Marylou’s love for animals was an inspiration to all who knew her. We are deeply grateful to her friends and her husband for honoring her memory with a fundraiser to support the animals she cared for so deeply.
Her kindness and compassion will always be remembered.
A heartfelt tribute from her husband, Paul Severijns, follows:
Following the recent death of my wife Marylou and an action for the animals of Karpathos by a friend, Animal Welfare Karpathos asked me to write a tribute. I like to do that because Marylou is the biggest animal lover I know and because support for the animals there is a good thing.
Marylou is an animal lover from an early age. When she still lived in the US, she caught cats and dogs that were dumped in the neighbourhood. If there was an opportunity to dress up, she did as a cat. She also tried to talk to the cats, which of course didn't work. That doesn't bother her but a go-getter as Marylou keeps trying. She did develop a kind of cat language. She could walk past stray animals without showing empathy.
When Marylou came to live in the Netherlands, she took her cats with her. I wasn't used to cats but she turned me around completely. Just like many in her environment. She was a source of inspiration just like for her work and her friends. My relationship with animals and nature has deepened that. It makes me feel more connected.
Marylou went to Karpathos for the first time with me in the mid-90s. What stood out then was that there were many stray dogs and cats. We could never walk past such a neglected field without making a stop and feeding. There were also many around us at lunch and dinner. With some people we had discussion about whether or not we should feed them. We rejected the statement that you should never help.
Much has changed since then. Stray cats are less. The reason is clear. There are now organisations like Animal Welfare Karpathos and attitude changed. Animal Welfare Karpathos consists of volunteers who work hard to take care of neglected animals, supports and handles medical care and have sterilisation programs. Animals can also be adopted through this organisation. That is a big step forward for the help of animals in an effective way. Marylou was a big supporter of this. She always came back to that when we talked about the animals.
However, there is still a long way to go, although Karpathos is certainly not animal unfriendly. On the contrary. In most restaurants, pets are welcome for example and most people are animal friendly. But we still saw dogs on a leash in the blazing sun. Just like many donkeys without any shelter in the field. There are still cats in those neglected fields. Marylou thought attitude towards the animals was important and those organisations who address the problem. Everything together must bring improvement.
Her friend characterized Marylou as:
“I count my lucky stars every single day for having shared such priceless times with you, my wonderful, loving, quirky, hilarious, witty, smart, adventurous, flexible, creative, fun, supportive sparkling and inspirational friend!”
I couldn't say it better. There is a big hole in my life and the animal world has lost a great animal lover. On her behalf, I would like to call on you to support the animals on Karpathos and to help organisations such as Animal Welfare Karpathos with this.
On her behalf, I would like to call on you to donate, adopt and be lovingly to animals,als.
