Marie Mays Memorial Wall
On July 28, 2013 Marie Mays passed away, and SOSL lost a leader, a legacy.
Marie devoted many years of service and volunteerism to SOSL. Marie was an integral part of SOSL from our inception, and was instrumental in establishing SOSL as a non-profit corporation in 1992. Marie served SOSL from the early 1980’s right up until the time of her death. Over the past 30+ years Marie has helped countless number of lives, helping survivors through initial grief and helping them find their way to a ‘new normal.’
Please use the page below to leave comments about Marie, stories, and notes to Marie’s family.
SOSL is forever grateful for Maries lifelong dedication to this organization. We will be forever grateful to all she did for us. Your support of the Marie Mays Memorial Fund for SOSL is appreciated. These funds will go directly to specific projects that would have meant the most to Marie, namely our Support Group Program.
Marie Mays, You Will Be Missed
Donations to the Marie Mays Memorial Fund for SOSL can be made online.
Or we welcome checks made payable to SOSL (please make a note in the “Memo” section that reads “Marie Mays Memorial Fund”), and send to:
SOSL
P.O. Box 3297
La Mesa, CA 91944
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Loss of a Son and a Brother
Camille joined the SOSL Board quietly and cautiously in 2005, just months after she lost her son, Brett, to suicide. Camille lost her brother, Joseph, to suicide in 1977. As she became more Read More »
Thank you Marie for all that you did for survivors, thank you for all that you did for SOSL. As I serve this organization, I know that I stand on your shoulders, and I honor the work you did, your commitment, your dedication.
Thank you for showing us that we can survive the suicide loss of loved ones, that we can live again, that we can be happy again. Your life path required a strength and an amount of courage that few people ever have to have — for this showing of human spirit and of strong character, we thank you.
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MARIE AND TO HER BIG FAMILY OF SOSL. MARIE WAS AND WILL BE IN MY MEMORY FOREVER, SHE HELPED ME IN THE MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS OF MY LIFE, THANKS MARIE FOR EVERYTHING AND YOUR BIG SOUL REST IN PEACE. MY PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY AND THANKS AGAIN FOR BEING THERE FOR ALL OF THE SURVIVORS, AND THE FOUNDATION WITH DOROTHY AND THIS GROUP. WE WILL CONTINUE HELPING THE SUFFERING ONES, LIKE YOU DID. GOD BLESS YOU! LIGIA.
The O’Brien family is so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of such a wonderful human being! Our sorrow goes out to her family!
Marie came into our life in Jan, 2000 with the tragic suicide of our adolescent son, Ross! She was the only person who completely understood our cries and feelings of isolation and incredible sadness when so many others didn’t know what to say through no fault of their own. Marie was my lifeline during those early years of my attendance at SOSL and even encouraged me to become a co-facilitator for a time. I will miss our lunches and telephone calls here on earth but look forward to seeing her one day in heaven! We now have another beautiful angel watching over us! Marie represented everything that is good in the world and will be truly missed! Love and miss her forever!
We were so saddened to hear about the passing of Marie. We met her and Dick in July 1990, six months after our 18 year old son committed suicide. She and Dick were so wonderful to us, and helped us through our grief. Dick and Steve and I started the first day meeting in El Cajon. We will miss Marie’s smiling face and heartfelt hugs. We will see her one day in Heaven!! God bless the family during this time.
We are sad to hear of her passing. She had a positive impact on our family after the loss of our son Jeremy in 1991. We met Marie and Dick at an SOSL support group and they provided guidance and direction that we still embrace even today in our journey through life. Marie devoted her life to helping others and she will be miss by many. But it’s comforting to know that she helped so many people over the years deal with the worst days of their lives. Our best to her family and God bless
The worst day of my life was October 15, 1993, when my father committed suicide. There was only one good thing that happened that day — I met Marie. There I was, trying to console my hysterical mother, when suddenly Marie was there. I didn’t know who she was, or how she knew of our troubles … all I know is that she was there with kind words, reassuring hugs, and an understanding that I later found out she had learned through personal experience. Thank God she was there. We all drew strength from her that helped us get through the next few days. I’ve never known a person who was as selfless and caring as Marie,and I doubt I will ever know anyone like her.
Marie was my strong support and guiding light on my path of grief when I lost my husband to suicide in 2002. The empathy, deep caring and understanding she provided came at a great price. But Marie was determined to make a positive difference in memory of the dear ones she had lost to suicide. She dedicated 32 years to SOSL and her impact will live on. It’s rare that someone who has suffered such loss as Marie did, can turn that sorrow into a powerful message of hope. She was a unique, blessed individual who made a great difference in countless lives and she gave all the glory to God. Look forward to seeing you in heaven, Marie! With much love.
I send my love and condolences to Marie’s family. Marie was a Godly woman and set such a great example for us. She always had a smile on her face and was eager to tackle any project. She was active and was loved in the Forest Home Women’s Auxiliary for many years of attendance. She gave to so many in need of love and understanding. She was an inspiration to me. I will truly miss her. I know she is in heaven with our dear Jesus. She loved Him so!
Thank you Marie for your wonderful heart for helping families who were hurting because of the affects of suicide. Thank you for all your love and support to all those who knew you.
Marie was my grandmother, and a great inspiration to me. She was an example of grace and character in the face of great loss and a lovely person who I want to emulate. Thank you to her friends at SOSL for giving her solace and care when she needed it most. Caring for others was therapeutic for her. May God bless you, Grandma Marie. We are forever grateful for all you have done to enrich our lives. You were loved my many and you will be missed. But someday, we will see you again, when we are reunited, in Heaven.