Mary left a lasting impact on the Gilbert family.  My husband Scott and I enjoyed her company at Gilbert drugstore holiday events but also in more intimate settings like a supper at the Armadillo in La Salle after she discovered she could eat corn products without incidence.  Older woman to younger woman, I remember her telling me how much she and Mom (Becky) liked watching movies Friday nights on TV after my dad (Carroll) died.  "Pretty Woman" was a favorite.  With eyes sparkling and laughing, she suggested that a cold shower was needed as a finale to the evening's viewing!  I heard that story more than once.  Both my parents were fond of Mary and Tom.  Tom had earned their respect as a pharmacist at the Weldorado.  Mary had a luminous presence.  Her wit, intelligence and compassion balanced her athletic abilities as a golfer.  I was impressed in the last decade to learn what housekeeping tasks she took on herself and what she hired someone to do.  It was interesting to learn that she socialized weekly with good female friends, including someone who was not of the same political stripe as the others, but who was valued like them.  They simply didn't talk politics when she was part of the group, Mary said.

Karen Gilbert Clugston