” Arból de la esperanza, mantente firme “ – “Tree of hope, stand firm” -Frida Kahlo
Ecuador – Less than a month ago a friend lost his best friend to Covid, and I said to him, “There’s one more star in the heavens smiling down on us.”
He found comfort in that concept. This past week he presented those same words back to me, as I adjusted to the news of the death of my friend Mary McDonald.
Dogpaddling through a lovely collage of memories, I thought that our connection with art was the strongest link, and the images below show the unconditional love that flowed between us.
It takes courage to share works of art, especially when they are in progress, and Mary always invited me into her realm, which was one that I cherished.

Like a duckling in water, Ms. Mary made those pigments sing!
I once introduced Mary to the curator at the inauguration of a museum show. “Mary is an artist,” I stated. She later wrote me to say that my comment had startled her, and well, yes – yes indeed she was an artist! Until that moment, my multi-talented friend had not considered herself a real artist. She stated, “Your positive comments to Alexandra has re-lit the flame in my spirit to pick up a brush again. For that especially, I thank you. ( my eyes are leaking)”
And my eyes are leaking now as I type. Dear Mary is surely smiling and watching over my shoulder.
The last painting I had seen of hers was one that burned in my memory – she wrestled the trauma of the 7.8 earthquake into an powerful work of art. I almost cried when she timidly showed it to me.

Terremoto -Renacimiento by Mary McDonald – Acrylic on wood, 58 cm x 58 cm
After the museum visit, she later told me that she thought, ‘Artist? Me?’ and then exclaimed to herself, ‘Yes! I AM an artist.’
“The strongest people find the courage and caring to help others, even if they are going through their own storm.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Even after trauma from the earthquake, John and Mary were forever doting on others. This photo was taken when they hosted a ‘thank you’ event at their home – and fed a crowd large enough to fill a small stadium!
On Tuesday evening, May 25, Mary realized that she was about to die and called for her husband John. He said that she did not panic but stated that she was dying and could not breathe. They had both agreed that a hospital was not where either wanted to take their final breath, and John held her while singing their favorite hymns until she weaned from one set of loving hands into the next.
When I told my friend, who had lost his dear friend the week before, he artfully presented my words of comfort back to me: “…our friends are turning into stars in the sky…”
On beautiful Van Gogh nights, we can look up and find a new star smiling down at her loved ones.
I’m so sorry you’ve lost a friend, it’s very hard. This is a lovely tribute to her.
You and Mary made my eyes leak ❤ What a lovely tribute and a beautiful story of your friendship – I sure miss your stories and your smiling/kind eyes Lisa. Much love to you (and John) during these difficult times. ❤
Dearest Lisa, I am so sorry to hear of your friend Mary’s passing. I remember that you spoke of the fondness for her and John that you had. Your support in her art gave her a joy that she cherished. It sounds like a peaceful passing in the arms of someone she deeply loved. I hope she had an easy time. Was it Covid? I too have had the encouragement and support from you with all that I do – you are so dear to so many and I hope knowing that you made a difference in her life helps lighten your grief. Pura Vida Dear, Marie
My empathy and sympathy to her family, you and her many friends
Thank you, Lisa. Just for the record in answer to Mariegroff’s question. Mary did not have covid. She had heart problems, bad lungs, kidney problems, and blood sugar issues. Nevertheless with medication she lived a comfortable life and depended on her faith to keep her going until her Lord called her home. It was my honor and a great blessing to sing for her during the last twenty minutes of her life. She left this life exactly as she had dreamed of going and I am certain that her next life will be even more glorious than she dreamed it would be.
My deepest sympathy for you John and your family! I will always keep Mary in my heart and you too my dear friend. Mary is an angel looking down on you. None of us know when God will call us! You helped Mary transition into her next life. Be happy and always remember how much Mary loved you. Prayers for you too!
