My Five: Mary Drueke

Mary Drueke, 37, of Omaha, said it threw her a bit to come up with five favorites besides pets or people. Her choices reveal her priorities: friends and family. Drueke is manager of employee benefits at Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates.

1. The T-shirt commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Drueke family farm near West Point, Neb.

“It is a good reminder of where I come from and all the hard work that is behind what my grandparents and parents have built.” (Her parents are Henry and Bernie Drueke of West Point. The Druekes received the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family Award in 1996.)

2. A set of silver spoons given to her by her grandmother, Agnes Drueke.

“My grandmother and I always had a special bond. She was just a sweet, wonderful, caring woman and so very special to everyone who met her. She lived to be 101 and I still miss her greatly. These spoons were given to her as a gift on her wedding day.”

3. Snapshots from all stages of her life.

“These remind me of the special times I’ve had with family, friends and pets. It’s nice to revisit all the wonderful places I’ve been lucky enough to see.”

4. The certificate showing she’s a fellow in the Society of Actuaries.

“I would say this is the biggest accomplishment of my career. After over 10 years of studying and exams, that little piece of paper really means a lot to me.”

5. A simple gold cross necklace, a gift from her parents.

“This is a constant reminder of the solid Catholic faith they instilled in me.”

— Rhonda Stansberry, photos by Matt Miller