Book of Memories for Mary C. Neal

Condolence From Kristen Neal Carmona

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 15:51:44 EST

They just don't make 'em like my Nanny anymore. Nanny was my dad Ronnie's mom. Some of the earliest memories I have of Nanny revolved around family and food - both important to her but family slightly outweighed food. I remember traveling to her house on Gilette for any occasion to gather with family - and you better believe there was no shortage of good food, sweet treats, love or photos being taken to capture the moment. When I think of Nanny, I remember - point and shoot cameras, Schwann's, Winn's, Delaware punch, banana ice cream, pineapple upside down cake, German chocolate cake, cream gravy, gold fish, lottery tickets, rat terrier puppies, red birds, her bag car phone, busy bear enchiladas with LOTS of onions, comic strip wrapping paper, pecans, brooches, simple jewelry, collars that covered her neck, keen eye for style and matching her colors, loose curls, coffee ALL day. I could go on and on. Nanny was a rare gem. Her family was her life and she loved her life. As an adult, I realize that I learned a lot from Nanny simply by being around her and observing. She demonstrated unconditional love. She saw God in everybody she met. She was generous with everything - she never denied her family anything and most of the time she gave without being asked. Now in her death, I see how I can carry on her memory as a new mom with our little one. Leading by example through the things I learned from Nanny. I love you always, Nanny. "God loves you and so do I."

Condolence From Lorraine and Keno Balderas

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:34:33 EST

We are sorry for your loss. Nanny, was such a great person. May the memories of Nanny help you find peace. I love to hear her stories, and I love her homemade ice cream. She made some of the most beautiful blankets. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. May the perpetual light shine upon Nanny to lead her on her journey home.

Condolence From Mary Jane Neal

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 16:40:28 EST

Mary Neal was my mother-in-law first, my mentor and my dear friend. As her daughter-in-law I learned a lot about this incredible woman in 32 plus years ago. During these years I learned about the unconditional love she displayed for all of her 5 children. In fact, one of her favorite words being, "LOVE". She loved everything about family. Family gatherings was most important to her as was the Neal Family Reunion. She loved cooking for her family and having us all sit together as her children loved to kid her about anything. She, with that loving attitude took it all in and laughed. She cooked us many meals made the best of whatever she had in her fridge/freezer and pantry. To this day I still make some of the foods she fed us. We cannot forget her home made banana ice cream that was delicious. She made ice cream for every occasion. She made so much ice cream at a time that she had containers with our names written in with a marker. I have her ice cream recipe but I some how feel mine will not be as good as Nannys. She was a nurturing woman. She cared for her husband in their home as his illness progressed and never complained. She cared for her aging mother in her home and never complained. She cared for our kids on occasion with open arms. She took me to the dentist as I couldn't drive after a procedure. Nurturing was in her nature. She loved caring for family. She loved her rat terrier dogs; Buddy, Penny, Betty Boop (in fact she loved the betty boop character-hence naming one of her dogs with that name)and Gazellda to name a few. She made sure they always had a warm and comfortable home. Her love for nature and everything about it. She would call on Ronnie or Jarrett to come plant an oak or fruit tree or move shrubs to other locations. She loved birds particularly cardinals. We would be coming home from work and she would be outside working in the yard or on the lawn mower. She had a blast outside with her fruit trees, plants and mowing grass. Oh and we can't forget about the cinder blocks that she used as a fence line that constantly got moved. She would eventually tell us that yard work was therapy for her. I remember Jimmy Crawford calling to tell us that Mary was outside in the heat of the day pulling grass spurs! She would find herself on the phone about the dangers of being in the heat. She told me that for many years she was inside cooking for her family and now it was time to enjoy being outside and she loved it. I can now relate to that finding myself doing the same since being retired. She loved to take pictures. She always carried a camera to captivate special occasions and moments. A good thing that I took up as I began my family. She loved music and dancing to it. She would love to hear that Ronnie & I would dance in the garage to Ray Price music. She would say there's nothing wrong with that. She would tell us the radio was her company when she was home alone. I can understand what she meant as my own mother does the same... I loved walking to her house on Saturday mornings when she lived two houses up from ours to have coffee with her. Of course I added extra milk to my coffee as it was strong! We'd sit and share stories back and forth. Eventually she'd tell me why don't you make yourself some toast or eggs and I would. I feel so blessed for being able to have this memory. I could go on and on about this incredible creature of God. She was my mentor as I became a mother. I remember she told me that your kids are never to old to let you know when they get home. And, she is right ! Mary Neal was a blessing from God to our family. She was an angel on earth. We will greatly miss her and beautiful smile. Mary Neal, Mom, Nanny, you are forever in our hearts. WE LOVE YOU. Eternal rest grant upon Mary O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Condolence From Deborah Malm

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 23:08:37 EST

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Neal. She was a wonderful neighbor and I always enjoyed our conversations over the fence. Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to all her family.

Photo shared: Neal, Mary photo.jpg

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 02:11:05 EST