Note: This message was originally sent on December 30, 2021
When Mary Fairhurst hugged you… it was something you never forgot. Mary did not hold back. She held you tight for longer than most and always shared a message in your ear. Her spirit and love came through strongly, unabashed and left you feeling so truly special. These moments stick with me today and will forever. I imagine these same feelings and reflections are playing out thousands of times over and over again today as all who loved Mary mourn her passing.
I Googled Mary’s name last night and as I scrolled through numerous stories, testimonials, and news stories about her life and career I also came upon this article about when the Gonzaga community gathered to celebrate the passing of Father Coughlin. What stood out to me was the caption from the lead photo:
Former Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Mary Fairhurst, left, and Ann McLane pause to say goodbye to Rev. Bernard J. Coughlin, S.J., after his funeral service, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 at St. Aloysius Church. Coughlin was the longest tenured president at Gonzaga from 1974-1996. He died on Jan. 28 at age 97 and served at GU for 42 years. Mary said “Thanks, Barney,”as Ann patted the coffin in the same style Coughlin would pat people’s cheeks.
How does an alum say goodbye to a president who has done so much for her school, her family, her community – you don’t overcomplicate…you say “thank you” in the most genuine way possible. Now it is our time to say thank you to Mary for all she has done for her family, her friends, her alma mater, the citizens of our state and country. She modeled what it means to be at your best – a life lived for others.
We will miss her.
A “pat on the cheek” from Father Coughlin was a gift – an exchange of appreciation, love, endearment. A hug from Mary Fairhurst felt just the same. Thanks, Mary.
Last evening, Dr. McCulloh offered Thoughts and Prayers for the Honorable Mary Fairhurst, it is a special read.