It is with great sadness that I write to report that my dear friend (and honorary "mom") Helen Schneyer died this afternoon at a little before 2:00 p.m. Helen had been diagnosed in early May with Stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to her bones. At the time of her diagnosis, the doctors told her she probably had six months or more to live. But a series of severe setbacks (including a femur that spontaneously fractured and required emergency surgery)made her time with us much shorter. She was ready to go, but I was sure not prepared to see her leave so soon.

Helen had spent this past week in a gradual decline, but surrounded by her family--Riki, Milan, Josh, Rennie, cousins Suzie and Harold--and visited by many, many friends who came to bid her farewell. She was peaceful and, mercifully, free of pain and fear. As much as I have been intellectually prepared to write this notice, nothing has prepared me for the emotional hit of this news. Despite her illness and imminent death, Helen and her wonderful spirit have been very close to me in these last weeks, as I've connected with many of her friends who called or e-mailed asking the latest news. What a force of nature Helen was. What spirit. What a sense of fun and joy she shared with so many of us. What a tremendous support she has been to me and to others as we've faced our own challenges over the years. And oh, what a singer. Thank you, Helen, for all of it.

I will let you know when I know something more about memorial gatherings.

In the words of one of Helen's songs:
And I'll reach home, oh praise the Lord, some sweet day,
When I walk up that great Milky Way.
Goodbye old world, good morning there before the throne,
What a singing there will be when I get home!

Rest in peace, dear Helen.
Kathy