5 Comments

Thank you for this remembrance. Mary Ann was my godmother so the El Caribe was my second home growing up. I learned so much from her as a businesswoman and as a person. She is a great example of servant leadership. She will be missed.

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A sweet story, Jim—thank you

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Thank you for these tributes to two remarkable people. My husband, Mike, and I were blessed to know Mary Ann and call her a dear friend. She graciously hosted our intimate wedding at her hotel's Iona Suite -- and how honored we and our families were to have her and you present, Jim! I also recall the years she and my father, W. Warren Cole, Jr., co-taught a Sunday school class at First Presbyterian Church of Daytona Beach. I will never forget her keen intellect, hearty laughter, kind eyes, and warm smiles. I also remember how affected she was by Henri Nouwen's book "Life of the Beloved." Surely she was and is a deeply beloved daughter of God. My sadness is tempered by the thought of the welcome she has received in Heaven.

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Two wonderful stories, I learned so much. I cried when I read that Mary Ann hosted mothers and their children from DC, even welcoming them as her guests with fruit baskets in their rooms. I don't know if she had children but she loved those mothers and children as if she did.

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She was a warm and selfless person and will be missed. We and our kids have fond memories of our visits there.

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