Blue Slipper Stories
Widows’ Guild Newsletter ̵ Summer 2022
After the passing of her husband, Marian found herself struggling and seeking comfort.
“ I felt like I was kind of wandering for a little bit. Then I had tea with my friend Billie Sherman, the former Widows’ Guild leader, who mentioned the group,” she said. “Now, here I am!” For Marian, and dozens of other Masonic widows, the group was a vital resource in regaining a sense of peace and belonging following the loss of her husband.
RESTORING COMFORT through Conversation Widows’ Guild members at Masonic Village at Sewickley are grateful for the companionship and conversation their membership provides. Thanks to regular dinner meetings, hosted by Marian McGinnis, these friendships have been easy to preserve. For over 10 years, one Widows’ Guild member has hosted monthly dinners for members who reside at the Sewickley campus. Marian admits it is a lot of work to organize and coordinate the events, but says she is “lucky” to be the current head. Marian moved to Masonic Village 13 years ago with her late husband, Bob, a Master Mason, after being convinced by their children to move somewhere that could provide quality care in their retirement. “They talked us into it, and that was that,” Marian laughed. “It’s home for me now.”
The monthly dinners are an easy, approachable way for Masonic widows in Sewickley to have conversations with other women who understand what they’re experiencing. However, Marian attests the meetings are more than just another form of grief counseling.
“ Sometimes, they talk about their husbands, sometimes their families, sometimes not at all – just compatible conversation,” she said. “The women are friendly, very friendly. The tables are never the same,” she said. The women in attendance agree the dinners are a positive way to adjust to what can be an uncomfortable transition. Comforting soon turns to comradery, as their conversation includes “the news, the weather, jokes – everything!” Marian also likes to bring some of the campus publications to dinner, as well as holiday cards, to help brighten the mood and spark conversation.
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