Mary Webster with her mother Addie. Rare photo of them together as my mom often was the photographer not the subject. Colorized.
Every year since March 2006 I have written one or more blog articles about women during National Women’s History Month. This year is a little different, as I will write only one story, and provide a recap of hundreds of stories I have written about New Hampshire women from all walks of life, with a variety of talents.
When you and I examine our own lives, we will find that there will be at least one woman who had a great positive effect on us. It could be a mother, but it doesn’t have to be. Usually that person is not political, and not famous in any way. These are the women who need to be celebrated. Their qualities were astounding even if their accomplishments never appear in any newspaper or biographical compilation.
This year I am writing about only one person–my mother, Mary Webster, whose love was deep and abiding. Her affection was not only for me, but for everyone around her. She was kind, and funny, and talented. She was not perfect, and never claimed to be. She was humble, and would brush off compliments. She loved to see her family gather together.
1930s photograph of Mary with accordion. Colorized.
She was musical, self-taught at the accordion, and determined though on a tight budget that all her children would have a musical education so they could play one instrument. A record player or a radio would be filling the house with music much of the day
She was selfless in so many ways, sewing our clothing so as children we always looked picture-perfect for dress up occasions. She was a ‘photography nut’ who captured her family and extended family’s accomplishments and rituals.
She was a good listener, sympathetic with a ready hug. An avid reader she could talk on almost any subject. She was brave –protecting her family, facing off with and speaking up to authority when she needed to.
She was patient. During WW2 she waited several years for my father to complete his military service, remaining devoted to him. They married and of course the rest is history. Hers was a great love story.
Mary during WWII wearing a brother’s military cap.
She was forgiving. Even when those around her disappointed her, she gave them chance after chance to redeem themselves. She was stronger than anyone I’ve known, losing two children, and her husband and carrying on so others would not grieve as deeply as she did.
As a genealogy researcher, I would like to think that some of those amazing qualities that my mother had I gained through her DNA, and most of all through her example. For she was an educator in everything she did.
She was a survivor, living through a severe bout of polio, and many surgeries and medical problems in later years. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 87. She was loved.
—- Women’s History Month Stories From Previous Years ——
New Hampshire and National Women’s History Month–March 2021
New Hampshire Tidbits: March 2021 is Women’s History Month (Suffrage Movement in NH)
Women’s History Month: http://www.cowhampshireblog.com/2019/03/01/womens-history-month-new-hampshires-remarkable-women-for-2019/New Hampshire’s Remarkable Women for 2019
2018 National Women’s History Month: NH WOMEN & WORLD WAR 1
A wonderful tribute to your mother and to all women.
Janice, what a beautiful tribute to your mother. You bring her back to life with your words.