Obit: Walking Eagle-Julie Pennell-October 3, 2004

Subject: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 02:42 PM

I've just got off the phone with the facility where Julie was living. She passed away a couple of weeks ago. I'd been trying her cell phone and not getting an answer; also her home phone. Last time I spoke to nursing staff, about 3 weeks ago, it didn't sound good, but I was hopeful.

This is so damn sad...she was a very private, intense person...a librarian and also expert saddlemaker, from what I remember reading in the past and from my visits with her on the phone (not very many of them, I regret to say.)

May she find peace and comfort in release from the long struggle. Love you Julie.

katcrying

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Morticia
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:03 PM

This is very sad news.....she wasn't someone I knew well but her posts were courteous and made sense...always welcome here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:04 PM

Bless her big ole soul. Thanks for carrying this burden, Kat.

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:06 PM

Should we ask the facility to pass along any music sent to her there, to others there-- things she may never have received that are there, or still coming in? Might we Mudcatters adopt the place for continuing music donations?

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Amos
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:14 PM

Oh, Kat!! I am sorry.


A

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Janie
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:27 PM

Grandmother, Grandfather, Great Spirit
All the creatures of the East, South, West, North
All the things that walk, crawl or fly in the air.
The two-leggeds, the four-leggeds. The creepy crawlies.
The plant people, the insect people.
All our relations, those seen and unseen.
Come join us now as we mourn the passing of our friend
Walking Eagle
from our realm and experience.
Ancesters. Spirits of the West.
The land of death, sleep, rest.
Give her our greetings.
May she who walked now fly. Soar.
Be free from suffering.
Blessings on you, Walking Eagle
Fare you well.

Janie

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:30 PM

Thanks, Amos.

Janie, that is perfect, thank you for posting it.

Susan, that is a good idea, but i know for a fact that anything addressed to her is already being returned to sender. Maybe you could call them and see if it's something they'd like folks to continue, particularly if it became a CD library in memory of Julie?

Thanks, folks,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:31 PM

This makes me very sad, but I think Whizzy has a wonderful idea! Kat, could you ask the facility?

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 04:09 PM

Scorcherooni--I can't be the pointperson on this project-- I'm rushing around to get on the road Tuesday early AM, with weekend ministries to fit in there somehow as well. It should be someone who can follow up and keep an eye on it. But if it gets going I have a CD of Native American music to send.... I hope someone takes it on.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 04:16 PM

This is very sad news. May she rest in peace.

Khatt

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 04:22 PM

Walking softly thorugh this life to prepare a sunset flight
Let the spirit carry you
Onward
Towards the music
Over the woodland
May you soar

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:12 PM

This is not sad news. Her pain is gone and she is soaring. Be happy, Walking Eagle. I will watch for you in the spring.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:13 PM

"I must be going no longer stay here.
The raging tempest I'm bound to cross
I must be guided without a stumble...."

So sad. Goodbye Julie. Thank you Kat for being the bridge between Julie and us all. Joy

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:21 PM

You are right, Sins...not sad for her, just us.:-)

I could make the initial call to the facility, but someone else would have to follow up and keep track. I just don't have the time.

Joy, you are most welcome and thanks for the beautiful quote. As well to you, Tinker, that is just beautiful.

I remember that Julie loved hummingbirds and that she was very proud of the fact that she was learning written Cherokee through online classes. She gave me the Cherokee name for cat and I became WeSa to her.:-)

love and Light,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Amergin
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:21 PM

Well...I am sad for those who knew her...but not for her....she should no longer be forced to walk....she has grown her wings.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:37 PM

I saw an eagle soaring yesterday as I rode to a meeting.

Now I know why.

"A top hand knows when a top hand dies."

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:46 PM

I might be able to be the co ordinator.....let me know what would be involved, Kat.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:49 PM

I'm sorry to hear this, I trust she's with the ancestors now her song is over in this world.

I did put a note with all the Secret Santa mailings, asking people to send stuff to her. I hope she got at least one and knew we were thinking of her.

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 06:15 PM

Walk in the Light, Julie.

Allison

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Ed.
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 06:44 PM

What Sinsull said, with a good helping of all the other decent thoughts

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 07:01 PM

What a peculiar choice for a moniker. Any "eagle" that is walking - not flying .... well.... such birds... are not well. They are out of "their comfort zone" their natural habitat....better to be a cat, squirrel, or posseum....if you have to be earthbound.

