• Letter ID: 1540
• Addressee: Willard, Mary
• Date: 1941-05-06
• Repository: University of Virginia, Alderman Library, Charlottesville, Va.

To Mary Willard [in San Francisco],  May 6, 1941 ; UVa 

Is grieved to hear of May's death. Knew her even before she knew Isabelle. Edith Lewis phoned Ethel Litchfield, who was so overcome she had to hang up without saying anything. Called back and implored her [i.e., Cather] not to die before she did because couldn't bear another death of a dear friend. Feels that way herself. Such a precious group of friends. Remembers how they enjoyed folk dancing classes. May was the best dancer of the group and the youngest-looking. Hasn't seen Ethel recently. Brother Roscoe ill in Colusa, California with a heart lesion. Don't answer, just wanted to say she shares her grief.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1540]

• Letter ID: 1567
• Addressee: Willard, Mary
• Date: 1941-12-26
• Repository: Amherst College, Amherst, Mass.

To Mary Willard,  Dec. 26, [1941], from New York ; Amherst 

Enjoyed the wreath she sent, which brought back many memories.   Willa   [Stout #1567]

• Letter ID: 1610
• Addressee: Willard, Mary
• Date: 1943-01-10
• Repository: Amherst College, Amherst, Mass.

To Mary Willard,  Jan. 10, [1943] ; Amherst 

So good of her to keep up May's old custom of sending a Christmas wreath. Tried to send a telegram the day after Christmas, but operator would not accept anything not related to war or business. Had four difficult months following surgery and lost sixteen pounds, but is herself again now.   Willa   [Stout #1610]