From Champaign, Elihu Smith sends the following message to Valjean's friends:
We are planning to have a service celebrating Valjean's life and death at the Prairie Zen Center; tentatively this will be at the end of the July retreat, Sunday, July 27, at 11:00 AM. Valjean asked me to have this service when I visited with her in Chicago last week.
Please be comforted and healed in your grieving.
From Mary O'Connell:
We are currently working on arrangements for Chicago services for Valjean. The basic plan, following her wishes, is to have her cremated and then have a memorial Mass and reception/party later. Details will be posted here; and please be in touch if you are interested in helping arrange a party to celebrate her life.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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9 comments:
Mary,
There are two short videotapes that Valjean made which people might like to see. We can screen them at the celebration if you think that would be appropriate.
Busha and Chuch (sp?) is about her grandmother and companion. She also made a tape about her mother Wanda and Godmother Lilly. If you like, I can make the arrangements to screen them.
Thank you for being such a loving friend to VJ.
With much sadness yet joy to have had her in my life.
Judy Hoffman
This poem was discovered in 1989 on a soldier killed in Ulster.
It reminds me of Valjean's spirit and way with words.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die."
Patricia Casey
Mary,
I would like to participate in the planning.
I can be reached at 773-636-7716
or email denisezaccardi@yahoo.com
Talk to you soon.
We will miss VJ and there is much to celebrate about her life.
Denise Zaccardi
I would (whether at the memorial or not)like to see the videos....
Sallie
Please let me know what I can do to help with the party.
Barbara Burgess
the cousins from crystal lake the nieces of lillian bender are ever so greatful for your love and devotion to val.please let us know about services.
anonymous,actually we are cousins midge and laurie val was ever so bohemian we were raised in a very small town and v.j. was ever so appreciated for she could talk to anyone and ours was a tough family.she so truly loved wanda and aunt lil.we all had to grow up taking care of our "elders" but they were all so precious.again,you guys are so wonderful!
Mary and Guidi,
I would be happy to help with a memorial service for Valjean. My email addess is patcasey43@hotmail.com
patricia casey
I just now heard this sad sad news. I am grateful to those who surrounded VJ with love and care throughout and as I was with Marc Pokempner and Jim De Jong tonight we raised our glasses collectively and toasted the great her- gone way too soon. I was the better for knowing her
Marguerite Horberg
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