Mary Sasek Pyfer
After 98 plus years spreading love, generosity, and devotion to her God, family, and every person who had the great good fortune to know her, Mary Sasek Pyfer passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 22, 2020, at the Cooney rest home in Helena.
Along with “loving, caring, and giving”, the one word that would best describe our Mom was “Resilient”. She bounced back! After each of her occasional trip and falls around the house (a proclivity demonstrably shared with son Bob), she would rise and say, “See, I just bounce like a ball!” (Bobby didn’t).
After losing a sister and growing up as an only child…she bounced back. After enduring the trials of starting school without knowing the language…she bounced back. After weathering the Great Depression…she bounced back. After tragically losing her first born son…she bounced back. After being removed by “jaws of life” from her crushed car in a horrific 2005 car accident…she bounced back. An amazing combination of kindness and grit, the spirit of “Miss Mary” (as she was fondly called by Cooney staff) lives on in her example and the memory of her lovely warm smile.
Mary Elizabeth Sasek, was born December 2, 1921, by midwifery in East Helena, Montana. Her father, Joseph M. Sasek, immigrated from Slovenia, a beautiful Montana-like province in the northern part of the former Yugoslavia, to work in East Helena’s ASARCO lead smelter, which attracted numerous workers from Slovenia and eastern Europe. Joe married Mary Lesar, also a Slovenian immigrant. They had two girls, Mary and Fanny, but Fanny died before the age of two. So Mary grew up an only child, speaking only Slovenian in the household and knowing virtually no English when she started first grade. As a result, she became truly bilingual, with essentially two first languages. Her father Joe was her rock. But her mother Mary (“Nana” to us) was her teacher, mentor, friend, and soulmate to whom she dedicated so much of her amazing wellspring of love and attention. She spent every day with Nana at 8 East Pacific St., helping with her large garden and canning, making pohina and potica, soups and fresh bread, fixing her hair and shopping for her or chauffeuring her to visits or appointments. This while domestically engineering a household of four active boys a block away on Pacific St., just down from the Firehall. Even in Mary’s last days, and through the ever-increasing dementia, she frequently talked about Nana.
Mary developed her fervent Catholic faith at St. Ann’s Catholic grade school in East Helena. She prayed the rosary daily and attended mass as often as possible, enriching her Catholic beliefs. Sadly, she was the “sole” graduate of St. Ann’s in l936 and she retained a precious “class photo” of her standing alone with the visibly uncomfortable parish priest standing reluctantly behind her. She next ventured to Helena riding the public transit bus to Cathedral High School, graduating in 1940. She attended a short course at Mrs. Patenaude’s Business College in downtown Helena and became proficient in shorthand and typing. She worked several jobs, including the telephone company, Federal Reserve Bank, East Helena ASARCO Smelter office, and even a short stint with Jeannette Rankin’s congressional campaign.
Mary married S. Clark Pyfer in 1942. She and Clark (a prominent CPA and local Helena business leader) raised four boys in East Helena. They were stalwarts of the local community. Mary’s Catholic faith was enriched daily with her choir participation and organ playing. She played the organ pro bono for thousands of services (including daily high masses, weddings, funerals, and novenas) starting at age sixteen and well into her 80s. For over 60 years of dedicated service to Saint Cyril and Methodius Parish, she received the Church’s prestigious Mavsar Award in 2009. Mary also provided the piano music accompaniment pro bono for St. Ann’s (K-8th) grade school Christmas programs throughout the boys youth until the school closed after Bill’s 4th grade school year in l967.
Mary overcame her childhood shyness to become a true small town socialite. Together Mary and Clark enjoyed literally hundreds of lasting friendships across the state and even the nation, due in part to Clark’s numerous business and charitable/philanthropic involvements. In the 60’s the family was honored to represent Montana in the “All American Family” competition in Florida (sponsored by the East Helena Kiwanis Club).
