In Memory of Jacqueline Mehr
Walter and Jacqueline Mehr showed gracious and generous hospitality to Orv and me. I came to Camp Deerpark in 1990, and Orv came in 1993. It was wonderful to have welcoming neighbors when moving to a new home. And they introduced us to their friends as they were happy to know us. One friend became my hairdresser.
Jacqueline’s spirit and liveliness kept people around her on the move. While I was raised to have a more retiring personality, I’ve always been drawn to women like her who “let out” their thoughts and passions.
I enjoyed delicious food prepared and presented by Jacqueline in their fascinating kitchen and dining area. One fall and winter I joined Ken Scheller, a young man from New York City who came to camp a few days every week to houseclean, for dinner on Friday evenings with the Mehrs. Afterwards Jacqueline, Ken and I would play Scrabble. I bought a “Scrabble” Christmas ornament and every year when I hang it on our tree, I remember Jacqueline
.Jacqueline had a love for animals. She was concerned about our ducks on the pond in the winter. And she felt so sorry for our one lonely goat. I had larger concerns about Camp Deerpark’s needs and didn’t seek out a second goat.
“Love came softly” for Orv and me. One evening in the early part of acknowledging our special friendship, we took Walter and Jacqueline out to eat. Jacqueline insisted on sitting in the front seat because of possible car-sickness. Orv expressed some resistance to her demand but then allowed me to sit in the back seat with Walter so we didn’t have to let out our secret. When Jacqueline learned that Orv and I were going to see “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall, she asked to go with us. This time we gave her a firm no. Later this became a funny story that all of us shared.
We were honored to have Walter and Jacqueline attend our wedding on Staten Island. They took us from the wedding to the Newark Airport on their way back to Westbrookville. On the way to the airport for our honeymoon I remembered that we had not signed our marriage certificate. Walter was amused that Orv assured me that we were married because Lester (Orv’s brother-in-law, who married us) had said so.
Jacqueline showed love and appreciation for my mother. That was special for me.
Our lives have been enriched by knowing Jacqueline. We will carry her in our hearts and memories for the rest of our lives.
—Written by Marian Egli, former New York City Mennonite, camp director from 1990–1995