I often wish I could see the reaction on the faces of the hundreds of people to whom she sent thank you notes after a party or gathering. She never went anywhere without bearing gifts. One time on our way to a cookout, she made us stop for some soft drinks, even though I knew there would already be plenty on hand. She reappeared with several heavy bags full of soda, which we had to lug with us over a mile uphill from the T station to the party. She wouldn't have had it any other way.
Life is fully of funny twists and turns.
To use a running metaphor, it is a long road, and you never know what lies up over the next hill. Only through a quirk of fate did I get to meet Mary Collins, but her impact on my life has been immeasurable. I'm sure there are many more of her American friends and fellow workers who would say the same. We all can only wish her the best of luck a future success as she heads back across the ocean to her hometown of Dun Laoghlaire, county Dublin. We will miss her greatly, but will never forget the love and happiness she brought into our lives.