Mame was larger than life. We thought the movie “Auntie Mame” was the perfect characterization of our Aunt Mame.

It was always an adventure around Mame. She was the life of the party. I remember her dancing at weddings, excursions to the Jersey shore, her famous U-turns and refusal to let anyone pass her. I remember visiting Mame at Potpourri -- the upscale store where she worked with the iron circular staircase, curtained dressing rooms, hanging beads, and the smell of Claire Burke’s potpourri -- which was as exotic as she was. Mame would return anything - the best was a complete stereo system that we left in a shopping cart in the middle of store while the clerk was saying that she couldn’t return it. Some of our adventures were a little embarrassing but still fun. The common denominator was sheer nerve and laughter. All my memories are happy memories.

You felt loved, accepted, and special with Mame. She was a warm, loving person. Every person mattered. I wish that everyone could have someone exactly like her in their life.

Thank you for sharing yourself with us. We are better for your presence. I love you.

Message from Jody Downing

December 27, 2016 8:12 PM

Our family was so lucky to have our own “Auntie Mame.” Unconventional and free-spirited, she made life a wonderful adventure. Mame was a glamorous figure to my sisters and me when we were kids. She walked to the train station in stilettos and full make-up to get to her job in an exclusive ladies clothing store. She was artistic and sketched pictures of sophisticated ladies smoking cigarettes from rhinestone-studded cigarette holders.
We accompanied her on various daring escapades like returning a stereo system at the mall long after the return period. When the manager objected, she simply left the shopping cart with the stereo components in it and walked out the door.
She had a terrible sense of direction – once ending up driving on the runway at Fort Dix during a trip to the shore! Despite this, I made many car trips to and from Florida with Aunt Mame, often stopping to visit Elaine and Alan in North Carolina. We would talk about anything and everything, laughing until tears ran down our cheeks.
I will never forget my Aunt Mame or what she taught me about love and life.
XO Jody

Message from Cindi Downing

December 27, 2016 3:21 PM

Oh my godfather, our fun and flamboyant Aunt Mame is gone from this earth!
Aunt Mame was a chameleon - always colorful, always reinventing herself and always fun! She was exotic. I remember her Potpourri days when she wore a black sheath, gold bangles, and painted on tent-shaped eyebrows above her eyes and a beauty mark by her mouth. She looked like Auntie Mame in the old movie!
As our babysitter, she would tell us we could stay up all night to watch the late, late show, then pinch us to keep us awake when we fell asleep before the early movie was over. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the excitement of being with her when she added to her collection of “restaurant-quality” ashtrays, glassware, and silverware!
During her athletic period, she applied her abundant energy to tennis and became a biker -- the pedaling variety. In her hippie days, she dressed in denim, Birkenstocks, had curly permed hair and wore silver and turquoise jewelry. She was mother-earth and ate organics and greens. She was crafty - she sewed, knitted, and made beautiful beaded jewelry.
I could go on and on, but suffice to say she lived her life fully. I have so very many happy memories of her that I will treasure forever. I know she is at peace.
I will always love you Aunt Mame. Cindi

Message from Fran KAhle

December 25, 2016 1:36 PM

MAme was the best sister/friend a woman could ever have. She loved everyone...... and had not one prejudiced bone in her body. MAme and J o and I traveled a lot together and you can not imagine the fun we had. Our first trip was to Spain . And then we went to Poland and to Italy, as well as many places in the USA. She was the best at a wedding....dancing as soon as the music started. I have been going through photo albums and laughing as I relive the trips.

She also taught me how to dress....and do leave the house unless you have put together a real deal!!! But for sure.....live and love and laugh and enjoy a MAnhattan!!! I bet heaven is filled with laughter now that she is there!!!! Fran

Message from Elaine Cory

December 23, 2016 9:47 PM

Mary Ann Dudrear lived a life filled with love and laughter and to say she will be missed is an understatement of epic proportions. She left a lasting impression on all who met her, and she was a wonderful sister, aunt, cousin, friend, daughter and neighbor to many. Whether you were on a tennis court, on the beach, in a restaurant, on a couch looking at picture albums or wandering the aisles of a Kmart looking for the perfect pair of tennis shoes, you felt special with Mame and you had a blast, probably laughing out loud at some point. If you were fortunate enough to have been at a wedding with Mame, you will remember her dancing like no one was watching. Those of us who are blessed to have known Mame will cherish our memories forever and they will give us peace.

Message from Lisa Klimek Mills

December 23, 2016 9:17 PM

Words cannot describe how much I loved and adored my Auntie Mame. She made me feel so special through the years, calling me her "Buttercup" and guiding me through the tough adolescent years with her wide open humor, style, and sense of adventure. Although I feel a profound sense of loss with her passing, I quote her now with "Be it as it may." Love forever, your niece Lisa