Maryann Ellis

My Grandma will forever be centered in my most valuable memories: at Christmas, filling the kitchen with the scent of the best marina sauce, garlic, anise, and gingerbread while her and the family gleefully participated in games she arranged, such as Yankee Swap or the “Right Family.” Our annual late August trips to Spirit Halloween, exploring the gothic decor and costumes as if we were in a museum. Filling my school-free summer days at the local Wildlife Park, where we visited our favorite animals while sharing lively conversations about their secret lives between exhibits. Mother’s day involved three generations seated around a bountiful platter of Sushi in Downtown Portland–sometimes resulting in a quick stop at Miccuci’s grocery on India street, where she spoke of one day sharing a glass of wine with me after turning 21. Like many grandmothers, she always had the best words of advice for me, but beyond that, she was always my advocate, emphasizing her unconditional love for me as her grandchild.
I wish the rest of her family well, sending love and prayers during this time of loss and remembrance.