When I joined the Cary Garden Club and became Ways and Means Chair, I was asked to
contact Michele Blackley regarding arrangements for the club's Annual Auction and
Luncheon held each November.
After meeting Michele, she and I formed a wonderful and treasured friendship. For many
years, Michele was affectionately known as the “youngest oldest member” of
the Cary Garden Club. She had a wonderful spirit, a generous heart, and a love of
helping others.
In 2021, I asked Michele if she would sell me some plants that I could deliver to
individuals I planned to remember at Valentine's. Michele loved the idea and asked if
she could go with me to make the deliveries.
As we were making those deliveries, I mentioned that I had seen a story in the
News & Observer about someone in Charlotte who was delivering gifts to
widows in that area. Michele looked at me and said:
You can do that in this area.
Those simple words became the beginning of something much bigger.
After much discussion, Michele and I decided to give it a try for Mother's Day. That
first effort was a tremendous success and showed us that many people in our community
might be alone and would appreciate knowing someone was thinking of them.
Michele became a co-founder of the MOM's Wishing Widows Well program and remained my
biggest supporter, advisor, and friend. She believed in the mission from the very
beginning and encouraged me to keep going and continue growing the program.
I will always be grateful for Michele — not only for helping plant the seed that
became MOM's Valentine for You!, but for the beautiful friendship we shared. Her
kindness, encouragement, and belief in what we were doing will always be a treasured
part of MOM's story.
— Marie Martin, Founder
