Mary Brewster's Love Life: Matriarch of the Mayflower

A 17th century wife had limited choices; go along with her husband's plans willingly or begrudgingly. Mary Brewster, wife of Elder William Brewster of Mayflower and Plimoth Plantation fame, chose love over resentment. Love inspired her to sacrifice her time, health, and safety for the sake of others. Her commitment to William and their children took her away from her tranquil English hamlet to flee across the North Sea as a refugee. A decade later she sailed on the Mayflower as one of the Separatists destined to establish a new English colony in North America. Through life-threatening transitions, she displayed unrelenting loyalty and service to others. Her compassion encompassed family, friends, orphaned children, young adults, and total strangers. Mary Brewster earned the title 'Matriarch of the Mayflower.' When other women might have chosen differently, she repeatedly chose to support William, even when his convictions exposed her to deprivations and danger. She exemplifies an all-powerful love that bears all challenges, endures losses, and transforms people and places.