A Tribute To Mary (Houlihan) Hennessey

by Theresa Voyer (granddaughter)

A Legend For Generations

Her story begins years ago
On the shores of a New Found Land
Where the sustenance of life came from the sea
And playgrounds were on beaches of sand.

It was here young Ned held a babe in his arms,
Gazing at her like a small princess fairy.
Then he calmly looked into her eyes
And said “This is the girl I'm going to marry“.
He left her then to work in the mill
But returned to keep the promise he had made.
She was not a very old bride
She was young but still not afraid.

Her life on the island was not easy
Especially as her own brood grew
Eleven youngsters were under her wing
And others needed her too.
She would be called upon at anytime
To aid in the labour of other women in her land.
She would also prepare the dead for their burial
Laying out their bodies in a style that was grand.

Soon life handed her another challenge
When one by one her flock left her nest
And the man who rocked her as an infant
Was quietly laid to rest.
So she drew from her strength within  
And crossed the shore to the capital land.
Here where her offspring who needed her most
She wanted to be there to offer her hand.

She learned to live here happily
Through the smiles of a new generation
And gave of herself continually
Becoming the children's inspiration.
She was often called “Grandma”
But sometimes "Nanny" or “Mamere“.
It did not really matter to her
For her heart was for all to share.

She found herself starting to grow old
But she was really put to the test
When her children had to move once more
And urged her on even farther west.

She followed her family instinctively
Sensing each new generation's need  
She adapted herself to western life
Finding joy in each summer's Stampede.
She climbed mountains that may be found
Only in other people's dreams
She felt the softness of chinook winds
And heard the music of Rocky streams.

She grew ill once from a homeland meal
She lost her wilfulness and memory.
But for each generation's sake
She fought back with dignity.

She did go home now and then  
To visit with those she left behind.  
She gave of herself to all her oved ones
Being so very strong and yet so kind.

The time did come - she had to rest
It was the perils of her age.
She was confused but gallantly
Accepted her plight without rage.
If you asked her then what her thoughts were
About the meaning of being in heaven
She would probably whisper into your ear
It was living to be almost eighty-seven.

Through her life we learned great lessons
Like how to find blue skies.
And because of her our hearts now know
That a legend never dies.