Prior to Clark’s passing in 2005, Mary visited the family village in Ribnica, Slovenia twice, once in 1965 by traveling behind the “Iron Curtain” to Yugoslavia with her family and parents and again in 1996, after both passed. The 1996 excursion group of eleven included children and grandchildren, a logistical challenge to say the least. Both trips were planned and coordinated by Clark, who was deeply interested in Mary’s Slovenian heritage. Mom was the ” Interpreter in Chief”, taking on the truly exhausting task of facilitating dozens of American and Slovenian relatives eager to communicate with each other. (Although she did get some measure of assistance from one Franci, a 12-year old Slovenian boy cousin who was learning English in school.) After Clark’s passing in 2005, Mary visited a third time, joining son Rick, and grandchildren Sara and Chris after Slovenia won its Democratic Independence and was vibrant and modernized.
Reflecting their dedication to family and democratic principles, in the 60s Clark and Mary proudly sponsored two of her Slovenian cousins, Stan and Joe Lesar, to the United States, refugees from Tito”s Yugoslavia. Both raised large successful families in Madison, Wisconsin and Missoula, Mt. respectively.
Mary was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 58 years, Clark; parents Joe and Mary Sasek; Sister Fanny; and son Don. Her dear close cousin Helen (Lesar) Brown also passed away just this year. She is survived by sons Bob (Jeanne) (Helena), Rick (Helena), and Bill Pyfer (Scottsdale, AZ); Bob’s children-Mary’s grandchildren Nicole (Jay) Lindgren (Helena) and Lora Lo Duca (Billings); and great grandchildren Jaret, Colton, and Tizer Lindgren and Angelina, Joey, and Gianna Lo Duca. Rick’s children-Mary’s grandchildren Chris (Lynn) Pyfer of Brooklyn, NY and Sara (Paul) Fowler (Montana City) and great grandchildren Athen Pyfer and Lizabetta and Christian Fowler.
Funeral mass will be held at noon Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at St. Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church in East Helena, immediately followed by graveside service and reception in celebration of Mary at Kennedy Park in East Helena.
The family extends a very special thank you the excellent staff at Apple Rehab Cooney for their constant and loving attention to “Miss Mary” during her last seven years.
Thank you to the many people who made donations in Mary’s memory last year and for the many well wishes we received at that time. We are pleased to have a formal ceremony and gathering this year in her honor. If you did not see the previous notice and would like to send a condolence note/card, you may send to Pyfer Family, P.O. Box 563, Helena, MT 59624. Memorial donations in Mary’s honor are suggested to St. Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church, East Helena or to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 7, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Graveside Service
Following the Mass
Wednesday July 7, 2021
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Wednesday July 7, 2021
Kennedy Park
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 7, 2021
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Graveside Service
Following the Mass
Wednesday July 7, 2021
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Wednesday July 7, 2021
Kennedy Park
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Jack and Sherryl Vaughn says
Mary was one of the sweetest most gracious ladies I have ever known. Prayers are with all of you. Rest in peace Mary.
Kori Dee says
Rick,
Your Mom was one of the “gems” of this world. A woman of faith, grace, strength, love and joy. We moved to Helena in 1997 and your Mom was one of the first women I met. Marry and Clark were both terrific community leaders – showing us all how best to be kind. Lifting you and your family up in prayer. Steve & Kori
Richard Trerise says
Rick,
Diane and I express our sympathies to you and your family on the passing of your Mom. She was a great lady. Treasure the good memories.
Dick and Diane
Janet and Dennis Sheehy says
Mary will be missed by all who knew her. A compassionate, classy and incredible lady. A treasured member of the East Helena community. Our families had the pleasure of enjoying life with the Pyfer family and Mary in EH and Canyon Ferry activities. Our prayers are with you and best wishes to Mary’s family. God Bless
Jay Reardon says
Rick and family so sorry to here about your Mom. I have fond memories of the times we spent at the Pyfer house. I’m sure you know that her and my mom were cousins the Sasek connection. Wishing you all well and prayers for your Mom and your family.
David Ryan says
So sorry for your loss.
Connie Anders says
Bob and Rick:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing our parents is one of the hardest things ever. Their generation as filled with amazing individuals and our parents were truly amongst them. It hard to bring that chapter to a close, but we have tons of memories to cherish and we can be thankful for that. Much love to you and your families.
