Mary Thumann

Mary's kindness reverberated, in her words, in her eyes, and in how she signed. She was a calming presence, with a warm smile, always. Her love for Kitty, her sisters, and those around her was always evident. She'll be remembered with love.

I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Though I hadn't been in touch with her for a number of years, she will always have a special place in my heart. Almost 25 years ago now, I spent a season with the Gallaudet women's basketball team, a wonderful experience that became a book called Winning Sounds Like This. Coach Kitty Baldridge and the players were incredibly welcoming and generous to this hearing interloper, but there never would've been a book without the supreme interpreting skills of Mary Thumann. She was profoundly gifted and her patience with what was often a very time consuming and laborious process was unending. Mary truly was a linguistic wizard, but more than that, she was one of the sweetest human beings you will ever meet. The insights she gave me into ASL and Deaf Culture became central to the spirit of the book. It was a privilege to work with her and to be uplifted by her presence. RIP, Mary.

Mary was my mentor while I interned at GIS 2002-2003. Her sweet, gentle demeanor will never be forgotten. Much love, Ms. Mary. Thank you for all your contributions to the world, the profession and the Deaf community.

I´m so sorry to hear about Mary´s passing. She was a wonderful teacher (BAI) and such a kind person.

Was privileged to know her gentle way, so thoughtful and kind.

My thoughts to all of you. Mary was a special light in the world and she impacted all of us. Her spirit will live on in each of you and many of us. Blessings Diane Clark

Mary instilled in me my love for Linguistics, which led me to complete my MA degree program. She is one of the few teachers that I kept in touch with by email over the years. I´m now an educator and I catch myself incorporating so many of her characteristics and tendencies in my own teaching. She inspired me beyond words. She is a treasure as a person and professor. It is a blessing to have known her.

She did care deeply for our well-being as students. Her teaching was never just about the material, because she saw our hearts. Her office was a safe space for us. My favorite piece of advice that she gave me was to "be slightly daring in a safe sort of way." :) I will always see her as strong, compassionate, playful, attentive, and thoughtful.

I pray God blesses and comforts the family in this time. I love her very much.

There are so many. But one that especially stands out is when we were both graduate students in the linguistics department. We took a class together and it was really small. We would laugh so much. Other faculty would come in and say "what are you all talking about?!?" and we'd just roar in laughter again. I remember me and Mary both in tears from laughing too much.

During my teaching in Math at Gallaudet and Mary did the voices for several students; Mary asked me a couple of questions what to sign (ASL) relate to Math terminology and concepts. Since those times, Mary and I had chatting when we bumped each other. She was an outstanding (and magnificent) interpreter in Math! She and her family are in my thoughts.

Like so many who knew Mary, her loss will be keenly felt. I met Mary through my long time friend, Kitty, and instantly felt I was Mary´s friend,too. Bright, cheerful and funny even when she was feeling awful, Mary remains a gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Kitty, love and strength coming to you.

I got to know Mary at National Scrapbooking Day many years ago. She introduced me to M&M salad and gave me a champ lava cake recipe. I also got to know her as Kitty's wife and my 's cherished friend. Mary, you are missed! Deepest condolences!

I remember her sitting outside Gallaudet´s field house gym on her laptop working. She never got frustrated, or distracted with people walking in and out of the gym. She looked very happy and content. I remember her smiles and laughs.