In the early hours of Wednesday July 28th, the world lost a pillar of true compassion, dedication, and creativity. While most of us knew her as the Queen of Buttonwoods, it was second to who she was as a person. Mary Madison was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. The icon is what she was, but who she was is even more beautiful.

As a “little brat,” her father would take her on rides to the Florida Keys unaware that each ride solidified her love of the natural environment. While she loved the cute and cuddly creatures such as dogs and cats, she felt drawn to plants the most. A born naturalist, Mary would spend the rest of life sharing her love of all living things with strangers and friends alike. 

Mary exemplified what it is to be a good person. She treated everyone with kindness and humility, her resolve was to do what’s right and forgive regardless of the situation. A little wise crack from Mary and she’d have you laying down your guard eating out of the palm of her hand. She intuitively knew that your happiness meant her happiness. 

Her effort was instinctual, charm a natural weapon, and professionalism a mantra. While stubborn can often be viewed as a negative trait, for Mary it meant giving a thousand percent effort and nothing less. Quitting wasn’t a part of her vocabulary. She was a catalyst of human decency, hard work, and love to anyone she befriended.

For 91 years the world has been blessed to know Mary. She earned everything that she obtained in life and her passing is no different. A seemingly romantic gesture to her late husband TJ, she parted earth like lyrics from their favorite song by The Platters. “Heavenly shades of night are falling, it’s twilight time. Out of the mist your voice is calling, tis twilight time. I count the moments darling til you’re here with me. Together at last, at twilight time.”

Written by David Cutchin