Larry and Sharon Pfeiffer says
Wish you well in this passing of a generation. You will be in our thoughts.
Gary & Joy Novota says
Within the last few months we saw your Mom at the nursing home. We are sorry to hear of her passing; however, at age 98, she certainly lived a full & interesting life. Your Dad was so helpful to us when we were beginning our plans for the Sleeping Giant Jazz Festival, & the two of them had such fun during the musical days. They were also regulars who came to the concerts thru Live! at the Civic. We were always delighted to visit & see them out & about, taking in whatever events were happening. They were part of a Greater Generation (not just Great) which would take much to be surpassed. May God grant you peace, a ton of beautiful memories & give you extra strength thru difficult days. Our sympathies to your family & loved ones ~*~*
Sandi Coyle-Benson says
Rick Know you are in my thoughts during this most difficult time. Your mom will always be a special treasure to the East Helena community. God Bless
Dave Cogley says
Bob and Rick, Your mom was such a sweetie! Always looked forward to seeing her when the jammers came to play music for the group. Our sympathy goes out to you. We will all miss her.
Mike McCarthy says
Rick, Sorry to hear of your moms passing. We did mot know her but she was in the same generation as our parents. They were heroic in the way they lived their lives. Our most prayerful thoughts are with you and your family. Mike and Vicki McCarthy
Patricia Scott says
Dear Pyfer Family,
Mary was a beautiful lady with a huge loving and giving soul. She always had a kind compliment for me when talking about life and my girls. Her devoted faith in God was always constant. I know she rests with Him in eternity. My prayers will be with you all as you mourn the passing of this amazing lady. God Bless you all.
Patti Fries Scott
Mary Kay & George Bennett says
Dear Rick and Bob:
We know Mary is celebrating in heaven with your dad, brother and extended family members.
She always made us feel special when we visited through the years..Mary will not be forgotten.
George & I send our condolences!
Mary Kay Bennett
The Jones Family says
Pyfer Family,
Your Mom and Dad were great people and two of the folks that made growing up in East Helena such a wonderful experience! Your Mom always had a smile and had the selfless East Helena quality of spending the first one or two minutes of a conversation checking on and saying nice things about others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and be assured their legacy and positive influence will live on!
Rev. Jerome Hoeser says
I didn’t know Mary but I am related through my mother, Frieda Putzel Hoeser, who is also deceased. I was in East Helena a few times to visit my aunt, Ella Russ, my mother’s sister………and we did visit some relatives but I do’t know if Mary was one of them. Nevertheless, I wish to offer my sympathy and assure you of my remembrance in prayer.
Colleen, Alec, and Eamon Hansen says
Rick and Chris and Lynn and Athen, Your mother, grandmother, and great grandmother was delightful. Eamon so loved time with her and Clark at the Pyfer cabin. Love to all of you.
Matt Diette says
Bob, Rick, Bill, and the extended Pyfer families:
My condolences to you all. I was always very proud to tell people that Mary Pyfer was my Godmother – baptized in the St. Helena Cathedral March 1958. She is now with Clark and Don.
Pam Buckman says
My love, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to the Pyfer family. Mary was such a wonderful woman who always had such nice and complimentary things to say about everyone. We will always be thankful for her endless generosity in opening her home, cabin and heart to us for so many, many years. What great times we shared together. Mary, I wish you Godspeed to our Lord’s side with all our loved ones who have gone before us. You really had a blessed life!
