The poem Lady in a Purple Hat by Erma Bombeck had a line that goes “She looks at herself & sees wisdom, laughter and ability, goes out and enjoys life.” Mary Eleanor (Salisbury) Cannon always had the ability to “enjoy life” and her jubilant energy was infectious. Her laughter left this world on Monday, August 19, 2024, shortly after her 101st birthday. In her last days she joked with her friends, told some great stories and often face-timed with family across the country. The twinkle in her eye and the joy she brought to everyone’s lives will be missed by many. This small story cannot compare to the enormity of her charisma, but let me tell you a bit about Mary…
Mary was born in Idylwood, Virginia in 1923 — one of ten children born to her parents Ernest and Marguerite. Voted class clown in high school, she was always the life of the party and was happiest being the center of attention. She joined the Marines in 1943 during WWII. A year later, having been convinced to go on a blind date, she met and fell in love with her husband Floyd. They were together for 48 years until his passing in 1992. She didn’t really cook or bake, she never crocheted or did crafts, but there was never a speck of dust in her house, her roses were the talk of the town, and her office was as organized as a four-star general.
Mary always had a story to tell and would often regale family and friends with details from her past exploits, which somehow always ended with a hilarious outcome. She loved a tall glass of wine. She loved her trips out to sushi. She looked forward to “exercising” at the pool just so she could hear the latest gossip. She would get giddy when anyone sent pictures of the great grandkids. She was a feisty dominos player and rubbed it in when she took home the trophy. She would scream as she watched the Atlanta Braves and had an extra special passion for tennis, specifically Roger Federer. But mostly she loved her family. She loved them with all she had, and we all loved her right back.
Mary is survived by many, many friends, her sister Marjorie, her children Mary Beth, Robert and Richard, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and all the residents and caretakers at Regency on Whidbey who pampered her throughout her last years. A celebration of life will be planned for summer.
