Sunday, August 26, 2012
Dear Nancy and David,
Our sympathy to you in the loss of your father. I am sorry I was unable to attend his service and talk with you both then.
My husband and I first met C. Ray and Mary Evelyn at the Congregational Church when we moved to Newton in 1965. Although we attend elsewhere now, we particularly remember that they both welcomed us and our young daughters very warmly. We knew very few people at the time, and they would always greet us. I would also see Mary Evelyn at the children's clothing store in Newton. Later on, when I went back to teaching, Mary Evelyn would come in to help my teaching partner, Karen Shump, and Karen would always say what good help she was--that when a child would really begin to struggle, Mary Evelyn would just say, "Well, that's enough for today." And the child would feel accepted even if his or her performance wasn't perfect. Our classrooms were open, so Mary Evelyn would always nod or speak to me when she passed in the hall.
After the accident in Florida, I went to see your folks two or three times in their home, and also saw them at Park Centre. Their apartment was right next to the apartment of the mother of our good friend, Doug Huigen. That accident was obviously very difficult for them both and although it seemed to change your mother's outlook, I admired C. Ray so much because he always looked on the optimistic side of things.
Your folks talked about you from time to time and spoke very proudly of both of you. We did see you, David, on TV discussing the economic situation a time or two.
Both C. Ray and Mary Evelyn have made huge contributions to our community, and they are missed.
Margery Graves