Rosemarie Pouliot says
Dear Family we are again here with our thanksgivings for the life we all shared and for the life that now lives on in soul with Our Lord. How deserving Mary is of heaven. She was the kindest and beautifully genuine person we had the blessing of having throughout our lives. My Dad and Mom had visits with them when they came to eat at their restaurant in East Helena and my mom , Mary Gailushas, was one of the 3 Mary’s as we called them to include Mary Pouliot. Mary and Clark came often. My sister Pat Verbanac and her husband John were so happy to have had Mary play the organ at their wedding. She played her music selflessly at hundreds of masses and could always be counted on to be there for all. Then there was the sharing of the beautiful cabin at The lake. Oh what great days we had there. My family all told me how much they loved her. She clipped articles from the newspaper for every one of my children for years and made sure we received them to save. Her eyes were smiling with kindness always. Love you and we will always remember you and your caring ways which will live on in us all.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Rick, our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to you and the family. John was on the Board of Directors of the Red Cross in the 70’s with Mary and Cherie’s parents Ray and Pat Austin were good friends of both Mary and Clark. They were both special people 😊👍
Mary Jean DeGroat says
Dear Family,
It is so difficult to lose a mother! I remember Mary playing the organ at Mass and seeing her at St Cyril and Methodious social functions. We are related in some way as was much of East Helena. My maiden name was Rigler.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Lorri & Terry Mullen says
Dear Rick,
We are so sorry about the loss of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
Sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim says
Wonderful memories of a wonderful family. Your folks were the dearest of all people. My thoughts are with you. RIP Mary.
Ernie Diette says
Billy Rick and bob
My condolences in the death of your mother. She will be truly missed, especially her since of hummer. She was my god mother also. Best of wishes to all and may god bless you all.
Carol and Dick Paulsen says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I remember that she and Mary Tursich encouraged me to join them as organists at St. Cyril’s long ago – I always enjoyed her kindness and humor. Dick’s parents and mine shared many friendly times with Mary. She was a great lady. Dick and I send our sympathy.
Vicki Pyfer Veltkamp says
Rick, Bob & Bill, So sorry to hear that your Mother passed recently. Always enjoyed her on the rare family get togethers. She was a beautiful & gracious lady. I remember the laughs & enjoyment when we visited the cabin. May you find peace in your loss
Vicki & Allen & Tom Pyfer
Joe Carter says
Bill, Rick and Bob
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Hang in There Billy
Teresa Graham says
Bob And family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I still think fondly of Mary and Clsrk and how fun it always was when they came to watch our girls bowl. May your happy memories give you strength. Heaven has another beautiful angel to watch over you all. God’ Blessings, Teresa Graham
Jean Stump Strainer & Anthony Strainer says
Pyfer Family – East Helena and the SS Cyril and Methodius parish has lost a gem in the passing of Mary. She always took the time to chat and find out how everybody was doing. The little block on Pacific St will never be the same. On behalf of the generations of East Helena Smith, Rigler, Stump and Strainer families, we offer you our deepest condolences and prayers. May the eternal light shine upon her.
Scott Brown says
Your parents were both saints. I hope someday that I will get to see them in Heaven to thank them for all they did for me.
Blessings to your family,
Scott Brown
Paul Stahl says
Rick, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Dear Bob, Rick, Bill and all of Aunt Mary’s family and friends. Our condolences to you all as you move through this time of grieving. May you all share the loving memories of living life with her. She had a lovely, gentle soul. Being with all her relatives who went before her is bringing her joy! We love you all.
Jerry Casey Maddio says
Dear Pyfer Family
Many gracious memories of your Mom and Dad
Mary was always a classy lady and your Dad never forgot your name. Loved them both.
Rick and Mary Bell says
Rick:
Our sincere sympathy on the death of your precious mother!
Glen J Cuchine says
It is with a mixture of sadness, gratitude and perhaps a sense of humor that I send my heartfelt thoughts to you all. Mary and Clark both were one of many couples that made East Helena the incredibly special place it was/is. So many memories of Mary’s ready smile, spring in her step and ever present willingness to help. Such a pleasure to know her and the many interactions at E. Helena IGA were really special to me. May the many wonderful memories of your mom sustain and comfort you during this time of loss. Bless you all.
Craig and Claudia Wilkerson says
otravez88@yahoo.com
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We pray for your strength and peace.
Michael and Diane Langenfus says
Dear Bob, Jeannie, Rick and Bill.
