**Tragic Disappearance of Georgian Grandmother in Nepal Floods**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Missing-Georgia-Grandmother-in-Nepal-tout-090126-03f906bc0e21430d8d8a057f29a83948.jpg)
Mary Sorensen, a 60-year-old grandmother from Georgia, went missing in August following catastrophic flooding in Nepal that has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 individuals. Known affectionately as “Oma” to her grandchildren, Mary left behind a poignant note reassuring her loved ones, a thoughtful gesture that her family hopes will provide them with comfort in these challenging times.
Mary was on a trip to Mount Kailash when the devastating floods struck, leading to mass destruction in the region. Her husband, Brian Wildeman, aged 71, spoke with local media about the extensive search efforts conducted in the aftermath of the disaster. Although rescue teams were deployed to locate her, Brian has sadly acknowledged that the family believes she did not survive the deluge.
The search for Mary was led by a specialist who was sent specifically to locate her. Upon his arrival, he found the landscape transformed—filled with debris and areas that were unrecognisable. Brian recounted the harrowing assessment made by the specialist, who noted that significant portions of land had been completely erased by the floods, making it appear as though no one had ever resided there.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the rescue team managed to gather sand from the site, which is now intended to be part of a memorial to Mary. Brian has expressed that this sand will be exhibited at the upcoming celebration of her life. “People can touch it and say, ‘This is the soil that Mary was on,’” he explained, highlighting the importance of keeping her memory alive in a tangible way.
Family members remember Mary as a vibrant spirit who cherished the great outdoors and was an avid advocate for environmental issues. Brian described her deep commitment to the upper Etowah River Alliance, an organisation dedicated to preserving the local river, which holds personal significance for both of them. He reflected on her desire to better the world, stating, “She was willing to say, if we were all doing a little bit better, we’d all be a little bit better.”
In her will, Mary offered a comforting message to her family, urging them to find solace in her absence. “If you’re reading this note, don’t be sad,” she wrote. “I’ll see you in heaven.” This heartfelt sentiment has provided her family with some peace, knowing that she valued happiness even in difficult circumstances.
A memorial event is planned for 23rd October at the Etowah River Park Amphitheater, a spot cherished by the couple for its natural beauty. Brian hopes that this celebration will not only honour Mary’s adventurous spirit but will also serve as a reminder of her passionate work in environmental advocacy.
In an effort to commemorate Mary’s influence further, her family intends to establish an environmental science scholarship in her name. This initiative aims to support future generations striving to make a positive impact on the planet, a legacy that aligns closely with Mary’s lifelong commitment to environmentalism.
As Brian prepares to share the news of Mary’s passing with their grandchildren, he wants them to remember the joy she brought to countless lives and the work she contributed to environmental causes. “I’m gonna tell them that Oma’s work here is done,” he said, emphasising his belief that souls return to God once they have fulfilled their purpose on Earth.
The overwhelming loss of Mary Sorensen serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. Her family hopes to celebrate her legacy through memories, meaningful actions and a lasting scholarship that embodies her passion for the Earth and its future.