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  Mary - Our Friend

Our Eulogy To Mary
Delivered on July 29, 2006 at her memorial service at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA

We don't remember how many years that we've known the Vogel's. But it has been nothing short of an honor to know Mary, John and Kathie and to have and to have had a very special friendship all of these years. Over the years, Mary has been our mentor, confidant, sounding post, friend and, at times, our mother. She was always there for us when we needed her the most. Now it's our time to be here for her and for Kathie and for Danielle. We had a unique relationship with a very special woman.

We worried about Mary's failing health for months - and were privileged to be with her in May where we attended what would be her final dog show - her greatest love. When those in attendance realized that she was there, it was just like old times - with Mary holding court, sharp as a tack. Even though she was frail, she made sure to put her hands on all of the dogs that she could - and even shook a few human hands. Opinionated as ever, Mary was there to tell everyone exactly what she thought, both good and bad - pulling no punches. That was typical Mary. The Bichon that we all own together won that day, so the big celebration went on afterwards with Mary leading the festivities of food, drink and story telling. Again, Mary at her best. We prayed that we would see her again, but it wasn't to be. 

There is so much to admire about Mary, but our favorite was her absolute honesty and frankness. You always knew where you stood with her, for better or for worse. When things were good, you got that familiar nod. When things weren't so good, well, you knew what you would receive.

With that in mind, I'll finish with a quick story. Not too many years ago, Mary knew how upset we were with a particular dog show. She listened to our ranting and raving for months. She did a lot of listening, but gave little advice. When the event finally came and went, and we were helping Mary, Kathie and Danielle load the van, Mary took me around, hugged me and whispered three words in my ear - "you showed 'em". Those three words were the greatest compliment that I have ever received. They were from the heart, and that's how Mary was.

We will miss her terribly. Our names and dogs will be forever entwined, and for that we're grateful. Rest well Mary, you deserve it. We now have another angel to watch over us. And Kathie and Danielle - our dear friends - we will always be there for you. Your lives and ours were blessed by Mary's presence and wisdom.

 


 
 
 

Mary M. Vogel
"Vogelflight"

1925-2006



Mary Marleen Vogel (nee King-Dean), of 2400 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA died July 19, 2006, with her loving family by her side. She was the widow of Cmdr. John C. Vogel, U.S. Navy retired. Mary was born March 8, 1925, in St. Louis, Mo., and attended St. Louis University with John. She was predeceased by her father, John King; stepfather, Dr. Owen Martin Dean; her mother, Mary Elizabeth Dean, all formerly of St. Louis, Mo.; and son-in-law, Kenneth McLarty formerly of Detroit, Mich.

Mary experienced the world of runway modeling, was among the first to model the two piece bathing suit and newly found furs discovered by Admiral Byrd during his polar explorations. Mary was an involved mother, taking an interest in her children's hobbies, especially their love of horses, invoking fond memories of her beloved mare, Sunny Sunday. Following John's naval career, he and Mary made their home in Virginia Beach where they opened Hunt Club Boarding Kennel and Cattery and began their hobby of breeding and exhibiting dogs. Mary and John were past members of numerous dog clubs including the Virginia Beach Kennel Club, Tidewater Kennel Club and the Bichon Frise' Club of America. Under the prefix of VOGELFLIGHT, Mary was the breeder of several Best in Show dogs and their bichons won numerous Best of Breeds at the BFCA's National Specialty; ironically, BFCA's first National Specialty and their last held, which was the 31st National Specialty.

Mary, better known as "Granmary," loved her family and friends and kept up with their many activities. She was an avid shopper, decorator and a very familiar face at all the auctions, especially her favorite, Randy's Auction Gallery. Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory daughters, Patricia Ann McLarty of Wellington, Fla., and Kathie "Kat" Dean Vogel of Virginia Beach; son, John David "JD" Vogel and wife Randi of Virginia Beach; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Segar of Princeton, N.J., Kathleen Meisinger and husband David of Shorewood, Wis., Heather Romiza and husband Kevin of Wenham, Mass., Kelley Hansen and husband Mark and young Nicholas Vogel, all of Virginia Beach; six great-grandchildren, Catherine "Katie" and Mackenzie "Mac" Seager, Piper and Kenneth "Blake" Meisinger and Mary Ashleigh and Kendall Shae Nelson; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Mary is also survived by brothers, John Timothy Dean and wife Joan of Shallotte, N.C., and Owen Michael Dean and wife "Susie" of St. Louis, Mo.

The Vogel family would like to thank all our friends for their prayers, love and comfort during Granmary's last week, especially Tim and Joan Dean, Danielle Ardagna, Janice Winkler and Donna Mooney. A personal heartfelt thank you from Kathie Vogel to her fiance, Billy Keeter, for his love and understanding and to the dedicated staff at Hunt Club Kennel, especially Richard Clark Jr., Gerri Noel and Carole Metzger.

A Liturgy of the Resurrection Mass was celebrated by Father Tim Kuhneman and was held on July 29, 2006 at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 1279 N. Great Neck Road. Family and friends gathered after the service at Mary's new home, 2416 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, The American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.


The last "big win" when we were all in the same place at the same time - May 2005


The final "huge win" for Mary - the 31st BFCA National Specialty - May 5, 2006
Not well enough to attend, but she was still rooting us on.
Mary also won the first three BFCA National Specialties in 1976, 1977 & 1978.

On July 23, 2006, Carly won yet another all-breed Best in Show. Handler, Lisa Bettis, proudly announced "This one is for Mary" at the show. The legacy continues.
 

  
 
 
 
 

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