You all know of Mary’s childhood friendship with Mary Smith Langenfus. I remember CLark and Mary’s 50 wedding Anniversary when the Maid of Honor and Best Man had to speak, Mary Langenfus would never have spoke to a crowd for anyone but her best friend Mary Sasek Pyfer. They were best friends both from Slovenia and both fluently spoke the language. They were in each others weddings and there for each other in all their ups and downs of life. They grieved the passing of their parents and their husbands together and spent much time again together until Mary Langenfus passed unexpectedly in 2000. Mary continued to look over Mike, Diane and Bill Langenfus as if they were her own.
Our hearts are broken to hear if her passing, she was the last of a legacy in her generation, and loved by so many and deeply loved by the Langenfus family.
Amanda Fries says
My deepest sympathy to the entire Pyfer family. I will never forget Mary. She truly had a heart of gold. We have been so incredibly blessed to have her as part of our family and spend all these years making memories. Amazing family memories due to her kindness in opening up her doors to all of us. Never ending love and compassion is what we always got. All the years of welcoming us over to the cabin and inside her home in East Helena to watch the fireworks has been such a joy and a lifelong tradition. We will never forget her love, generosity, and that smile that lit up every room she entered. Mary was loved deeply. My thoughts, love, and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace beautiful Mary, you’ve always been an angel and now you have your wings❤️
Kathleen Broussard says
Rick and family
We are so sorry about Mary. She was such a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keith, Kathleen and Kory Broussard
Jim Stipcich says
Rick, Bill and Bob. My deepest condolences at your Mother’s passing. She was an incredible lady that touched the lives of so many of us as we grew up to say nothing of her impact on all of East Helena and Helena. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your family. Jim and Peg Stipcich
James Schell says
Pyfer Family,
Condolences to you all. Your family has been a true gem in this world and the countless memories they have brought to East Helena and beyond will never be forgotten. Prayers to you and yours.
Jeanne Saarinen says
Bob and Rick – hugs and prayers to you during this time of loss. May the Choir of Angels greet your mother as their own! Jeanne Saarinen
Susan Lagerquist says
Rick and the Pyfer Family:
Your mom (and dad) were shining examples of people that gave a lot to the Helena community and will surely be missed. Many thoughts and prayers are sent your way during this difficult time. May she rest in peace and be met in heaven with welcoming arms as her work on earth is done. Susan and John Lagerquist
Allen & Kathy Chambers says
I’m so very happy this beautiful lady is now enjoying her well deserved place in heaven! Her kindness and interest in me as a person is what I remember most about Mary. I know she was welcomed into heaven as she welcomed all of us who knew her into her home.
Bob, Rick and Bill you are in our prayers.
Dan Brimhall says
Rick and family – so sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. She was an amazing person, and along with Clark, good friends to all of us at American Chemet in East Helena. A life well lived, and an example to us all.
Dan Brimhall
Donna and Ron Greenwood says
Dear Pyfer Family,
We send our deepest sympathies to all of you in the loss of your beloved Mother and Grandmother. May the examples of a life lived in service be an immortal gift to our community. Blessings and peace to all of you.
Anne B says
Rick, your mom showed us such a powerful example of faith and service. She personified love and nothing life threw at her, not even in the last years of her life, changed her cheerful loving kindness. When I saw her at Cooney, she was as gracious and warm as ever. Her life is a testament and I’m so glad to have know her. My heart goes out to you all who must go on without her. Peace be with you.
Greg Lesar says
Bob, Rick and Bill, I am sorry for your loss. Clark and Mary were very special people. They always made you feel welcome.
Greg Lesar
Joan Hantz says
So sorry for your loss. Your parents were such lovely people and my parents thought the world of them. The community and family will miss Mary and Clark. I feel blessed and fortunate to have known them.
Joan Delano Hantz
Diana Graber-Tavary says
Bob, Rick and Bill,
It was such a great time in life having all of you as neighbors in EH. The memories are many involving all of you. I will miss your mama’s smile and her loving arms. She was my second mom for a long time on Pacific Street. Your parent’s were great influences. Many great holiday memories in the hood!!!! And lets not forget all the private concerts provided by the Pyfer boys band in the back yard. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Diana Graber-Tavary
Kathy Rowsey says
Bob and Rick: Condolences and prayers to your family. She was an amazing women. What a Blessing to have her with you all for so many years.
