TRIBUTES TO MARY JANE MAGRANN
Granddaughter Molly Magrann, March 5, 2003 Homework Assignment
Death and Resurrection
At least once in a lifetime you come across a real tragedy. That tragedy no matter what way you look at it can be seen as a death. This death does not have to be a physical death it also can be a mental or an emotional one. When I try to look back on my life and think of a death in it, the only one event that comes to mind is when my Grandmother passed away. Not only was this a complete sadness but a total heartbreak. This was a hard time for not only myself but for everyone else in my family, especially for my bad and Grandpa. I felt as if God had abandoned my Grandma, my poor Grandpa that I thought would be alone forever, and myself.
Although, as some time passed and I had time to recover, looking back my Grandma’s death was really a wonderful thing. She was no longer suffering the pain she lived with day in and day out, my Grandpa could start living the life that was somewhat left behind when my Grandma got sick, and most importantly I learned that God had not abandoned any of us and that He in His own will was trying to make things better for all. Also, through this tragedy I have learned to never smoke because that is what played a large role in my Grandma’s death. This death in my life has really showed me that in your lifetime you do have some deaths and you just have to look at them the right way and see all the good that comes out of it instead of all the bad. Death is never a fun event but the Resurrection makes the long hard jury to see past that all worth while.
Grandpa's (Tom Magrann II) Response to Molly's letter:
7 March 2003
Dear Molly;
I received your letter today along with your essay on “DEATH and RESURRECTION” and I wanted to extend my appreciation and compliments on your well written and deeply though-out essay.
After reading your essay more than a dozen times, I had to call you tonight to personally tell you just how much I loved your thoughtfulness and how much your essay meant to me. But talking on the telephone is not long lasting, therefore I want to reiterate and express my feelings on some of the items that we discussed on the phone, so now with your indulgence, I pour out my thoughts to you with pen and paper.
Your very touching essay and your painfully affecting feelings brought tears to my eyes as I read your precious document and certainly your RESURRECTION kindles a fire and lights up my slumbering heart.
Also, the lesson on smoking, hopefully will go a long way to reduce future tragedies-----GOD bless your intelligent thoughts on that subject.
Your essay has inspired me to start looking for my RESURRECTION and hopefully maybe I can (as my Grand Daughter so eloquently stated) “start living the life that was some what left behind”.
Molly, I want you to know that your essay has rightfully found a permanent resting place, on display, for all to read; in our dinning room in your Grand Mother’s Memorial cabinet.
A million thanks for your thoughtfulness
Love and a million hugs and kisses
GRAND PA
Facts About Mary Jane
Born April 18, 1925, third child of ten, in Pennsylvania to James Earley of Pennsylvania and Mary Torpey of Ire land.
Family was very poor while she was growing up during the Depression. Her father
picked apples, among other odd jobs, to support the family.
First in her family to graduate from high school, St. Hubert’s in Phila., in 1943.
First in her family to marry in October of 1943, St. Leo’s parish in Phila.
Worked as a riveter in an airplane factory after the war.
Four children, Trish, Tom, Tim and Tracey; seven grandchildren Meghan, Kelly,
Tommy, Royale, Jack, Molly & Kyle.
Lived in Norway, Morocco, France, 1955-1959
Had a house built in Worcester, PA 1960
Lived in Tehran, Iran 1966-1972
1972 — 1976 Back to Worcester, Pa
1976 — 1978 Back to Tehran; was evacuated due to Revolution
1979 - Moved to Irvine, CA
1983 - Moved to Yanbu, Saudi Arabia from 1983
1985 - Bought a home in El Toro, CA
1984
- 1986 Back to Saudi Arabia
1985 - 1987 Back to El Toro,
Ca
1988 - Bought a house on the lake in Yorba Linda, CA
Her travels took her around the world and she visited more than 50 countries. Celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in 1993.
Enjoyed shopping, tending to garden, giving parties and remembering everyone by sending cards for every occasion.
Enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren.
In her sixties worked at Sears as sales person to keep herself occupied and get the employee discount.
She was loved and respected by all who knew her.