Things I Learned from my Mum

Mary Ellen Leyerle
at her cottage in PEI

My Mum taught me many things, including the importance of community. She was born and raised in upstate New York, but moved to Toronto, Canada in 1959. Downtown Toronto was her home thereafter, and she eventually became a Canadian citizen. My Mum was passionately committed to many causes—women's equality, the politically disenfranchised, the environment, social justice. She marched, she wrote letters, she contributed money, she volunteered.

My Mum taught me to get involved, and to take action where it mattered and where I could make a difference. It was her example that inspired me to join the group that Incorporated the City of Sammamish, to serve on non-profit boards, to volunteer on city commissions, and to be a charter member of a new Rotary Club. To this day I continue to donate my time and effort; I couldn't and wouldn't do otherwise.

Thank you Mum.

Mary Ellen Leyerle, 1/8/29 - 6/8/09, RIP