Frank Kromkowski says
Dear Bob and Rick and Bill and all of the Pyfer and Sasek family:
Blessings and sympathy as you deal with your Mom’s passing.
Thanks be to God for her beautiful life.
~ Frank Kromkowski
Sr. D. Jean Casey says
Clark and Mary were a stable part of life growing up in East Helena! Especially at chhrch. I used to babysit you kids. Blessings on all of you. Sr. D. Jean Casey (Deedee)
Annell Crowley Fillinger says
Bob and family, I was so sorry to read of your Mother’s passing. I remember her fondly and know she will be missed by all who knew her. What an incredible life she had and now she is dancing in Paradise. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this time.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Dear Pyfer Family,
The obituary is a beautiful, fitting tribute to your Mom/Grandma. She was truly a matriarch of East Helena who gave so much to all of us who grew up knowing her. I will always remember her with a smile on her face, her warm and loving personality, and always feeling comfortable around her. She was pure class, yet so humble and giving of herself. I feel proud to have known her. Blessings to all of you.
Kathleen and the Hunthausen Family
Connie Phelps says
Bob and Jeanne and family. My condolences on Mary’s passing. I remember her parents and Mary would come into my Uncle Cap’s East Helena Market and I would bag their groceries. My Grandma Perhay was friends with the Lesar family. The family always had kind words for Mary. She will be missed but you are fortunate to have had her influence on your lives.
Susan Deming says
Rick and family, I just learned of your Mom’s passing and I am so sorry for you. She was a terrific woman. I remember her playing the organ for daily Mass and visiting with her over a cup of tea. What fun memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers. (About five years ago I moved from Helena. Now I am living in Columbus, on the banks of the Yellowstone River.)
Lori McKenzie says
My brothers and I grew up in wonderful East Helena and treasured the time and the people there! I knew Donny the best as I was only several years older than he. He was eager to be with his Maker and wasn’t able to enjoy his life for a long time. He was sorely missed esp y his mother , our Mary. He accomplished a lot in his few years w us.
The entire Pyfer family continued tobe a strength for the community and was helpful to all who requested any help and solace from them
They get my vote for Best Family that’s for sure. I am proud and grateful I knew them
Lori Lane McKenzie,Bronx, NY
Lori McKenzie says
see above for comments
Lori McKenzie says
The Clark and Mary Pyfer family was a great addition to the wonderful town of East Helena which was the BEST little city i the USA to grow up in. Thank you, Pyfer and thank you, East Helena!
Lori McKenzie says
i have filled this into many times!!!
Lori McKenzie says
too many gimes
Lori McKenzie says
ccccc
Pat Sasek Deadmond Roth says
Dear Pyfer Family, it seems everyone in my family has happy memories of Mary. My mother, Thelma Sasek always enjoyed the time she was able to spend with Mary. My son, Bret Deadmond spent a LOT of fun time at your home
along with Nate, my daughter Lisa also thought the world of your mother and I had great respect for her and her accomplishments. She was one of the sweetest ladies I ever knew, I don’t think she ever had an unkind thought of anyone in the world with the possible exception of when she was raising all those boys. Sincerely and with condolences
Elaine Tuffli says
Bill and family, so very sorry for your loss. loved her and your dad very much. in the 70’s, they hosted Young Life. This was a group of kids from high school that got together each week to sing and talk. She never passed by me without stopping to say hi. so gad she had a good life with all she did w her kindness and generosity. hugs your way all. Elaine Tuffli
wayne helfert says
Bob,Rick,&Bill- I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a grand lady-the last of the St. Ann’s moms that nurtured and took care of us. May she rest in peace.
Kathy Dreyer says
We remember how Clark and Mary were always at EVERY significant event in Helena. Mary was so encouraging to us when we mentioned that we were going to host a foreign student. She said that they had done it and it is life changing an very rewarding. She was so right! Love to All, Kathy and Larry Dreyer