Mary Tyler Moore, a welcome fixture in the lives of many television-watchers and moviegoers, passed away today.
Born in Brooklyn Heights in 1936, Mary lived there briefly until her family moved to Flushing, Queens.
When she was six, they moved back to Brooklyn--into 491 Ocean Parkway, just north of Ditmas Avenue, a two-family house owned by her grandfather. She and her family attended St. Rose of Lima Church (Parkville Avenue, near E. 8th Street), and she also attended St. Rose of Lima School.
When Mary was nine, her family left New York City for Los Angeles. And the rest is entertainment history.
Mary was chosen to serve as Homecoming Queen for Welcome Back to Brooklyn Day in 1996. When The New York Times dared to question her Brooklyn credentials, she wrote them a strongly-worded letter describing her years in our neighborhood. It says, in part,
"It was in this neighborhood that I lived for the next three years, learning much about the spirit that produces laughter, fear, anger and -- last and above all -- tolerance."
Rest in peace, Mary. Thanks for the hours and hours and hours of enjoyment you gave us and for the role-modeling that your Mary Richards did for many women and girls.