Week 4: Wisdom-TIME CAPSULE by Samm Jo Attebery

Name & Age

sjattebery — 2025-02-09 03:32:18 UTC

Mary (Molly) Squire

Age: 91

Birthday: April, 1933

Molly was originally named after her mother Mary, who was named after her grandmother. The name Mary has been passed down from the women in her family for generations. She prefers going by Molly as it is less confusing at family gatherings where there are numerous "Marys".

Important Life Events

sjattebery — 2025-02-09 03:35:14 UTC

Pearl Harbor and the effects of war on her community
- Her brother enlisted after the attack though he was not drafted. Molly is very patriotic and cares very deeply for her country as she was brought up in a military family.
Singing at Church
- Molly was on her way to becoming a professional musician when she realized the road was not for her. She took an interest in singing at church to continue her musical aspirations.
Taking care of her sick father (who had a stroke)
- Molly was the caregiver for her father when he had a stroke. She was supposed to go to college but had to stay home to take care of her father who lost his ability to walk. Molly was taught to work hard at a young age to support her family. Molly was the youngest of 3 children.
Meeting her husband, Pete
- "He is the angel on my shoulder, I hear him every day."

How have communities changed since you were a child?

sjattebery — 2025-02-09 03:41:02 UTC

When I asked Molly this question she answered, "Televisions and cell phones distance people. So often I go to a restaurant and see a family sitting together, yet separated by technology. Meal time is such a crucial part to learn about someone's day."

Molly really emphasized the importance of being present. She shared that mealtime was often the only time she had with her entire family, growing up. She feels as though the neighbors she had in her community as a child were supportive and kind. She described her community as being her family. Molly is discouraged by the communities now saying that she "doesn't even know her neighbor's names."

Values

sjattebery — 2025-02-09 03:50:59 UTC

Molly shared her interests in hobbies such as singing, antiquing, music, polishing silver, etc. She was never fond of beauty or beauty standards growing up. Her most valued possessions are her friends. Molly shared with me that she is still in contact with two of her childhood friends. She speaks with a friend from first grade 2-3 times a week. They love to keep in touch and speak about the events that went on during their week. Her second closest friend she's known since she was 2 years old, they were neighbors. Molly is like a second grandma to her friends' grandchildren. She takes great pride in being the "Grandma from Arizona".

Pete Squire (late husband)

sjattebery — 2025-02-09 03:59:24 UTC

Molly's husband Pete was the great love of her life. They met in a private airline where she worked as a flight secretary and he as a pilot. Molly was always fighting off unwanted male attention as she had her own apartment and "just didn't want to be fixed up". Molly shared with me that Pete offered to help dig her car out of the snow. Molly refused, but still, he helped. They "just clicked".

Molly gave me the advice that being with someone is being comfortable with them. She told me that "if you are changing yourself or don't feel like yourself around them, they aren't for you".

What was the best thing about Pete? : "He never knew a stranger, and he was just as headstrong as me. He never backed down."

What was the most important lesson he taught you? : "Never to judge someone, he never prejudged anyone and it attracted me to him."

Life Advice

sjattebery — 2025-02-09 04:07:50 UTC

"Be open to new thoughts, new paths, and new experiences. Don't be rigid."

Molly explained to me that in a life where nothing is permanent, it's important to just keep going. There are no right or wrong answers, just experiences. She emphasized that if you don't take risks, you will never grow.

Favorite Music

sjattebery — 2025-02-09 04:26:14 UTC

Molly is absolutely thrilled by Doris Day. She loves the big band scene and was almost a professional singer. Molly believes that Doris Day has a way with words that is unique to her era. She does not have a favorite song as they are all "hits".