Having navigated life’s hardships and challenges with resilience, strength, and personal growth, Mary Washburn, a Cold Spring resident, describes herself as a survivor.
The third of eight children, Mary’s mother often tasked her with caring for the younger siblings in what was a chaotic environment brought about by her father’s alcoholism. She told River Journal, “He used whatever money the family had to support his drinking habit. I had one pair of shoes and used cardboard to patch them when they got holes.”
To escape the trauma of her childhood, she strengthened her already caring personality and embarked on a journey of helping others. At age 16, she ventured out on her own, living first with a family friend and later moving into a rooming house. Her deep compassion for others led to a job at St. Agnes Hospital which was once located in White Plains. She worked wherever they needed her, from the Maternity Unit to Central Supply. With the encouragement of one of the nurses, she went to night school and learned to save and budget the money she earned. One day, she boarded a bus to New Rochelle and obtained a job at New Rochelle Hospital which later became Sound Shore Medical Center and is known today as Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital.
“At age 19, I married and raised two wonderful children. When I divorced at 42 years old, I got a job at a veteran’s group home and learned to drive.” After the group home, Mary worked as a home health aide, becoming an assistant to patients with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, and various other health issues. “I learned a lot from the cases assigned to me.”
A year before she retired, a trip to Ireland afforded Mary the opportunity to see the land of her ancestors. Now a resident in a development for senior citizens, she remains active and social as a member of The Red Hat Ladies Club and participates in art and crochet classes. She is proud of her paintings and the crochet scarves and hats she makes for local children and adults.
Mary has never forgotten the chaos and distress that identified her formative years, but says, “I broke the cycle of trauma in my childhood household by finding the strength and courage to survive, forging a life filled with empathy and kindness for others in need.” She shares her story hoping to inspire those facing difficult times. Her advice for those struggling is, “Keep moving forward with confidence and avoid dwelling on past experiences, especially the difficult ones.”
Old Traditions, New Beginnings is a compilation of stories 250-1000 words per submission from those 60 years and older. Those interested in contributing their own writing or volunteering to help others share their contributions are encouraged to email district95@nyassembly.gov.
