Margaret Eleanor Smurthwaite Heywood
(1895-1992)
80th Birthday Letters and Tributes
James Albin Pitton
Letter:
October
9, 1975. This is the year of
Mom’s 80th birthday—and she seems to me to be perhaps 56 or so, and
a vital, active 56 at that? I always
tell people with a grin, “I’m one of those strange people who loves his
mother-in-law?” But since Mom isn’t exactly
a mother-in-law, because the”in-law” part just doesn’t seem to ring true, ever,
it is somewhat difficult to put down exactly how I do feel about this most
unique individual, Margaret Heywood.
I’ll try. “Know Thyself.” “Love Thyself—Love thy Neighbor as Thyself” right out of the Scriptures, the
philosophers, the most modern of psychology books. And as Jesus’ admonition to [not preach,
but] let your light so shine---, so she has and is to so
many. Her Patriarchal Blessing
prophesized (sic) that she would have the ability to teach. She, herself, apparently, didn’t really
realize the truth of this until she saw the results of the years. One thing which impresses me very much
is her statement that after retiring from the Mesa schools, she would have taught gratis
in Hawaii
just for the privilege of teaching—continuing her mission on this earth. Perhaps as cogent as that is the fact that
will her own children, each one remembers her as their inspired and inspring
school teacher as well as “Mother.” Jo,
to this day, can say specifically what she learned and how she was helped in
the many different situations both in and out of school over the years.
Mom has always been asked, urged, or drafted to be the “main
speaker.” There are always many more
real reasons for a speech than the overt, stated one. She has the almost uncanny talent of feeling
what is necessary and appropriate to say in all of these addition dimensions
along with the stated subject, and then the ability to communicate—to get it
across—and the whole alwys in the most poetic, aesthetically coherent and
moving fashion. How many times have I
heard both Jo and Barbara exclaim, “oh, is she good!”
I know the tremendous influence Mom has had
and does have on her oldest daughter.
The values and background then have very certainly been passed on to our
children (also much influenced by her directly as well as by their
own mother, Jo}, who in turn are now passing it on to theirs. In and out of school, how many lives
can and does one individual touch and affect?
How many blades of grass grow in the vast lawns of a park? As just one of these growing blades, myself,
she certainly has touched my life.
Now, feeling about my Mother as I do (this would have been her 80th
year on this earth0—how can I say this, now?—on one hand, I have been
given one of the greatest possible of honors:
being adopted into a family where, for 32 years this month, I have felt
like a biological relative, never an “in-law.” On the other hand, Margaret Heywood couldn’t
be “mom” to me, but for her beautifully unique spirit and the generous and
loving acceptance of me as he son in actual Fact. She certainly is “Mom” to me. Mom, over the many years, not, I am grateful
to you. Lovingly, Jim
Margaret Josephine
Heywood Pitton
Often times I find myself telling people about “My
Mother.” What do I tell - I guess I
express to them that you can do anything!
It is hard to put on paper what “anything” is that I would tell
people—but I bet you people may think you are ten ft. tall with all your
talents that I tell them you have. I
will quickly say - Mom, I think the
people in our family that call you Mother, Grandmother, sister, aunt, etc. have
been greatly influenced by you as you are a wonderful mother, teacher, friend,
peacemaker aunt, sister, grandmother, Great Grandmother & shining human
being. I am proud to be your daughter. Love, Jo
Alfred Leland
Heywood
How can a son of a loving mother express the joy and emotion
he feels toward that sweet soul that gave him life on this earth. I love you for your care and concern as I
grew from baby to adult. I appreciate
the support that you give my family now.
I am filled with thanksgiving as I reflect the many words of
encouragement, the example of work, of study, of energy you have always been to
all that know you.
May your 80th birthday bring you joy and may your
spirits be lifted as we who love you, honor you on this day.
Total Love and appreciation— Alfred
Phyllis Stokes
Heywood
Dearest Mom,
You are
truly a mother to me! As I live here in
the home to which I came when I moved to Mesa,
I have constant memories of you and Dad and your goodness to me. I remembered recently the wonderful welcoming
party you gave for me on my first visit to Mesa.
My memories are so dear of the many wonderful things you have
done for me, as well as your uplifting spirit always. I pray that we will have many more wonderful
years close together.
All my love and respect,
Phyl
An Ode to Grandmother written by Carma Smith Heywood.
‘Twas long ago (on
April 10th)
You gave a life from
heaven sent.
You cared for Richard
day by day
And helped him grow in
every way.
In no time he outgrew
his carriage
And not too much
later was ready for marriage.
Then Carma joined our
family.
And that addition
pleased you and me.
Then came children
one, two, three—
Karen, Lar and of
course our Lee
Three more were added
to join the tree—
Shelle, Ricky and
Kimberly.
Among things certain.
(All again)
They’re all glad to
be in your family
A wish that’s strong
is their desire—
To live good lives
and never tire!
For their very lives
to you – indebted
To honor you they're dedicated.
They hope to bring
you honor here,
And then live with
you in a future sphere.
Margaret Ellen
Pitton Kalikiliki (Margie)
Dear Grandmother,
Happiness Is
Having a wonderful Grandmother like you! I sure wise we lived closer because there are
many times I would like to talk with you and share my thoughts and
feelings. I admire you most for your
special quality of striving for the best in all that you do. I would like to follow your example. So you see, as a Grandmother you deserve an A plus! I’m also very thankful that you and Grandad
were in the Temple
as workers when Mike and I went through for our endowments. Thank you for letting me stay with you while
I was in college. If it hadn’t been for
you, living in Hawaii,
and for me, getting to come and live with you, I might never have met Mike or
had our three precious little ones or have such a happy life. I love you and appreciate you and I’m proud
to be your granddaughter!
Happy Birthday!
Love, Margie, Mike, Nina, Rachelle, and Michelle.
Barbara Suzanne
Pitton Niu (Suzie)
Dear Grandmother,
Happy Birthday. I surely hope this will be a happy birthday
for you. You are a wonderful person;
full of life and love. I wish I was more
like you. I love you very much; I am
proud to be your grandchild.
God bless you, Love, Suzie
Mary Frances
Heywood (Braithwaite)
Dear Grandmother, I
sure do love you and have a Happy Birthday.
With Love, Francie.
Johnathan Earl
Heywood
Dear Grandmother,
Have a happy Birthday. I sure do
love you. Love, John.
Beverly Sue
Heywood (Ganier)
Dear Grandmother,
Hope your birthday is a happy one.
I sure do love you. Hope your arm
feels better and gets well soon. Lots of
Love, Bev.
Birth: 17 Oct 1864, Wellsville, Cache, Utah
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