I remember very vividly one day when I was perhaps about 9 years old having a nice conversation with Mary about the specific candy the white MOJO. It was my favorite. Mary was telling me about how it stuck to her teeth and the facial expressions as well as her laughter was heart warming. That was the day she gave me a strawberry candy told me to lick the top and use it as lipstick. This was a side of Mary she didn’t always display. That day I decided she was OK. My condolences on the lost of your mother, friend, and grandmother among some of the hats she wore.

This story started out more than 40 years ago, when one day I was talking to Mary at the store about wanting to buy a tall glass canister to store my spaghetti in. Then sometime later I was once again in the store and Mary reminded me of this canister which I still had not bought. Then she brought out this tall clear plastic canister in which the long pepperoni sticks came in and (now picture this-Mary taking a spaghetti stick and measuring it to make sure it was the right height)then said to me take this home wash it with vinegar and water and let it air out for a few days before storing your spaghetti in it. Well I eventually did buy a glass canister set and use the tall one for my noodles but I still store my spaghetti in my clear plastic pepperoni canister given to me by Mary. Thank you Mary, Rest In Peace.

When we were kids, we would visit my Auntie Mary in Kirkland Lake. The trip to her house seemed very long and sometimes we would arrive very late at night. No matter what time we arrived, there would always be a delicious pot of her chicken soup waiting for us to enjoy. None compares to that soup! I always felt so special and so loved as we enjoyed her soup and got caught up on life.

When ever we were lucky enough to find a pop bottle we would cash our 2 cents in at Steve and Mary’s store. Looking for money between the cracks of the old wooden sidewalks in front was a part time job for us. It amazes me today how Mary had the patience to deal with us as we took our time in deciding how to spend a nickel on the penny candy behind the glass. These stores and their owners were a special part of the neighborhood, they bring back many fine memories. Rest in peace Mary.

Dear Anne and Stella: Thinking of you and your families at this very sad time. I had a lovely conversation with your mom one week ago. She was definately a part of my life as a child and a memory I will have forever from the corner store.Such a hard working woman and devoted mother and wife….thinking of you. Sincerely Diane (Larocque)Charbonneau and Family

Ann and Stella, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. There was probably never a day that went by that myself or someone in my family was not at the store as we were growing up. And I would like you to know we all think of your Mom with fond memories. Ann you came and spoke to me at the Encore Club on Saturday evening, I am so glad you recognized me as a customer from the store. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the Downey Family

Dear family: We are sad to hear of your Mother passing. She was a lovely, peaceful and kind person and we will miss her when we visit 60 5th street. Sincerely, Flora & Al Keene

so sorry to hear of your mother,s passing.She was a great lady we just loved her take care.

Dear Anne and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love from Lynda and family