Reblogged this on Living It Up in Ecuador and commented:
I plan to get back into blog posting soon. For the last few years much of my time has been taken up in the service of caring for my sweet wife, Mary. It was my honor and a great blessing to help make Mary’s life comfortable and we grew ever closer each day as I tried to tend to her needs.
I thank our good friend Lisa for this tribute to my Mary.
Life is still good in Ecuador!
John, I’ve gotten to know you and your wife a little, by reading comments on Lisa’s blog over the years. I’m very sorry for your loss. I think your presence and care was a wonderful gift, to Mary of course, but also to yourself. It is an awe-full thing to be present at life’s big transitions. Not easy, but important. I wish you strength and comfort during this sad time.
So sorry for the loss of your friend Mary.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute and reminder of another aspect of an amazing person. It helped me remember the joy and hopefulness with which she shared her paintings with me. My heart is also struggling to deal with the loss of my dear friend Mary. I have looked to nature to find her there too. I know her spirit is still very much with us, and hope that will help ease the pain of missing her.
Lisa, I am sorry for the loss of your friend, but it sounds like she lived a large life. Thanks for sharing her memory. Keith
So sorry for your loss, Lisa. A beautiful tribute.
Lisa, I’m sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself..
Oh, Lisa, I’m so sorry! It’s so hard to lose friends…and it seems to be something that has become all too normal. Best wishes, my dear, for comfort during this sad time.
I’m so deeply sorry for your sad loss, Lisa. May Mary rest in peace and may you all be comforted by your loving memories of her.
So sorry for your loss Lisa. RIP Mary. Shine on bright star.
Hugs,
Alison
Her husband sounds a lovely guy. Sad that there are only half of them now, Living it up…. 😦 I’m sorry for your loss, Lisa. I sit facing my patio, and a little Easter bunny planter that I brought back yesterday from my friend Marie’s home. She died tragically last Sunday and it’s miserable to look from my kitchen or bedroom window and see her shutters, permanently closed now. Shortly I must go and feed her cat. Life isn’t always what we plan. is it? God bless!
Beautiful, Lisa.
Sharing difficult times releases emotions. Something necessary to
begin healing. We can’t be there to actually give you the hugs
this is a good thing Lisa. we love, Eddie
I’m sorry you and many others lost a good friend. Your tribute speaks volumes. Take care, amiga!
You’ve spoken so much of Mary, and so many of us have come to know her, just a little, because of you. Your tribute is touching, and I know your memories of her will be sweet. Thank you for allowing us to mourn with you.
A profound tribute to a dear friend. My thoughts are with you and Mary’s family. May your memories sustain you are you move forward in your time line. Life is the very best when shared with kindred spirits. Sending much love and many hugs!
I’m sorry for your loss, Lisa. You painted a lovely tribute to your friend.
Healing thoughts,
Tanja
I am so sorry for this deep, painful loss. I’m glad you were able to connect Mary to her unreckoned artistic genius. She deserved to bask in that realization before she left this world. You, Lisa, are a mystic mentor, opening doors of possibility to all who cross your path.
I’m so so for your loss, Lisa. A friend of mine is slowly—too slowly— slipping away. I’ve been expecting the call from her son, my Godson, any day. She lingers but can barely open her eyes and can no longer communicate. I want her to slide off right now rather than continuing to linger like this.
I drove 100 miles (each way) to visit her four times this last week and am headed up again soon.
Our friends are such treasures.
This saddens me to hear of Mary’s passing. I enjoyed following her and John through their blog for many years. Prayers of strength for you and John and their beloved village where I know she will be missed.
Descanse en paz.
Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are so right about the stars increasing. We have lost so many beautiful people that the stars have to be brighter each night. Our friends, Marian Haigh and Pat Baker are two of the stars that we both loved and are now shining brightly. Thinking of you and send love, Jo
Thank you Lisa, such beautiful thoughts for such a beautiful – inside and out – woman. She is missed.
Terremoto -Renacimiento is fabulous, a perfect way to shape remembrance of a beloved like this.
A lovel, sad tribute to a wonderful woman and talented artist.