Today is Mary Gendler’s 85th birthday!
When I close my eyes and think of my Aunt Mary, I see flowers, gardens, and photographs. Like many of you, I’ve marveled at the world she has created for herself. Similar to the numerous garden rooms that grace the Great Barrington property, Mary crafted the life she wanted to live. She weeded out what she didn’t want and planted the seeds she chose, and she grew a spectacular, meaningful, and unique life. It is one that my grandparents could have never imagined, and yet look at what those seeds grew into!
I recently had breakfast with a friend of mine who is a Jewish studies scholar here in Pittsburgh. She was telling me about her research about feminist rituals in Judaism. I was curious and commented, “I wonder if you’ve come across my aunt’s writing.” To which she responded, “Who is your aunt?” When I said, “Mary Gendler,” her jaw dropped. She said, “Wait, you’re related to Mary Gendler?” Unbeknownst to Mary, my friend told me that she had quoted Aunt Mary in one of her recent publications. It’s a reminder that sometimes we don’t realize how we’ve impacted others. And Mary has certainly had an impact on those she’s met throughout her life.
A loving family, adoring friends, a rich intellectual life, and natural beauty surround Mary. May we follow in her footsteps and plant a world around us that is full of meaning and joy!
Mary, Tamar, Hannah, Finn, Naomi, Julius, and Clarke at Yale
Emily, Mary, Naomi, and Tamar in the Catskills
Mary and Everett
Naomi, Mary, and Tamar at the Gendler Peace Circle installation
Mary in her garden!