Sincerely sorry - she could not soar - but it appears best that she is no more.

Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 07:08 PM

*sigh* I had hoped that she might beat this, but it did not look good. I know that sharing her thoughts about life...and death... here at Mudcat helped her face the possibilities.

I hope she is at peace and soaring...

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 07:21 PM

Very sad news. I had many PM conversations with her about her illness. She was one very brave lady. I suppose she is "Soaring Eagle" now.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 07:23 PM

Another familiar soul met through the internet has made the great journey from flesh back to spirit. I value having known you here, Julie, if only across a computer keyboard, and I trust we shall meet again. Time to fly, all right. Fly brightly.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 07:24 PM

Garg, you show your lack of knowledge of the ways of the indigenous folks of North America, the first peoples. To have a name like Walking Eagle or Crippled Bear, or any other animal that was surviving without full use was a sign of honor. These animal brothers and sisters had to survive on wit and wisdom.

This was a gentle soul, who shared her struggle with us. I think that is a great gift. My heart rejoices at the setting free of her spirit.

Great Spirit, be good to her.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Mudlark
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 07:36 PM

Sad news for us, but thanks for letting us know, Kat...was just on the verge of sending her another note. I hope her passing was peaceful.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 11:39 PM

I will miss her.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 12:46 AM

Looking back at Julie's postings, I see she went to the "rehab" place last April and had not posted since. She had so much to say in the few words she's use. She'd been here since 2001. I thought I'd share just a few of her *gems*:

First, may her own Cherokee blessing return to her: "O'sda Utugi - - go with good hope."

On her own origins (where born:) I'll get this right now. West - By God - Virginia, under a Questioning Star. Spent early days near a bunch of coal camps listening to coal miners talk union and politics and pickin' and grinnin' and singin' and such. Weathered the We'll Save the Hillbillies from Themselves government programs of the 60's and 70's. Moved to the more civilized city of Charleston WV. For the better schools. Later got my college degree in Athens, OH. Lived a bit in FL., NY., and now in PA. State of my fathers' birth.

On Sept. 11: "This prayer I send up to those many who have entered the spirit world this day and to those many who have helped victims and to those many families and friends who have lost loved ones. The spirit of mother earth is not walking in beauty and peace on this day. Or many other days, for that matter. I also send up this prayer to those who feel they must take such actions and to their families as well."

About her dad...now she may be with him, again: "I used to sit and watch him do everything when I was little, paint the house, woodworking, build walls etc. I watched my mom too, but his jobs were far more interesting I thought. I used to sit in the bathroom and watch him shave. He used shave cream and a razor and to this day I can show anyone how he did it. We had to demonstrate doing something in speech class in high school one day. I hadn't prepared anything, but I was called on. After momentarily freaking out, I went to the front of the class and immitated my dad shaving!

Also, he sang me to sleep at night singing Leadbelly's Good Night Irene. Starting me down this long, slippery slope of folksinging!

Miss you, dad"

O'sda Utugi, indeed,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 01:36 AM

I was trying to find the thread where Walking Eagle posted something to the effect that both she and Rick knew the disease would eventually 'get' them but... Does anyone know what thread that was? It seems to me that it was in February or so.

When my brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer he said that at first he didn't understand friends' reactions to his situation and suddenly realized that they were reacting as though he were facing something that they would never have to face themselves. And we all die.

And we all live on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 01:47 AM

Ebbie, it was in a thread called "Rick Fielding's Influence." You were right, it was in February. Here it is:

I feel I haven't paid the dues yet to chime in here so early, but oh well.

His threads give me humor. Something that I sometimes don't have enough of. What he and I fight will claim us, this I know, but I have a feeling that he will be far more at peace with death through his humor than I will. I'll try to be a better student of your humor Rick!

I've always said that I haven't met a Canadian that I didn't like and Rick has kept my batting average at 100. We down here don't know enough of our friends to the north. What we Americans could learn from you Canadians would probably humble us.

Mostly, Rick has taught me what it is like to love music and ALL who play it.

WaDo DoNaDo,
Julie

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Nerd
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 02:23 AM

So sad to hear this...

