June, 2013.
Dear Jennings Family,
I am writing to offer my profound and heartfelt condolences to you all, and Tony, Tim, Kate, and all the rest of your family on the sudden passing of Maria. I hope it not insensitive to say that it is very much in keeping with the Maria I knew, to take a quick exit and to be out of the world, not as a result of a protracted illness, but on an enjoyable evening, at home, with the goodness and harmony that existed for her in what I would call, "the cat bird's seat", of her home and garden, a place of pride and joy.
My memories of Maria are of a steadily supportive and sympathetic aunt, quick to accept guests and visits, and always glad to see a family member with open arms and a warm heart. I remember one visit to Georgetown and area very fondly, where we walked through a water land and wet land, over rocks, seemingly through a lake, over streams, up and down hills, and remember Maria saying how it was one of her favorite places, if not her favorite place in the world of nature. Various of us including Maria, Tony, myself and others would stop and pose, pausing on a stone and seem alone in creation against still and running water; an unforgettable walk in a mythic, otherworldly setting. Maria's joy in showing us this was palpable and her joy in being in that environment was, too. Unforgettable.
That evening and on many others, exquisite food, drink and cig's were enjoyed by all, in the manner of our parents' generation, which is to say with no abstemiousness, no judgement, and no brake on pleasure!
I surely felt and still feel the welcome and love in Maria and Tony's home. I would like to give witness to the love that Maria had for her family and home as so plainly evident. Steady crowds of people some evenings in and out of the house and through the garden. In the house, carefully chosen paintings, sculptures, I remember a wood carver's hummingbird, I believe, all delectable. All this set peppered with an unending selection of culinary sensations, each elegant and deep with flavor.
Whenever I saw Maria and Tony too, I felt nothing but good regard, and a lasting steady empathy for me as a relation, whether my fortunes or moods ran high or low. This is rare-- and was unwavering, which I admired. One person I brought into Maria's home and garden was not a social joiner, and always seemed to find sorrow in social interaction, but not there, where the welcome was of heart's hearth glowing, and warm as fire, shining through the house and garden. In many conversations I shared with Maria, her love for her siblings and families of, Harry, Dede, John, was evident, for her Father Harry B. as well, and Prudence, too. But Maria's concern for and feeling for Tony, Timothy and Kate, gave me inspiration, as I felt she so keenly cared for their wellbeing, again-- without a brake. I am sure she would wish you not too much grief, but good memories and good cheer, plus the embrace of life's available pleasures.
My Mother, Martine, fondly remembered Maria from when they first met in the early 1960's, when they were all, it might be evident without saying so, quite young. I sent Martine a copy of the obituary from the Globe and Mail as she had expressed an interest, in particular, in what kind of work Maria had continued to do- and was interested as she, Martine, has made a third career out of artisanal work and was a longtime member of the Merrickville Arts Guild, before moving to Victoria, B.C. Martine knew of, experienced, as well as admired Maria's work and talent in the fields of Craft and Art, as well as the organization and display thereof.
I wish to extend my sympathies to all of your family, but particularly to Tony. Tony, please be well, and to all of you, please accept the good wishes and love of any family members (for whom I will speak) who are not able to attend, we ruefully wish we could be there.
Wishing you all-- good memories of a loving and kind-hearted soul.
Love to you all, as well, wishing you good comfort in good company.
David Gow (and Kalo)
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