December 15, 1935 — April 9, 2024
Centerville, Kansas
I, Mary Tinsley; being of sound mind & steadfast in my faith, died today. My body decided to give out. Here I am, onto my next adventure, carried home to heaven by these wonderful angels shouting, 'She is here, She is here because she isn't down there! Oh and what a beautiful journey it was.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Mary Gillen Thomas & The Great JB on December 15, 1935.
I grew up with my younger brother John in Brooklyn, we were definitely an ornery pair to contend with until momma would give us 'the look.' (Of course, him more than I.)
I graduated from All Saints Commercial High & proceeded to find myself working in the banking industry for a number of years in New York & Kansas.
I also did private duty home care, which I enjoyed ~ I touched so many lives.
My cousin invited me to visit her in Kansas in early 1961, that is where I had a special first date & instantly knew I'd found the one love to spend my life with, Melvin Tinsley Jr. He asked me to marry him at the end of that evening. Five days later in Miami Oklahoma we 'tied the knot.'
Our adventure lasted together for 58 1/2 yrs.
We raised two children & lots of animals, had ups & downs, fussed & loved each other through it all.
I leave behind my grown children ~ Anna & Claudia, their spouses ~ Steven & Wes, grandchildren ~ James, Rachel & Meghan, great grandchildren ~ Dakota, Aleesa & Lily & all of my many nieces & nephews & many friends that I consider family.
It's been quite the reunion up here.
I truly recommend it when it's your time.
To all my family & friends I hope you know you have been in my thoughts & prayers daily throughout my life ~
So please be good & if you can't ~ be careful or just don't get caught.
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me...a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me - but let me go
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Maker's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go. (from "Let Me Go" by Christine Georgina Rossetti)
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Safe Haven Sanctuary at Regina's Rescue. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
(Published in the Linn County Journal on April 9, 2024)