Mary Hooper

Mary Hooper is a bitter, lonely resident of the Odyssey Retirement Hall who guards her flowers and frightens away visitors with a sharp tongue. Donna Barclay draws Mary's name for a visiting program and nearly gives up after their first meeting. With Whit's encouragement, Donna returns, and regular walks and patient conversations gradually uncover the hurt beneath Mary's anger. Her husband has died, an injured hip limits her, and her daughter Barbara no longer visits. On Mary's birthday, the absence of even a card leaves her so wounded that she destroys her own flowers. Donna secretly contacts Barbara, bringing mother and daughter together again. Mary's happy tears reveal how much she has longed for love beneath her stubborn defenses.