Tonight, at just after 6:00 pm, Leni left us. She was surounded by her sons, daughters, mother, sister, brothers, and grandchildren. We imagine it is just how she would have wanted it. Her journey in this life now complete she starts her next journey. We will continue to hear her voice, be touched by her inspiritation, and recall her laughter. She has touched so many people in too many ways to count. In order for us all to know these stories, please respond with your own stories of Leni for us all.
We are planning a service in Sacramento for early the week of 10 March and will post details in the next day or so.
Additionally, we are planning a memorial service in Newport, RI within the next four to six weeks.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers which have been so appreciated and have helped carry her through this process.
11 comments:
My thoughts, hopes and prayers are with your family. Your mom was an amazing woman who left a true imprint on the lives of many. I know that each of you will continue to live out her legacy. I am thankful for her being surrounded by those she loves as she passed.
This morning, before reading of Leni's passing, I felt the waves of grief. After dropping Meghan at school I went to church hoping for an early morning mass. Nope, just a quiet church with a fountain and cactus plants on the alter. I prayed, cried, sat quietly hoping that you know I sit in vigil with you, then prayed, cried and sat quietly again. The song "Follow Me, Where I go" came to me, so I sang it out loud with the mental picture of Leni following some quite holy looking folks, she seemed happy and peaceful. I love you all and am grateful for my time with Leni.
Peace
Barbara Mack
Ahh Leni. Such a gentle soul. It seems so unfair that she has been taken from us so soon. My heart goes out to her family-I know how important they were to her. This is a sad reminder to me to live life at it's fullest one day at a time-we never know what the next day will bring...
Leni (your daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother) held my hand and provided comfort during a time of uncertainty and frustration. She never preached, she gently provided the space for me to decide what was right for me. Her kindness and openness provided a connection quickly. After our initial meeting we would commiserate about the insanity of a corporate environment in the healing ministry she loved. Bureaucracies were definitely not within her comfort zone.
Over the last five years she was one of the few constants for me and selfishly I will miss that immensely. It feels selfish since I believe she is smiling that Cheshire Cat grin, finding comfort in her final resting place and with the knowledge her wonderful, compassionate and remarkable family are a legacy to emulate all that was shining and good in her.
May special thoughts of love warm your hearts during this time. When I think of Leni, so many wonderful qualities come to mind, a good listener, a positive attitude, compassionate heart, and the most beautiful smile. I feel blessed to have been witnessed to her Magdelene Journey at St. Francis Church several years ago. Many blessings and thanks to the family for your love and care... We truly have another Angel in Heaven.
I remember 'Mrs. Byrnes' as a sweet,supportive and tolerant Mom of a bunch of loud high school boys in her kitchen. But mostly I knew her through being a friend of Pat's and having the privledge of then getting to know Mike and Shannon over the years. They are all such wonderful and genuine guys and supportive and loving husbands and fathers- what a testimony to their beloved Mom.
You guys have such a great family, I am so sorry for your loss.
See you soon,
Paul
So soon. But who are we to say too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with Leni's family and friends. Such a beautiful example of a life well lived. She touched my life and the lives of many that I know in a very special way. She will be missed, but her spirit is with us forever.
All of us in the SAIC Newport family send our deepest sympathies and thoughts for you all. My personal memory of Leni was at The Nutcracker this winter, where we watched two of her beloved granddaughters dance with grace and joy. No one could have radiated more love than did Leni--and we had such a great discussion on Shannon and the family. This was an exceptional energy in a beautiful soul--and I truly believe she will live in and with each of you, who meant everything to her. Don Jagoe
Blessings to you, Leni's family. What a beautiful legacy your mother has left. We met a few years ago at Stella Maris at an SSS Associates retreat as roommates-strangers for a minute, then sharing deeply for the time we spent together: the chaplain & the psych nurse/social worker. What did we have in common? Well, military family stories for starters, working with death & dying, loving the underdog, feeling vulnerable but having great strength too. Leni was remarkable. In the last couple of weeks she was really "underground" in my psyche--two weeks or so ago I sat upright in the middle of the night with her on my mind, so I REALLY prayed. Last night (Wednesday at 7 PM) I went to my social justice meeting at the Cathedral and we said the Rosary as we frequently do. I requested that we say it for Leni. I could barely get through it, glad that my friends' strong voices carried the mantra when my own voice was frail and whispering through tears from where or why I knew not. This morning, though stirred with grief, I am happy to learn Leni is free and I celebrate her life.
Is was with a sad heart that I heard the news of Leni's passing. But now we all have an angel to watch over us from afar. I know she is safely home. I am so privileged to have had time with her. I thank all of you for sharing this wonderful woman with me. She will always have a place in my heart. Peace to you all.
The Cavanagh's of Newport County, R.I., and Chico, Cherokee, CA, were blessed at Saint Francis of Assisi in Sac on Monday, March 10, 2008 in the presence of the Spirit and the memories of families in the 1980's in Newport, Tiverton & Fall River.
The experience was transforming as we witnessed the Light penetrating Leni's dedicated Life of love, and being embraced further by loving sons, beautiful daughter's in law, charming children and devoted friends.
Ron Cavanagh
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