Stories
Mary: A 'Pretty Remarkable Lady' Aids Research
Mary's family remembers her as an inquisitive and attentive woman with a brilliant memory, qualities that came in handy for knowing the names, birthdays, and gift preferences of 14 children, 50 grandchildren, and-at the time she died in July 2005 at age 86-34 great-grandchildren.
"She also bought special gifts for each member of the family every Christmas," recalls Elizabeth Pestka, one of Mary's eight daughters. "And each gift was specially wrapped. She was a pretty remarkable lady. She loved her big brood." She also harbored a lifelong love of learning. Widowed in 1969 with five children still at home, she continued to read and take all kinds of classes.
Mary told her children of her wish to be an organ and tissue donor, although she didn't believe her wish could be fulfilled. A favorite family story tells of a note found among her papers: "I would like to donate, but I'm afraid I'm all used up." When Mary passed away, the children unanimously agreed to proceed with any possible donation. "We were pleased when a representative from the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank called and told us her eyes could be used for research purposes," Elizabeth says, even though Mary had a history of eye problems, including a detached retina, cataract surgery, and an operation to strengthen her eye muscles.
Not many people realize that advanced age does not preclude eye donation. Researchers use the tissue to further their understanding of corneal anatomy, as well as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and diseases of the sclera, the white part of the eyes. "Knowing our mother's eagerness to help others," Elizabeth adds, "we are glad we could honor her through the gift of donation."
Mary, relaxing at the lake.