She loved to laugh, had funny sayings and liked to try new things. The middle child, between two boys, Mary O'Brien wanted to try whatever the boys did. Whatever Ned and France did she was 'head and arse into it.' That is how she described it at least.
Eventually she married Samuel Pretty and they grew their family in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. My brother, Frank, and I grew up in a neighbourhood were people worked hard, children were carefree and you knew everyone.
After Dad died in 1986, it took Mom two years to recover. In that time she took driving lessons and passed her test on the third try. Having that license gave Mom independence and she participated in many activities at her local church, Mary Queen of the World. The camaraderie of the people in the various groups and the religious experience were important to her state of mind and physical well being. Mom had a purpose again and a group of like-minded people with whom to share those interests. The days were often filled with preparation and many evenings filled with activities. These things plus her family filled her life.
In those years after Dad's death she still missed him but after a time, the grief was in the background of her life as she busied herself with the life she carved out. Mom always had a laugh at everything she did and genuinely enjoyed everything, especially helping others. Her family saw the fun, adventurous woman as well.
An example of her attitude involved my brother Frank and their home in Southlands. Mom lived in the apartment of Frank's house, and Frank put a vegetable patch in the back yard for Mom to tend. She loved growing potatoes in that little patch. Every spring Frank and Mom dug the soil in preparation for the growing season.
Late one spring the two were digging in the garden and Frank had his back to Mom. When he looked around she was face up on the ground.
Thinking she had collapsed, Frank ran over to Mom, who was laughing by this time.
"What are ya doin' Mudder?"
"I don't know, b'y. I tripped," was her reply. The two laughed as Frank helped her up. She told the story many times.
The pictures show the essence of our mother, a spirited person.
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