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Mary Whitlow Obituary
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Patti Gilbert
August 4, 2010
We send our prayers and our condolences to Kitty and the Whitlow family on the passing of your mother. Her passion for teaching and life is a worthy legacy and one of which you should be proud. From the Patti Gilbert family.
Rick Swenson
July 31, 2010
Kitty and Wit, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Always enthusiastic and a sense of humor. I also know that she was an excellent teacher because of the many hours that she helped me in my high school Spanish classes. I also remember her delicious Christmas desserts. As my neighbor, I know that she was charitable, lifted others, and truly believed in and honored Heavenly Father and His Holy Son in the way that she lived her life.
L
July 31, 2010
I was sitting here planning my trip to Machu Picchu and thought of Mrs Whitlow......she's the one who sparked an interest in it for me. She was one of my favorite teachers at Xavier in the late 80s.....encouraged me to take learning Spanish seriously. She told great stories, was enthusiastic about teaching, loved to razz the Brophy boys. I remember her having them cover their ears when she would tell stories meant only for girls.
Mary Afifa Whitlow & Margarita Karem BFF
Dr. Hellen Carter
July 28, 2010
In this world we don't realize how we touch the lives of so many and never even know it. Mary Whitlow touched the lives of many by her teaching of Spanish and her zest of a good political argument. One of her best friends was Margarita Karem who lived in Nogales and was a few years older than Mary or Afifa as she was known in Nogales. With the depression Mary's family could not afford a prom dress for the very popular Mary. Mrs. Saba, Mary's mother took her shopping and had a limited amount of money. As Mary told the story, she was sure all they could aford was some rag. Margarita worked at a small dress shop in Nogales and when Mary and her mother entered and saw a beautiful gown, the older Margarita made sure that Mary and her mother had "just" enough money to pay for the beautiful gown so the young and beautiful Afifa could be the "belle of the ball". Seventy plus years later Mary and Margarita remained close friends sharing holidays with each other and allowing my family to share those holidays with them from time to time. This picture was taken at my home Christmas 1999! Two dynamic women who were way ahead of their time! And who knew the value of friendship!
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Toby (Wurzburger) Brown
July 28, 2010
I had the great fortune of have Mrs Whitlow for Spanish 1 my senior year at SHS (1970). I only regret I took two years of German prior to the Spanish. I wish I had taken four years of Spanish with Mrs Whitlow. Her enthusism and apparent love of teaching was fabulous. She was no pushover; requiring discipline in her class, but we LEARNED. She was right up there as possibly my favorite teacher, because I learned so much from her. I was delighted to see her again a few years ago.
Kitty, altho I only knew your mom as a teacher, she has remained an inspiration in my life. Every time I need to learn some Spanish for any reason, I think of her. I will take those fond memories to the grave with me. May you both be in peace.
July 28, 2010
Mrs Whitlow was my favorite spanish teacher at SHS in 1970. Her enthusiasm and passion kept us all interested as well as entertained. I wish everyone in education could emulate Mrs Whitlow. My condolences to her family and friends. Mike Raubenheimer
Linda Keim
July 27, 2010
I'm sorry to say, by living in California, I only had the pleasure to meet Mrs. Whitlow at my Aunt home when my family would visit for the holidays. I thought her a very loving and kind lady. You don't meet many ladies these days. She was one of a kind and will be missed by many for a very long. May Jesus hold her ever so near for all eternity. Linda Keim
Jean Wallace
July 27, 2010
There is sadness in my heart that your Mom is gone. She was a very important part of our life for many years that we were neighbors and friends. I have related many fond stories of happy times to my family about both your Mom and Dad and am sorry that our paths took different roads as the years went by. Take care, Kitty and Whitty. I send my love and prayers to both of you at this very difficult time. I hope that when you have the memorial, that I will be able to attend.
Marie George
July 27, 2010
Even though I had not had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Whitlow, I however realized what an accomplished woman she was after reading her obituary. I do have the pleasure of knowing her daughter Kitty and in this way have realized that Mrs. Whitlow was also a very accomplished mother! Well done.
Dr. Hellen Carter
July 26, 2010
Mary always made the best Kibi (sp.) and was always ready to feed anyone who dropped by to visit. She was an avid political activist and not afraid to voice her opinion on topics others would dare to tread. She knew more on politics than most politicians! She was a woman who loved her children and her children's friends; she loved her students as her own! She was dedicated to Xavier High School now Xavier College Prep and her Catholic Theology. She was proud to have come from Nogales at a time when there was no fence or boarder and everyone got along on both sides of Nogales. She was a woman of the people who dedicated her life to helping. We will miss you Mary! So will the world!
Sandra Cornell
July 26, 2010
Took 2 yrs. of Spanish @ SHS with Mrs. Whitlow,and enjoyed it. She was one of those teachers you will alway remember.
michael Cameron
July 26, 2010
She was never boring and always enlightening to talk to...
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