Marilyn Rosenberg
Dear Marguerite
We just returned from a wedding in Toronto which we extended into a
short vacation in Montreal , and so I just became aware of
your mother’s passing. I was shocked and so sad to learn
that she had died in April. I know how much she loved you and
the loss must be inexplicable. The death of a parent leaves an
incredible hole in the world. Its hard for me to believe that she
has died.
Your mom and I shared a difficult time together. Beginning
teachers have so much to deal with and this was the time of the Vietnam
War, which I think had an affect on even our middle school
students- longhair, drugs and general rebelliousness. Your mom and
I would talk for long periods of time after school. With
great wisdom she decided that work in a library would be a much
better fit for her., and clearly from your note that was a wise choice
on her part. Elizabeth had so much to offer the world , and
I’m glad she found a place where she could be most appreciated.
In some of our after school talks , your mom, being the observer, she
was, would talk about the differences between life in the Midwest
and in the East, and I had never known anyone from the Midwest, so I
listened eagerly. “Everyone speaks so quickly here”, she
said. I had never noticed but clearly she was right and I learned
to slow down as we spoke. Elizabeth always had such a measured cadence
in her speech. She would pause and really think about her
responses . We laughed, at some of her other
observations, which have stayed with me over the years. She became
aware of how we pronounced words differently in the East.
One day she came into my room after school and wrote Mary, merry
and marry on the board asking me to pronounce each word. I did and she,”
aha”, that’s what I thought . She then proceeded to show me that when
she said all three words they all sounded like “merry”., another
difference between the east and Midwest. Although we’d laugh at
these differences, I was never sure that Elizabeth , or at least
in the time I knew her, was comfortable living in the East, yet
she was very insightful in describing the limitations of Midwestern
life. I had hoped that her change in profession and proximity to
her sister would help her feel more rooted.
She was wonderful in holding secrets and we shared our deepest
secrets and worries. At the time I was trying to conceive my first
child and Elizabeth was a tremendous support. I remember, in fact,
both you and your mom visiting after Lauren was born. When she met
my dog who was a “crazy” but loved German shepherd. She asked in
such a solid “Midwestern “ practicality. “Why would anyone want to
have a dog who required so much work. Dogs are meant to fit into
your home and if not … She was just so matter of fact in her
advice.
Perhaps my most meaningful interaction with Elizabeth, came one evening
after she had completed the EST training. Today I believe
its called Landmark Forum . She came for dinner and she
seemed totally transformed. Her eyes glowed and she seemed to be
high on life and possibilities. We had a lovely evening , and from
that experience of Elizabeth , Eddie, my husband, decided to take the
EST training as well. Years later, I also took it and eventually
it gave me the courage to start a path that would lead me to the career
I had always wanted.
Dear Marguerite, as you know already, your mom was a totally
honest, unaffected, intelligent being who cared deeply about you
and the family. I can’t believe that 35 or more years have passed
since I saw her last. She touched my life with her wit,
intelligence and her willingness to probe any topic..
I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family on her passing.
Next week my family, my daughter, Lauren , her husband and my grandchild
will be at the house for the weekend along with my son, Steven and my
son, Adam and his girlfriend, Cara, so I will not be able to attend the
memorial service. From your letter, it seems as if you are in the
New Paltz area, perhaps we could arrange a time to chat.
In sadness and love
Marilyn
Corinne D’Andrea
April 22, 2010
Marguerite,
I'm so sorry that this happened to one of the nicest people I've ever
known. I can honestly say I never heard a negative word about
anyone from your Mom. I know life wasn't always easy for your Mom
but nothing ever changed her gentle, sweet disposition. Except for
our September gatherings I haven't seen a lot of her in the last few
years but the times that I did see her it was like she'd never left.
She was indeed a special lady and I'm sure she will have a special place
wherever she is now. It was a privilege to have known her and our
thought and wishes go out to you as I'm sure you will miss her
tremendously. Remember always the good times as I'm sure that is
what she would like you to remember.
Much love,
Corinne (& Art too)
Ginny (Weinman) Leitner
April 22, 2010
Marguerite,
I am so saddened by the news of your Mom.
When I think of your Mom, the image comes to me of one of the sweetest,
most pleasant faces I've ever known and had the privilege of seeing
almost every day of my youth. I will never forget the sound of her
heart-warming, hearty laugh.
I can't imagine the pain that must be in your heart right now,
only slightly comforted by the knowledge that she has no suffering or
pain.
My heart goes out to you and your aunt (please forward this to her as
well)
With much love-
Ginny
I Did Not Die
Do not stand at my grave and forever 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’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s 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 forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
Melinda Sue Pacho
Monika Kretschmar
Dear Marguerite,
As you know I won't be at your mom's service, because we'll be at a
wedding at the same time. Life is weird that way, presenting us with a
potpourri of events and emotions at the same time. However, while being
at the wedding I'll be very aware of your service and will be trying to
make a connection to your mom in my mind. Spending this hour with her
before her passing was powerful and will forever be one of my precious
memories.
With much love,
Monika
Jim Kent
Dear Meg,
I was very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was very
courageous, and so were you, and I’m sorry you couldn’t have had a
happier outcome.
We exchanged letters a few months ago, and I know she was keeping up
with my situation. I found it remarkable and touching that she
could worry about me with so much of her own situation to think about.
The fact that she did this, of course, explains a lot about you too.
I wish I had magic, to make everything better, but there isn’t any.
We’re all thinking of you and praying for you and with you.
Love,
Jim Kent
Card From Rebecca Masters and Family
Corinne D’Andrea
Liz was, above all, a sweet, soft-spoken and gentle lady. Someone
I could go to with a problem and someone who never had an unkind word to
say about anyone. Liz always thought carefully before speaking,
but when words emerged they were always meaningful.
Liz was my friend and neighbor for many years. When Liz moved from
Nepale Drive I didn’t see much of her due to the fact that she no longer
lived in the area. However, she appeared again when we opened
Mountain Meadows Bed & Breakfast, and when I saw her it was like she had
never left.
Liz’s family meant a great deal to her and she would organize these
annual family get togethers for Labor Day Weekend and it was there that
I saw a new side of Liz. I discovered she was a fierce competitor
in one area and that was when she played croquet. In fact her
whole family played a mean game of croquet into the wee hours of
morning. In fact special lights would have to be installed on our
roof each year for this event. It was great fun listening to them
having such a good time.
It was a privilege to have known Liz and I will miss her kind spirit and
her friendship.
Elaine Cerillo
Dear Marguerite,
I am so sorry for your great loss. Your mom was an amazing woman
and lives in you. She will be your beacon of hope and journeys
with you still.
Love & Sympathy,
Elaine Cerillo