The room was decorated with Mary's T-shirts, reflecting the many struggles she was involved in, especially spanning the last three decades. A photo display of Mary in action at a number of demonstrations greeted the 60 friends, family, and political associates attending the meeting. Many spoke of how they were inspired to action by her dedication to the fight against exploitation and oppression, and her commitment to social justice.

Mary became a young socialist in her early teens. She and her lifelong companion, Jack Rees, joined the socialist movement in the 1930s and were active members of the Socialist Workers Party for some time.

After several years away from organized political activity, they joined the anti-Vietnam War movement in the early 1960s. Mary helped to organize mass actions to "Bring the troops home now!" part of hastening an end to U.S. imperialism's war.

Much of Mary's political energy was devoted to the fight to win and defend women's rights. She consistently fought for a perspective of reaching out to build a broad-based movement for a woman's right to choose abortion, equal pay for equal work, gay rights, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She was a firm believer that fighters for women's rights needed to organize themselves in mass action to fight for equal rights, and not to rely on capitalist politicians or others to do it for them.

Mary was a loyal and active supporter of the Socialist Workers Party. Up until her illness prevented it, she maintained a regular shift staffing the Pathfinder bookstore in Boston. Because she was also an accomplished cook, she often helped to organize and prepare wonderful spreads for receptions and dinners prior to events sponsored by the Socialist Workers Party.

For the past decade, Mary and Jack also took care of the SWP leadership school when members of the party were attending conventions and conferences. Paul Mailhot, speaking on behalf of the Socialist Workers Party at the meeting, commented on the professional character of how they approached the assignment, always leaving the place in better condition than when they arrived.

The meeting was a fitting tribute to one who dedicated much of her life to the fight for a just society and an end to the depredations of the capitalist system.