“My sister shined in this life. Our parents always announced her achievements proudly and I got to have a big sister who could and did do everything. She even named me when I was born. When she came to visit, she brought glamour and sophistication to Roswell; she even smelled beautiful. She sent me dolls from her travels around the world and I learned geography because I always wanted to know where she was. My sister asked me questions which I am still trying to find answers to today. She did not judge; she did not criticize. She made me think. MaryAnn widened my world, sharing her enthusiasm for classical music and art. She sent our parents albums of musicals. I secretly played these albums, West Side Story and Porgy and Bess, and credit her for my appreciation. My sister was a unique person. Thank God she was my Big Sister.” - Liz McGarrah, sister “Your mum left so much behind with her wisdom and humour and care for others. I can hear her voice so clearly in my mind, her deep belly laugh that filled the room, her long, warm hugs, her way of looking into your soul...and smiling knowingly at what she saw. Thank you for having shared her love with me... and many others. “ - Paul Fiszman, school friend of Matt’s “I was so lucky to land with Mary Ann and Larry in Hampstead [in 1968]. I had Mary Ann’s guidance, humor and companionship through a rather difficult year. I remember being very sick, delirious with fever and generally rotting in a rotten bedsit. She swept in, called the doctor I had been seeing, snapped her fingers and had me in an ambulance to hospital within half an hour. I remember her spirit, her laugh, our years at CU and her wise counsel always.” - Sandra Drissen, friend and roommate at the University of Colorado at Boulder “Mary Ann touched me in a way I'll never forget. She was larger than life, so generous and loving and I will forever remember all the days we spent growing up together at your place, the heavenly food, and especially the halloweens, christmases, every play date we had tumbling around sofas-turned-into-dens, and when she was so wonderfully fearsome at putting us troublesome children in our place. I smile broadly to think of those moments.” - Ramsay Short, childhood friend of Matt’s “She will always be with me as a dear friend and mentor, and you her family who have kept me within the circle.” - Joyce Rezendes, family friend “We all remember your great family Christmas parties with wonderfully huge trees, your Halloween gatherings and many other occasions where our boys were always most welcome. Maryann was a great hostess and a deeply understanding friend. We both appreciated her comforting caring manner.” - Martin and Sana Short, family friends “Mary Ann had such power and dynamism and joy that I can’t quite believe I won’t see her again. [We are] holding you in the light.” - Geoffrey Durham, friend of Mary Ann and Larry “We have such great memories of her, from Holford Road to Hawaii, via skating at Michael Sobell Centre and your fun New Year’s Eve parties and of course our Boxing Day meals and board games. She was a dear friend, and as you say, never boring and with a kind heart. We’ll miss her so much” - Lin and Robert Coleman, family friends “Mary Ann was such a big part of my childhood. Whenever I think of fun times, whether that be festive gatherings or incredible Hawaiian holidays, I think of her too. Specifically, I will remember her having me in absolute stitches over something or other.” - Charlie Coleman, family friend “I have so many happy memories of Mary Ann, particularly that magical holiday in Hawaii, but also loads of Christmases in London too. She was such a great friend to our family, and always incredibly warm, welcoming and fun.” - James Coleman, family friend “Mary Ann will forever, for us, be linked to our home here in Hampstead, having made us feel so welcome into the community, right from the start. Never a shrinking violet, she was a character who, with her strength, made those around her feel well looked after and safe; Mary Ann was a real personality of humour, brights and sensitivity.” - Nina Glass and Bill Howie, neighbours “We are remembering some great memories of Mary Ann as such a lively and vibrant person.” - Gail, John, Rachel and Adam Simmonds, family friends “You have all lost a wonderful, kind and clever lady although I appreciate that the last few years have been hard. These will fade quickly and memories of Mary Ann at her best will be what remains uppermost in all your minds.” - Richard Barnett, family solicitor “After such a very long partnership what memories you must have, some of which I hope will outweigh the painful recent past where she was lost to herself and you.” - Jane Puddy, friend “Mary Ann will always stay with me as the role model of strength, directness, and female power. Unforgettable.” - Barbara Fasolo, colleague “She was a very special person and we will all miss her very much.” - Gilberto Montibeller, colleague “I find it hard to believe that such a vibrant woman could no longer be with us.” - Di Janus, colleague “Coming to visit will not be the same, I always loved to spend time chatting with your mother, at home or in the garden, and enjoying how she liked having Alessandro and Gabriele come and play on the lawn, she was a wonderfully interesting person to know.” - Anna Pirani, daughter of neighbour “She had a huge influence on our lives over the years and she made a difference! Her enthusiasm for life and the lives of people she encountered was positive and infectious.” - Peter Jacobs, friend