Mari Walsh Rush

We are so grateful to have known this incredible woman, and we want to share that we choose to remember her as a treasure, a bracelet forever intertwining our lives together.

Sadly, in the fall of 2020, six former roommates from 318 N. Webster were absolutely stunned by the loss of our dear former roommate Mari.

One of the last times the seven of us were all together for a weekend away was in November of 2019 in New York City. It was a fabulous weekend spent catching up, sharing funny stories, reminiscing, seeing “Tootsie” on Broadway, and enjoying dinner and drinks with our adult children that stopped by to meet us. We are grateful for those memories! We will always treasure the time we spent together and the many photos we took because they help us feel a little bit better.

Mari learned of her diagnosis after that weekend. She began her battle with incurable cancer surrounded by those who loved her: a loving husband Woody (Scott), her wonderful and strong children (Erin, Hailey and Conner), her parents, sister and brother, and their families. Friends, neighbors and colleagues all reached out. The love shown by Mari’s friends and family helps us feel a little bit better.

As 2019 came to a close and the shutdowns and distancing of the pandemic became a reality in 2020, we began FaceTime Friday happy hours, sharing many laughs, jokes and memories over wine, seltzers and beer. For about five months, we rarely missed a Friday. During our calls, Mari, an amazing woman, was always strong and never complained. Through it all, she focused on her loved ones, sharing her concerns about treatments that were two and a half hours from her home where Woody would stay outside ALL DAY IN A CAR waiting to drive her home. She continued to love and plow through work, college applications with Conner, plans of graduating her eldest daughter Erin from Penn State, and sorority and fundraising activities with Hailey. Mari helped us all feel a little bit better!

The busy days of summer led to a plan to meet outdoors at our roommate’s beautiful backyard oasis in Scranton in August of 2020. Unbeknownst to us, it was the last time we would see Mari. Then, we received the terrible news that things had taken a turn, and could we research clinical trials? Are you kidding? It was the only thought any of us had for days. Calls, texts, Facetime, prayers. Then, October of 2020 brought us together to celebrate Mari’s life and to say goodbye to our roommate at a beautiful Mass and gathering, even in the pandemic. Were we ever going to feel better?

As we tried to heal and longed for connection, we felt we needed something physical to keep Mari with us. So, as girls do, we went shopping. We consulted with fine jewelry designer Ani Khachian, who listened to our story and understood our sorrow and sadness. Ani created six unique custom sterling silver bracelets that featured our maiden name initials casually intertwined surrounding Mari’s in the center. Our bracelets, a remembrance of how we knew her, unite us in our loving tribute to Mari and the many important roles she embodied: wife, mother, daughter, sister, Scranton roommate, housemate, friend, student, super organizer, and confidant. The design includes our individual names and a proud “Scranton ’88 ” distinctly embedded on the inside, and this is helping us feel a little bit better.

Why are we sharing this in The Scranton Journal? The Journal keeps us connected across years and miles. For the Class of 1988, “We’re Glad You’re Here” is the mantra that launched our 37-year friendships. As a class, we are there for Scranton reunions, weddings, fundraisers, holiday parties, Facebook posts, happy hours, vacations and funerals, and we are always glad and eager to be with our college friends and Scranton family. The moment of silence at our reunion in 2023 will hit hard for the girls of 318 N. Webster as our beloved roommate Mari is now among those we have lost. And, as we listen to the list and pray for our dearly departed classmates, we will realize that “We Glad You’re Here” has a new meaning and mantra for the six remaining roommates.

Mari would insist that we keep on going, staying in touch, being strong, being there for one another, loving one another, and feeling grateful for our enduring friendship. Mari was a true testament to what a good young woman, educated in the Jesuit tradition, can become as an adult: a smart, strong, outgoing, beautiful woman who was loved and loved deeply. She worked hard, led by example and stayed in touch, always lending an ear and sharing wisdom or advice through the years. We will continue on and be present for others in her honor!

Sharing makes us feel a little bit better, and we hope it helps you cherish, renew and keep up your friendships. God bless and Forever Royal!

With Love,

Karen Fagin Yanni, Class of ‘88
Karen Ford Breen, Class of ‘88
Lisa Nardone Yager, Class of ‘88
Marianna Owings Calabrese, Class of ‘88
Kristen Peterson Mallon, Class of ‘88
Mimi Weber Flynn, Class of ‘88

Date Submitted: 03-01-2022

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