Mary Elzy Obituary

It´s no exaggeration to say I idolized Mary Elzy as a young girl. Family gatherings with Marty, Mary, and Josh in attendance were always extra exciting for me. I loved flipping through the pages of their travel scrapbooks and listening to the accompanying stories. While her life´s accomplishments and experiences were certainly impressive and admirable, her personality was what really shined. She was full of joy and excitement and had a magnetic, effervescent quality that made you feel not only welcomed, but inspired. Her enthusiasm was contagious! I´d often find myself thinking about how I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. I´m so grateful for the time I shared with her

Mary and Martin were our close friends when they lived in Atlanta. We had season tickets to plays together and spent several evenings playing cards, trivial pursuit, etc. To Josh and family..my sincere sympathy and am sending hugs and love. Sue

We met Mary and Martin years ago in LAMP (Learning Activities for Mature People) at UT Austin, and found them to be a delightful, interesting couple. As members, we sought to connect with those our own age, and a friendship developed. They were great additions to the discussions and activities; both became very active in curriculum and other volunteer opportunities, and we along with them, in which people were encouraged to participate. Mary became a very successful Chair, motivating people to get excellent speakers for our lectures in 6 subject areas; she was efficient and a true light for us all, never demanding, and not needing to be as she was the kind of person that people gravitated to and wanted to support.
We remember fondly a gathering at Mary´s and Martin´s of mutual LAMP friends, where they hosted splendidly with a variety of food, along with lively conversation. We have since entertained Mary in our home after her loss of Martin.
In addition, given the mental illness of our son, Mary was very supportive over many years to us and to the mental health organization with which we have been affiliated. We cherished her support and thoughtfulness throughout. She is a loss to us all, but will be remembered as the giving, caring friend that she was. Our condolences to Josh, Laura and other family members -
Marilyn and Bill Hartman

Dear Josh, Laura and Family, Mary was an extraordinary lady who lived her life to the fullest. She was kind and welcoming particularly when we joined LAMP. She was also courageous in accepting and succeeding in challenging leadership positions. As active as she was, remarkably she never appeared rushed and was always available to listen. We have fond memories of our Happy Hours with Mary and Martin. We didn't solve any world problems but we tried and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. In addition to all her community contributions and busy social life, she made the time to bake delicious cookies and make great home made ice cream. Mary was a cherished friend and will be greatly missed. Janice and Harvey Wohlwend

Mary was a mah jongg buddy of my late wife, Denise, and they became close friends. Mary and the group were often visitors at our home and when Covid hit they maintained their weekly contact via Zoom - unless Mary was traveling, which she seemed to do a lot.

Wow. Beth and I, like Mary and Martin, are traveling and can´t be there for Mary´s celebration of life. We and the Elzy´s danced together frequently, hosted them and the newborn Josh when the power was out, and were the only non-family at their wedding (where I proceeded to drop the rings as best man). Mary was an amazing person, loved an amazing man, and one of those people who never said an unkind word. The world is a lesser place without her. Steve Collins

Dear Josh and Laura, Mary extended her reach in so many creative and adventuresome ways. I treasure her travelogues; I saw so many fascinating places through her eyes and fastidious records of her trips. She had such a wonderful capacity for sharing the moment, whether on the sorrounded by penguins in Antarctica or by family on the banks of the West's pond. Mary was always the person you wanted to sit beside at dinner, and her talent for making people feel welcome is very evident in Josh and Laura. I cherish and admire her devotion to my much admired cousin and her talent for drawing him into new areas of interest. I know no one who just relished life so well. She will be ever remembered and cherished

After sharing growing up in the same small town and though a first cousin, we lost touch except for family reunions. Then a visit to Mary and Martin in Austin re-connected us. After Martin died, Mary and I began "zooms." When Covid hit, we had monthly zooms. I treasure these connections by zoom and in person. Super blessed to enter into her love of family, her travels, her inspirations, her reading, her thinking which was both creative and precise. My thoughts and prayers to her immediate family.

I enjoyed walks with Mary, conversations about books, and viewpoints on life. Mary had many bits of wisdom and insights to offer, and I always learned a lot from her. She continues to inspire my daily life in many interesting ways. She was generous, compassionate, thoughtful, wise, and always a bright and shining light, and her life continues to shine.

Mary was a truly remarkable woman in numerous ways and will hold a special place in my heart.