Mary: what a friend & ministry collegue.  / Nancy Thompson (Collegue in Ministry, Friend )

My prayers and condolences extend especially to Mary's family.  I cannot imagine your pain at this surprising loss.  Please know that we who have known and worked with her over the years feel like we have come to know you a little, too, because of Mary's sharing of stories and the love she had for each of you. 

I first met Mary when I was a Diocesan Director of Religious Education in the Des Moines Diocese.  I attest, like many before me in these posts, that Mary was always so supportive of catechetical ministry and those who are called to work in that field.  It was so good to see her in Houston at NCCL recently.  We talked and made plans for future activities.  It was always so good to see another "Iowan" when we were out and about with our work responsibilities.

Sadly I am in Washington, DC working til the end of the week and will not be home to attend her services.  But know that my prayers and thoughts will be with you.

Blessings and peace in your sorrow.  So many will be sharing in it with you.  May we all be consoled by the reality of the faith that we share, as well.

Nancy Thompson, Dir. of Programs & Diocesan Relations

National Catholic Partnership on Disability

Washington, DC

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Diocesan Director of RE, Archdiocese of Washington  / Harry Dudley (Colleague and friend )

One of Mary's many gifts included an ability to connect those whom she knew might share the same passion for catechesis.  I am grateful for the way she served us and the many colleagues and friends I have come to know through her.  Mary will be dearly missed by all of us.

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my sympathy  / Mary Jane Spirk (friend and collegue )

What a loss to the catechetical world and to the world in general. Mary was such a faith-filled person.  She had enthusium for so many things.  She and I joked about my 1978 Honda, she rode with me to Detroit from Flint, MI one day.  I apologized for the car, and then she said she had one very similar at one time and we started talking about mufflers. 

   She was so supportive to me personally and to catechesis.  She is probably up in heaven now mixing and mingling. 

    My sympathies to her family and to the Harcourt family.  God Bless, Mary Jane Spirk

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Dir. of Faith Formation-Diocese of St. Petersburg  / Brian LEMOI (Colleague)
Mary was a person who made you realize what care and concern were all about.  She was never too busy to "get back to you." and if she promised to do so, she did!  She loved with the care of a mother, worked with the concern of a great good steward of God's gifts and gave above and beyond the call of duty.  She will be missed-our world is greater for her having been among us, less now that she is gone.  She is surely enjoying her eternal reward.  Brian Lemoi Close

Not that airport!  / Cathy Gregory (Consultant/Colleague)
Your wife, mother and daughter and grandmother was a very special woman. She truly cared about her BrownROA/ Harcourt/HMHRP families beyond the job. Mary always asked how things were going in the family. She had met three of the sisters in our family and never failed to inquire about them. We both have sons in Seattle and even had kids at SU at the same time. We often talked of a trip together to see our boys. She appreciated the jobs I did for her and always thanked me for helping her as a consultant. One thing I will always remember is that she hated flying to Houston because she had come into BUSH airport. She never let Brady or I forget the pain of having to land at THAT airport. I loved to hear her laugh and enjoyed seeing her "Canadian Friend" get her one last time at NCCL in April. Please accept my deepest sympathy and may the Lord carry you through this very difficult time. Close

+Mary McCullough was a gem of a person.  / Peter Rivera (friend)
Mary was a gem of a person and will sorely be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Our loss is heaven's gain, and the Catholic religion book arena will never be the same. Mary espoused the true ideal of friendship and service to her customers, estabishing relationships with many which are enduring. As a former principal, Mary was our school's representative, and offered me her time as needed. It was at Mary's recommendation that I became a Harcourt Religion representative, thereby filling her shoes in territories she had cultivated over the years. Mary's presence will abide with all of us. My sincerest sympathies to the Family of +Mary McCullough. Close

Canadian Friend  / Mariette Martineau (Ministry Colleague )
Mary would tell me almost every time she saw me how much she loved working with Canadians. Her passion and dedication to her ministry was clearly evident, and her unending energy from booth set up to take down to working with clients was inspiring. To the family, I am so sorry for your sudden loss, to HMHRP, you have lost an irreplaceable colleague and I offer you my sympathies. I will miss harassing her and catching her by surprise... Close

Special Markets Manager  / Jim Knowles (Friend)

Mary was one of the first people I met when Group and Brown Roa, soon to be Harcourt Religion, first started to work together.  She was always a great supporter of whatever we did and a true advocate for what was best for the Catholic parish.

At various Catholic conferences, we would run into each other and share updates of family and what was new.  Our last dinner together at the Lay Ministry Summit in Orlando will be one I will remember for years to come at one of Harcourt Religion's favorite restaurants. 

She will be greatly missed.

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