mary, Marty, Chase, Lindsey, Max and Madelyn and Andrew, who predeceased her); ten great-grandchildren (Paige, Sophie, Brooks, Andrew, Dwyer, August, Knox, Charlie, Perry and Lindsay) with more to come, and a twin brother (Henry Thompson) and three nephews (Peter, Michael, and Anthony and one niece (Winnie). She was so proud of her clan. The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Angie, Linda and Kathy who cared deeply for our mother for the last thirty years. A Celebration of Mimi's Life will take place on April 20th at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation would be appreciated. Andrewkdwyer.com or AKDF, 108 Bassett Creek Trail, Hobe Sound, FL 33455.