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Classmate Ester Levy Blynn remembers Mary Ann: Dear Friends and Classmates from B-CC and elsewhere, I take this opportunity to share my memories of my good friend Mary Ann. Mary Ann (Maines) Greenburg and I grew up on Norwood, and lived a few houses from one another. From the day our family moved in a few houses from the corner of Norwood and Wisconsin where Mary Ann lived with her family, her mother, her brother and her sister, Mary Ann and I became instant friends for life. Mary Ann's loss to all whose lives she touched is incalculable. Mary Ann was as beautiful inside as she was outside, and truly unaware of the power and impact of both. She was always surprised by compliments in an authentic way, and made everyone feel appreciated and respected--no matter who they were, so long as there was something in them that was worthwhile in her view, regardless of superficial outward trappings. Mary Ann was generous with her kindness, but was not at all naive or unaware of shortcomings, and for those who were blessed with her friendship, she would softly offer a helpful comment--in my case, "Esther, try to make it on time, please, so we have more time together,"encouraging me to be more punctual, without making me feel hurt or defensive. That being said, Mary Ann had little tolerance for mean-spirited people, and was quick with a strong rebuke that was surprising to those who were graced by her gentle spirit of love and friendship. Those who were not so blessed, probably still remember those very insightful rebukes, often followed with humorous, but also insightful comment about them, and then, having taken their measure, moved on without anger or resentment--another great talent Mary Ann possessed. She was devoted to those who were fortunate to be her friends, whom she treated like family, and of course, her wonderful family of whom she was so very proud. Mary Ann was spontaneous in her joy and appreciation of us in this most fortunate circle, always with a kind word or gentle comment. Mary Ann was not only close to me--like a sister, but she adopted my parents, as her second set, and they embraced her as their second daughter. As a point worthy of note, my father, Aaron, of blessed memory, introduced Mary Ann to her husband, Peter Greenburg, who passed away almost 6 years ago to the day, I think, of Mary Ann's passing. I know she mourned his loss, but with a brave heart, as was her nature. Peter's love for and admiration for Mary Ann was from the day they met. I know this for a fact, as he shared his thoughts with our family shortly after he and Mary Ann first met, wishing that he would be the luckiest of men to have her as his wife, but never believing that he would be that fortunate. My life will never be the same without my treasured friend, Mary Ann, who although we did not visit often, especially after Peter passed away, were never far apart in our caring about each other. Mary Ann enriched my life in so many ways,and I will treasure those memories for my lifetime. For those who might say, she is in a better place, I say she will make that place better. Farewell to my good friend, Mary Ann. Esther (Levy) Blynn Classmate Paul Chaney remembers Mary Ann: A Small Remembrance of Mary Ann Maines Mary Ann was definitely way out of my league in Jr. High and High School. So I was surprised one day in eighth grade to pick up the phone and be invited over to her place. She lived about four blocks away, I believe on Windsor Lane. I went right over. It turns out she had gotten tickets to go on the Milt Grant Show, an American Bandstand wannabee that aired once a week, and needed an escort. I don’t know how many people she had asked up to then, but somehow the honor had devolved upon me, probably since I lived close by. I of course readily agreed, and we chatted for a while. She introduced me to her sister Charlene, and I may also have met her younger brother. At some point she told me she wanted to talk with her cousin Myra, but Myra’s dad felt they talked too much, so wouldn’t call Myra to the phone if she was the one calling. She wanted me to call her instead, then hand the phone to her when Myra got on the line. That seemed simple enough, even when she asked me to use Myra’s first and last names. I called, a gentleman answered, and I asked to speak to Myra Maines. He said “very funny” drily and hung up. Mary Ann and Charlene were in stitches. Turns out the number they gave me was for Pumphrey’s Funeral Home. When the day arrived, her Mom drove us downtown and dropped us off in front of the Raleigh Hotel at 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. A woman came out and addressed the throng and told us how to act on the show, then led us inside. I had learned earlier that the feature act was going to be Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps. It turned out my father knew him, and said he’d be watching the show. Things went smoothly during the show and after Vincent and the Blue Caps were done (Be-Bop-A-Lula, of course), they rested in a corner of the studio. I mentioned to Mary Ann that my dad had asked me to say hello, and she asked me to get one of their blue caps for her as a souvenir—kind of a tough “get” but I tried gamely. It turned out Vincent remembered my dad quite well, and he told one of the group to give me his hat. The date was a “one off” and after high school I never saw Mary Ann again until we both served on the 1986 25th reunion committee. Classmate Barbara Johnson remembers Mary Ann: I miss Mary Ann. I didn’t know her in high school—only the legend of someone beautiful that I’d never met. We became friends during the many years we worked together on the reunion committee. We discovered we had much in common beyond having gone to the same high school. I discovered that Mary Ann was as beautiful inside as she was outside. She never knew how lovely she was—at least until recently. During a conversation not long ago, we were looking at pictures. She said, with genuine wonder, “I guess I really was pretty.” Only took her 76 years to figure that out. Mary Ann, her husband Peter and I often went out to dinner. I’d select the restaurant and Peter would treat us, not only to a delicious dinner but to great conversation. When I was ill a few years ago, Mary Ann was always available to help with whatever I needed. She brought groceries (rarely letting me pay). She made my bed and helped with laundry. She did it all with quiet grace and love. When I couldn’t find much I could eat, she made me little muffins. They were water and egg whites and chocolate, or pumpkin, or lemon. They were delicious and they sustained me. Mary Ann adored her daughters and her three grandchildren. We often talked about them and she often sent me pictures. This past year, I knew Mary Ann wasn’t well. She was in a lot of pain from, among other things, scoliosis. She lost 20 lbs. She was so upset at not being able to be her usual happy, energetic self. I was lucky enough to be able to return her support during this period. It was a privilege. We had some of our best conversations. On Sunday, we were planning our schedule for the next month. On Monday her daughter Cindy told me she had been taken to Suburban Hospital and was in the ICU. We never spoke again. I cherish the many, many hours we spent together over for over 35 years. I miss Mary Ann. And a quick note from Classmate Jon Wisman: A good restorative practice after a day of skiing is to hang out in a hot tub for a spell. Folks generally strike up conversations and get to know each other a bit. While sittingin an outdoor tub at Powder Mountain in Utah last Wednesday, a woman and I discovered that we both came from the DC area. We then discovered that we both were missing the funeral of a dear friend. And then we discovered that it was for Mary Ann!!! Just howextraordinary is that? Her name is Jody Miller and she lives in Potomac. She was Mary Ann’s physical trainer over the past 4 years and got to know the family fairly well. Mary Ann and I had talked of having lunch. We didn’t. Now I’m so sorry. She was wonderful. I’ve admired her since B-CC. You can read Mary Ann's daughter Cindy's eulogy for her mom here:
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