MARI SORRI – MOST OF YOU FOLKS DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT MY WIFE AND LIFE’S BUDDY

Mari was born in 1957 and grew up in a quaint farming village near Helsinki, Finland. Her resilient widowed mother raised three children while tending to the farm. Excelling in high school, Mari dedicated herself to studying Swedish, French, German, and English. She later moved to the USA, where she worked as a waitress and tour guide at a welcoming resort in upstate Pennsylvania. Mari married a young American man, though they eventually parted ways. Her unwavering determination led her to enroll at Eastern College outside Philadelphia, where she earned her credentials as a dedicated grade-school teacher, ready to shape young minds.

One of the elective courses she took was taught by me, and I can attest that she was an outstanding student. Our connection grew quickly during a brief yet meaningful courtship that included a memorable month of camping together in the Florida Keys during winter. We married in 1982, and her pursuit of excellence continued as she majored in philosophy and maintained her flawless academic record. The following year, she enrolled at the University of Rhode Island and earned her master’s degree in philosophy while I taught nearby at Barrington College. Our journey then took us to Albany, New York, where Mari earned her M.A. in ceramics from Skidmore College and contributed as a part-time instructor at the College of St. Rose, where I also taught. Most notably, she achieved an A.B.D. (all but dissertation) in philosophy from Boston University, demonstrating her unwavering dedication and passion for learning.

Mari dedicated three enriching years on Crete, honing her craft in ceramics while leading a Semester Abroad Program for the College of St. Rose. Upon retiring to Tucson, AZ, she passionately embraced her love for pottery, turning it into a full-time profession. She carefully crafted and sold her beautiful creations throughout Tucson and neighboring towns, maintaining a cozy home studio equipped with a medium-sized kiln. Throughout her journey, Mari also generously shared her talents as the Sustainable Food Program Coordinator for BorderLinks, preparing and cooking delicious meals for travel groups exploring Mexico. Music has always been a vital part of Mari’s life—she has actively participated in several church choirs here in Tucson, often singing solos that inspire and uplift. She still finds joy in practicing on her own piano, nurturing her lifelong love of music.      

After “retiring,” Mari wholeheartedly embraced a new chapter, dedicating several years as the compassionate administrator of a local Methodist Church. Her passionate spirit then inspired her to pursue full-time yoga teacher training, practicing with genuine enthusiasm at home and in nearby studios. Throughout this journey, Mari has been my unwavering, full-time confidant in my teaching and writing endeavors. Together, we’ve traveled the world—from America and Europe to China, Mexico, Greece, and Finland—creating treasured memories that fill me with deep gratitude. Living, working, and exploring alongside such an extraordinary partner has truly been a magnificent journey. I am especially grateful for her countless hours spent editing and typing my manuscripts. It’s undeniable why I am, and always will be, profoundly in love with Mari Ulla Sorri, whose warmth and support light up every day of my life.