Meet Mary Davis, from Long Island, New York. She discovered her passion for Mah Jongg after taking a few lessons at a local library and a town Cultural Arts program. She carries her card everywhere she goes and joins games wherever possible. Her motto is, “Have card, will travel!”  Mary loves the challenge of the game and the social connections she has made, finding Mah Jongg players both friendly and welcoming.

Mary decided to become certified by the School of American School of Mah Jongg as a result of witnessing poor habits, bad etiquette, and too many table rules to mention. Her teaching style is patient and methodical, while following the standard National Mah Jongg League rules. She loves introducing newbies to the game, as well as working with players already familiar with the game to build skills and strategies for success.

In the early 1980’s, Mary met her husband on the Long Island Railroad commuting to downtown Manhattan to their respective jobs in banking and on Wall Street. After staying home for ten years to raise a family, Mary started a second career as a College Financial Aid Counselor. When both retired, they fled the cold New York winters and began spending winters in Florida. He plays pickleball, she plays Mah Jongg;  two of Florida’s favorite pastimes.

Besides playing Mah Jongg, Mary practices Hatha yoga and spends time with her two grandsons. She has a great interest in food and cooking, competing in food challenges, volunteering at the New York City Food and Wine Festival, and belonging to DeGustibus Culinary Club at Macy’s Herald Square, where she attends demonstrations by world-class chefs. Staying active and keeping her mind sharp is her retirement plan, and Mah Jongg is definitely helping her to realize that plan.