Place of birth

Washington D.C., DC

Most recently lived in

Urbana, IL

Mary's favorite hobbies

Throughout her life, Mary found immense joy in the simple pleasures of home and nature. She was an avid gardener, tending to her flowers and vegetables with the patience and care that reflected her nurturing nature. Her garden was a sanctuary, a place where she would often spend hours planting, pruning, and watching things grow. Family and friends fondly remember the vibrant blooms she would proudly share, always with a smile and a story about the plants she loved. Her green thumb was only matched by her culinary skills, often seen in the kitchen baking cookies or preparing hearty meals for her family, where her secret ingredients were love and patience. In addition to her gardening and cooking, Mary was a passionate reader and enjoyed spending quiet afternoons with a good book. Whether it was a classic novel or a collection of poetry, her bookshelf was filled with works that reflected her curious mind and appreciation for literature. She also took great delight in crafting, especially knitting and crocheting, creating beautiful, handmade gifts for loved ones. Her knitting needles were never idle, and each scarf, blanket, or sweater she made carried a piece of her heart. These hobbies were not just pastimes for her; they were expressions of love and care, leaving behind a legacy of warmth that will be cherished by all who received her creations.

Mary's favorite foods

Mary always knew how to make food that felt like a warm hug. Her Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) were the best — perfectly browned and served with mashed potatoes, a dollop of lingonberry jam, and that rich gravy she’d pour over everything. And don’t even get me started on her cinnamon buns (kanelbullar); they were so soft and sweet, I could eat a whole batch by myself. But my favorite thing was when she’d make gravlax, that tangy cured salmon with mustard sauce, and we’d eat it with crispbread (knäckebröd) on the side. Even though we lived in the U.S., Grandma always found a way to blend a little bit of Sweden into every meal. Sometimes she’d try American dishes like apple pie or chili, but she’d always add her own touch, like a pinch of cardamom or a few lingonberries, making everything taste just like home.

Favorite bands and musical artists

Interesting facts about Mary

Mary loved nothing more than

Favorite place in the world

Favorite TV shows

Favorite sports