Josh Liljenquist's Maternal Grandmother

Mary Ann Westcott

Mary Ann Westcott is Josh Liljenquist's maternal grandmother.

Josh describes Mary as one of the sweetest and most loving people he has ever known, someone who made family, faith, and showing up for others central to her life.

Josh Liljenquist sitting with his maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Westcott, at a sporting event.
Josh Liljenquist sitting with his maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Westcott, at a sporting event.

A grandmother who made room for people

Josh describes Mary as having a beautiful heart, being deeply loving, protective, patient, sentimental, and devoted to family. He says she can meet a friend and treat that person like one of her grandchildren from the first day.

Josh and Mary were extremely close and talked almost every day. He remembers that Mary and his other grandparents consistently attended grandchildren's sporting events, including when someone was injured or unable to participate. Her support was never dependent on performance.

Mary Ann Westcott with her children Julie Ann Liljenquist and Mark Westcott.
Mary Ann Westcott with her children Julie Ann Liljenquist and Mark Westcott.

Care during hard days

Josh experienced recurring health problems while growing up. He remembers Mary accompanying him to hospital visits and sometimes crying because she hated seeing her grandson go through medical problems.

That depth of love made Josh feel extremely special and protected.

A young Josh Liljenquist in a Fairmont basketball uniform with his maternal grandparents Mary and Tom Westcott.
A young Josh Liljenquist in a Fairmont basketball uniform with his maternal grandparents Mary and Tom Westcott.

Faith and family traditions

Mary taught Josh that what the family had came from God and that they should remain grateful. Church attendance was part of the grandchildren's lives, which Josh now considers one of the greatest blessings she gave them.

Josh remembers cards, homemade dinners, movies, popcorn, and sleeping bags in Mary and Tom's living room. Mary and Tom also started a Christmas tradition of hiding a pickle ornament in the tree. Josh intends to continue that tradition in his own future family.

Thomas Emmett Westcott Jr. and Mary Miedtke on their wedding day in 1965.
Thomas Emmett Westcott Jr. and Mary Miedtke on their wedding day in 1965.
Mary and Tom Westcott with Josh Liljenquist and another family member at a graduation.
Mary and Tom Westcott with Josh Liljenquist and another family member at a graduation.

More about this story

Family ties

A larger family legacy

Read Legacy of Service for the broader family story and People Who Shaped Josh for this growing collection.