No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our Neighbor of the Week is Mary Stella, who is now happily retired after a 20-year career at Dolphin Research Center. She volunteers for Saint Columba and the Marathon Community Theater and plays in a steel drum band. She works part time leading student tour groups and is an avid “birder”’and photography enthusiast.
MARY STELLA
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve lived in the Keys since the end of 2001, but my connection goes back to 1963 when I was a young child and my parents first brought our family to Marathon on vacation from our home in South Jersey. I moved here full time specifically to work for DRC.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? I have always been an ocean girl, so I love the water surroundings of island life. However, I love the community energy and how local individuals and organizations are always ready to step up and help each other. That is a very special vibe.
What is your greatest fear? I don’t have anything that makes me quake with fright, but I truly hate being misunderstood or having my intentions misinterpreted.
Which living person do you most admire? Bruce Springsteen, the Obamas, Diane Sawyer, Taylor Swift and the Princess of Wales. I admire how hard they’ve worked to achieve what they’ve gained or what they’ve overcome to be where they are.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? My favorite movie right now is the one I saw last night: “Springsteen – Deliver Me from Nowhere.” See a trend? I’ve been a mega-fan for the Boss for 50 years.
What is your greatest extravagance? I am determined to invest more in frequent, great travel adventures.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? I would be more patient with myself when I’m learning new things. Sometimes I get too frustrated too soon and think I should do better faster.
Who is one of your real-life heroes? I have so much admiration for Reverend Debra McConaughey of Saint Columba Episcopal Church. She is a force of nature who sees needs in our community and finds ways to support them.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Probably a dolphin. They are social, intelligent in the ways they need to be, playful and protective – and it would mean that I’d overcome my aversion to eating fish.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? I’m tempted to say my addiction to chocolate, but that would be a lie.
What is your greatest regret? I spent way too much of my younger life measuring my self-worth by the opinions of others instead of believing in myself more.
What is your current state of mind? Right at this moment? That I’m uncomfortable talking about myself to this extent! But seriously, I am happy and grateful for my life.
What’s something you’re really proud of? I’m very proud of my 20-plus years at Dolphin Research Center and what I accomplished during that time for the organization in partnership with everyone else who works there.
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty, that we accept and care for each other, flaws and all, and that we create space to be our most authentic selves with each other.
What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy? Sitting on my porch looking at the water, cuddling my little dog and sipping hot tea.
What are your favorite & least favorite smells? Favorite: I love fresh flowers, particularly lilies. Least favorite: fish or any seafood as it’s cooking. Fresh fish is okay, and I love to go fishing.
What’s one of your all-time favorite movie quotes? “When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.” – Dory, “Finding Nemo”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Your integrity is your destiny. It is the light that shines your way; leap and the net will appear.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? When I was in Safety Patrol at age 10 or 11, I stopped a little kid from running into the street as a car was coming. I got a medal for it from then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
