“Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5
Mary Elmira (Walters) Drew, 81, passed peacefully into eternity on Monday, May 23, 2016 with her daughter and her family at her side, just like she had wanted. Known to those who loved her as Mom, Huck, Mirie, Ma Drew and her absolute favorite, Mommom, her fun-loving, beautiful spirit will be carried on by her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and an extended network of family and friends from every walk of life.
She knew grief. She is proceeded in death by her parents John Walters and Viola “Crowe” Walters and her siblings Phyllis Sperry, Joseph WaltersMary Regina Walters, Jack Walters, Mary Alice Walters. She was also lucky to have the love of two men in her lifetime, her husband William “Wib” Drew and later with Mannuel Coleman both of whom proceeded her in death.
She was our hero. Her achievements were her pride and we sat captivated by her reciting them to us whenever we asked. She was a former executive board member and then became the first female president ever elected to A.F.S.C.M.E Local 239 of Frostburg State University. She was also a former executive board member of Western Maryland Central Labor Council.
She had faith. A lifelong member of St Michaels Catholic Church she loved attending Mass and as her last days began she entered them with complete peace and was quick to tell her family that she wasn’t afraid of what was to come. What a comfort that has been to our family... to have been given such a perfect peace to a very hard goodbye.
She was loved. Elmira is survived by her beloved daughter Mary “Jeannie” Porter and her husband, Urban and her step-daughter Beverly Dunn, her grandchildren, “her girl” Jody Tomko, and husband Christopher,“her boy” Wayne Porter and wife Jenn, Lisa Peterson and husband Kevin and Danny Dunn and wife Amy. The absolute light of her life were her grandchildren Kristen and Jonathon Tomko, Peyton, Emilia, Charlie and Adeline Porter, Wyatt and Ryker Peterson and Rowan and Ryan Dunn. She also leaves behind her siblings Emma Duckworth and husband Bill, Jacqueline Higgins, Barbara Huzinec and husband John, Deb Walters, her nephews Bill Duckworth and wife Joan, Ken Higgins and wife Debbie and niece Tammy Street and husband Jeff. She is also survived by two very special friends, Eileen Patterson whose friendship spanned decades and Helen Maury who was like a bonus sister.
She was love. She enjoyed traveling, debating and simply spending time with her daughter, shopping and sightseeing with her sisters and family, tending flowers and plants, especially growing “Mommom berries” in a pot on her porch, playing in the leaves and stocking her tin with cookies and her fridge with milk for her grandchildren. She loved politics and enjoyed reading and cooking…particularly when her loved ones requested her applesauce or hash. She was always ready with a smile, a hug and a wisecrack. She loved laughing and especially loved to make others laugh. She loved reminiscing with her family and we can all envision her dancing in various family kitchens to “White Sport Coat”.
She is home. The minute she took her final breath here we find comfort in knowing that she took her first in Heaven, free from the bondage of cancer, her eyes taking in the perfection of eternity and Jesus’ face. We have no doubt that He spoke the words that we all long to hear one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We will miss her every day but rejoice in the fact that we will see her again.
Friends will be received at Sowers Funeral Home in Frostburg on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 6-8pm with a celebration of life beginning at 8pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 11am at St. Michael 's Church with Father Ed Hendricks officiating. Final resting place will be held at a later time.
With extreme gratitude we’d also like to thank the nurses and doctors of Hospice for the loving care given.
