It has been a year since our dearest Mimi left us to join her Dear Heavenly Father. It was far too soon and hardly expected. She took such good care of herself, running at Town Lake for many years, working out at Gregory gym, and biking around her beloved Zilker neighborhood.

Born in Brownsville, Texas in 1933, Polly had many stories - including the first time her mother took her and her brother John as young children to the new-fangled grocery store in town . She did not travel widely in her 89 years. It's not that she wasn't interested, but she just loved where she was, which was for the most part, Austin. She arrived in 1962 or so, had her son Michael not long after and then as a single parent IN TEXAS IN THE 1960's, set out to earn a Fine Arts degree from UT, graduating with honors in 1972. The recent discovery of her long-stored artwork has been a joy and a revelation.

It wasn't her intent, but she did end up with her dream job at the UT Law School, managing the Criminal Defense Clinic- the first clinic ever at UT- until her retirement in the early 2000s. She loved "aligning" students and running a very tight ship, which she did exceedingly well. We hope some of her former students come across this and remember her well. The Law School was the perfect environment for someone who loved a challenge and good conversation. UT Austin was home for her in many ways.

Physically, her home was on Rabb Rd, where she was well known, working in the yard and talking to anyone willing to stop when she said "Hello! Hi, how are ya?" She took great pride in the appearance of things, including her yard, which was fabulous. She had a discerning artist's eye and appreciated beauty wherever she found it. If she saw you at (her favorite) HEB wearing a fetching frock, well, she'd absolutely come right out and tell you.

We wish she were here now, to see both of her brilliant and beautiful grandchildren attending and succeeding at UT. She would be so tickled. We miss her so - it has been a lonely year without her here. We fondly remember her star cookies in December, her hand-made cards, her penchant for gossiping about football coaches, wives, and world leaders, and the unwavering support she gave to her friends and family.

If you wish to pay your respects to Polly, don your finest scarf, enjoy a yummy meal (must include dessert), play a crossword puzzle, and absolutely give your neighbors a friendly greeting. "It's how we do things in Texas," she always said.