Mary Ballentyne

The Society was saddened to learn of the passing of our member, Mary Ballentyne. A tribute from our previous chair, Gail Wylie, is below: Mary was a very early - and very loyal - member of the Society. Her commitment to and interest in all the talks, visits, anniversary meals and get-togethers could be relied on. Her quiet, keen involvement, sense of humour and appreciation of a wide range of viewpoints made Mary a real pleasure to be with. She was an enthusiastic participant in the three dedicated trips to Italy (Siena, Rome and Citta di Castello) and the extra one many of us went on to Florence. Her unfailing good nature chimed beautifully with the pleasant amosphere of all these voyages. In Rome, we came across a stone-cutter who inscribed the word "Sparkisti" (a term devised by the inestimable Martin Gray, our guide) into a little stone that she placed in her garden. She made long-lasting friendships and we will all miss her conversations, her laughter and her company. It was a privilege to have known her.