Updates on Mary, Nancy, and Deirdre

Photo: front left to right Mary, Ray, Liz; back Missy and her two granddaughters.

Mary Flute Buzzard, our beloved Cherokee Elder, has been a strong leader, mentor and teacher of Cherokee Culture for us. She is from our Sister Community, Marble City Activity Organization, and has visited us in the past. Mary was not able to visit us this year due to her injury and surgeries for a broken neck and upper spine. As you can imagine, these are serious life threatening injuries and surgeries. Thankfully, she is progressing well.

While we were in Marble City, we visited Mary and her husband Ray in their home. Mary has always been active and very involved with community and family. She is a strong Cherokee woman working hard and looking forward to getting back to normal. Mary is in good spirits and receiving physical therapy at home. Mary misses us and sends her love to the CNCV.

Photo: Nancy & Odell

Nancy Landers

I spoke with Odell, Nancy is recovering and doing her physical therapy at home after her hip surgery. Odell said she is in good spirits but not quite ready to shop for a new skateboard. They miss us and are looking forward to seeing us all.

Photo: Mike, Deirdre & Liz

Deirdre Fitzgerald

On Monday July 7th, Liz and I visited Deirdre at her home in Folsom. She has been undergoing chemo treatments and other medical procedures. She is in good spirits and feeling very well. She looks good and is energetic as ever. We shared some photos of our trip to Marble City. We visited with her son Aidan and caught up on his musical life. Recently, he played trombone at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Aidan is graduating from Fresno State next year and looking forward to a professional music career. Her son Declan is still in High school and on his own traveling musical journey this summer. Deirdre is still happy and proudly holding on to her title “The World’s Greatest Mom”. Deirdre thanked the CNCV members for the cards and notes, she really enjoyed them. She is looking forward to becoming more active with the CNCV.

— Mike & Liz Webb