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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The women held their first dinner since the beginning of the pandemic on June 14, an accomplishment Marian is grateful to have achieved. Having lost several members since March 2020, their meetings have become more important than ever. “I’m very glad we’ve been able to restart. As long as I can still remember their names and make the phone calls, we’ll keep it going,” she joked.
“I think speaking with widows in similar situations is a comfort and really helps you settle into the idea. It’s not an easy time, but it helps to be with people who understand,” she said.
For more information about the Widows’ Guild dinners at Masonic Village at Sewickley, please contact Marian McGinnis, whose phone number can be found in the Widows’ Guild Directory.
Marian encourages other Masonic widows who may be struggling with their loss to consider attending the dinners.
GREETINGS from LINDA JACKSON Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support Happy summer! It is my sincere hope you are enjoying the long, warm days of summer with family and friends, or perhaps, taking a much-anticipated vacation to the beach, mountains or other exciting destination. Summer is my favorite season as well, and in that spirit, I thought I would share a few fun summer facts: The first women’s bathing suit was created in the 1800s. It came with a pair of bloomers! The “dog days of summer” refer to the dates from July 3 to Aug. 11. They are named so after Sirius, the Dog Star. This star is located in the constellation of Canis Major.
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to host and attend many Widows’ Guild events over the past six months. As a result, our Masonic Widows’ Guild membership is approaching 1,500, and our members continue to reach out to each other with offers of help and friendship. The Outreach Program continues to provide a range of programs and services to widows in need, and local lodges are also standing by ready to help. You are not alone, so please don’t hesitate to make that call. Please enjoy this edition of “Blue Slipper Stories” and the remaining months of summer. We have a busy fall/winter season ahead, and I hope to see many of you at future events. I’m happy to share the photos on the next page from a few of our Widows’ Guild events. Stay safe and stay well. Please let me know if you would like a copy of the latest Widows’ Guild Directory.
August was named after Julius Caesar’s nephew. He had received the title of “Augustus” which means “reverend.” nd one more: Watermelon is one of summer’s A best treats (and my favorite). Did you know that watermelons are not fruits, but vegetables? They actually belong to the cucumber family.
Leave a Legacy: Please consider including the Masonic Charities in your Will or estate plan.
Widows’ Guild EVENTS
Butler Widows’ Guild Event
Laurel Valley Widows’ Guild Event
Lodge No. 9 Widows’ Guild Event
Barger Lodge #325 Widows’ Guild Event
YO U R M A S O N I C C H A R I T I E S
Leave Your Legacy, starting monthly. Support your favorite Masonic Charity with a monthly gift. Call 1-800-599-6454, email Giving@MasonicCharitiesPa.org or visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org to join the Cornerstone Circle Program.
Masonic Widows’ Guild Program 12 Village Green Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Blue Slipper Stories
Widows’ Guild Newsletter ̵ Summer 2022
Contact Us
In This Issue ...
If you or someone you know is interested in the services offered by the Masonic Outreach Program, please contact us:
•R ESTORING
Masonic Outreach Program
•E VENT PHOTOS
One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 1-800-462-7664
outreach@masonicvillages.org MasonicVillages.org/outreach If you want to be removed from our mailing list, please contact us and let us know.
COMFORT THROUGH CONVERSATION
•G REETINGS
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FROM LINDA JACKSON
CORNERSTONE CIRCLE PROGRAM
The Pennsylvania Masonic Widows’ Guild is in place to recognize, honor and support the widows of Pennsylvania Masons. If you have questions about the Widows’ Guild or would like to become a member and receive your blue slipper pin, please call Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support Linda Jackson at 1-800-599-6454 or email lmjackson@masonicvillages.org.