MARY ANN MIDDLETON

Gary, So sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Mary Ann, closes a chapter on a great generation of Middletons.

I met Gary my Sophomore year at CMU; I met his mom very soon after. I think she was giving Gary his 25th powder blue shirt from Brooks Brothers; he had a closet full of the same shirt. She and I hit it off immediately. She laughed at everything I said. I considered standup, I really did, because of Mary Ann. And it wasn't a one way thing either. She cracked me up. I don't think I've met anyone as unique. Very present, and contagiously positive. And I can't think of anybody kinder.
My first time in her house Gary and I arrived a little early for dinner, so I caught her in the middle of taking the plastic off of her perfect conditioned furniture. Yes. She took the plastic off for her son's college roommate. On a later visit, plastic on everything, she explained that I was family, a guest no longer, and plastic was good enough. She was my second mom – my college mom.
Mary Ann taught me that just because a car is signaling for a turn to enter a mall, it doesn't mean you can exit the mall in front of it. Still your fault if it stays straight instead and hits you. I've taught that one to my kids, but not by demonstrating, but by telling Mary Ann's story.
I have a vivid memory of Mary Ann halfway up the stairs at Roselawn house at CMU, where Gary and I lived with three other guys my senior year. Gary had slipped and told me it was her birthday, and she was refusing to tell me her age but we bantered until she revealed she was 50. I had turned 20 a few months before, so I always knew her age, which she absolutely hated and I reminded her of frequently.
Only Saturday morning did I gather the courage to tell my girls, Shaina and Devyn, that Mary Ann has passed. They haven't experienced death as young adults, so this is going to hit them hard. 19 years ago, with Kathy pregnant with Devyn, we visited Gary and Mary Ann on Hilton Head Island. Shaina was coming up on two and just starting to put some good sentences together. She was pretty good at names, but for some reason, she insisted on calling Mary Ann, Bubble Mine. We called Mary Ann that for years. It was just the perfect name for her.
Gary, we are so, so sorry for your loss. Over the past ten years , we've been very lucky to see Mary Ann - and Gary - a lot more often than we used to. The whole family loves theatre and New York and Mary Ann has been allowing us to stay at her condo whenever we we're in town. I'm so thankful that my entire family was able to get to know and love her. Mary Ann is unforgettable; we'll never look across the Hudson or cross over the George Washington Bridge without thinking of Bubble Mine.

The hearts and prayers of all the Hendersons go out to Gary, Carol and all the family. Cannot think of another person so ready to laugh and embrace the positive in life as Mary Ann. She was like no other and will be missed. I know she was received with open arms by those who so recently went before her. Wish we could be with you at this time.
Much love, Sally, Sarah-Kate, Chris, Bryce and families

My sympathies to the family, and to Gar a special memory as a youngster when we (the kids), would gather at your house for fun and activities and birthday parties, your mom was always the joyful and enigmatic mom I enjoyed being around...she always seemed to keep us kiddos engaged appropriately..i am sure she will be missed....my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....

Gary, Carol & family -- I will miss a great long-time friend. Mary Ann was a joy and her laughter was contagious. Even when she was not feeling well these last months we would talk on the phone about the "good old days" when all the gals (Red Riders)were healthy.We were fortunate to have such a bond.
Our deepest sympathy, Mary Jane and George Diamantopulos

In loving memory of a great woman who lived a great life. Mary Ann was a great neighbor and friend to my family....and some of my best memories as a kid on Rosebriar Drive are because of her! My condolences to Gary, Carole and the family.

Her laughter and spirit.