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 02:50 AM

Thanks, Kat. You are a marvel.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Alba
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 05:31 AM

Oh Julie. May your Journey be full of Love and Light.
I am so sad to hear you have passed over. I know that the Pain has ended and that is something to hold onto to here. It is sad to say Goodbye though as I always hoped......
May You Fly High Walking Eagle. You fought the good Fight with a Courage I can only imagine and You shared Yourself with us...Thank you.
You are in my Thoughts.
Blessings, many Blessings to You.
Kat...you once again prove to me what Friendship is.
Love and Hugs to You darlin.
Lovely Words Janie and Tinker.
Sadly
Jude

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: *daylia*
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 09:20 AM

I am so sorry to hear this kat. Her contributions here will be missed. Funny, look what NASA chose as their pic of the day this morning ... the Eagle Nebula.

Absolutely gorgeous! Here's an even better image of it. And another, called the Eagle's Nest

May you sail the unfathomable Heights of your new Home in beauty, joy and majesty, Julie.

daylia

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 10:00 AM

I think there was another thread too, maybe she started it-- about people having to do chemo again?

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 10:05 AM

Some days are jewels,
They shine in the sun.
And you're sad when it sets,
For the day's nearly done.
It's the way the world works -
Pay attention; move on,
For there never will be a day,
Just like this one.

I didn't know Julie well, but I'm sad she's gone. People always have to go, and those left behind always miss them. If I've learned anything in recent history, it's to pay attention while they're here. Luckily, Mudcat pays attention even if we don't. Here are Walking Eagle's posts.

This is what she wrote in the 'Why We Sing Part II' thread:

"I sing for the past, present and future. Remember the past, sing it to the present, so it can be passed on to the future."

Thanks for gracing us with your own song.

I hope her family and friends find/have found their way here, even if they don't want to post anything.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 10:31 AM

THIS is the thread I was referring to. In it she mentions how long she'd been battling this.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 10:39 AM

Found her online obit....here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 11:32 AM

Sorcha, thank you so much for finding that. It tells me more than I ever knew before. She never spoken much about her family and once, when I asked if she had anyone close by, she said no. At least now I know where I could send a card.

Alba, it comes right back to you, darlin'...friendship and more.

Jeri, get those songs out! That is beautiful.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 12:21 AM

This is the obituary Sorcha linked to (click). I'll post it here because it won't be available for long. I'm glad Julie stayed with us on her journey toward death. I had a little contact with her now and then, and I really liked her. May you rest in peace, Julie. Thanks for being with us.
-Joe Offer-

---

Julia Cameron Zeitz Pennell, 55, of Coatesville and formerly of Charleston, WV, died on Sunday, October 3, 2004 at Brandywine Hall in West Chester after a very long and courageous battle with cancer. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7.

Julia was born in Charleston, WV on May 18, 1949, a graduate of Charleston High School and The Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a librarian at West Chester University Francis Harvey Green Library and a member of the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester.

Julia is survived by her mother, Aggie Zeitz of Charleston, WV; her brother, Thomas E. Zeitz of Elkins, WV; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur E. Zeitz.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2004 at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 South High Street, West Chester, with the Rev. Larry Smith officiating.

Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 1615 West Chester Pike, Suite 102, West Chester, PA 19382; or to the Neighborhood VNA and Hospice, 795 E. Marshall Street, Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 03:50 AM

Another Mudcatter singing with the angels.
Rest in peace, Julia.

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Partridge
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 04:35 AM

So sorry, but looking forward to meeting her some time in the future.

Pat x

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: GUEST,Norton1
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 01:38 PM

Be well Sister - I expect to pick a tune with you someday -

God Bless the family and all who are struggling in this time.

I'm grateful she is free of the pain and struggles.

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: Peace
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 02:39 PM

Sorry to see this thread.

Goodbye, Julie, and rest well.

BM

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: fat B****rd
Date: 25 Oct 04 - 03:45 PM

My sympathies to her family and friends. RIP Walking Eagle

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle - Julie Pennell
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 12:36 PM

One of the many reasons I'm here less and and less...........I know she is far better off now but we are not. We had some great PM's and her outlook was always refreshing which I found amazing. Rest well.

Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle-Julie Pennell-October 3, 2004
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 05:07 PM

I have been away for a few days, because my computer was down. She was one of the quiet, sincere people here who I really liked.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle-Julie Pennell-October 3, 2004
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 05:14 PM

Sniff...

...but Heaven's a little richer.

Bobert

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle-Julie Pennell-October 3, 2
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 05:34 PM

Walking Eagle...

I'll see ya down the road

:-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle-Julie Pennell-October 3, 2004
From: Ron Davies
Date: 28 Oct 04 - 10:03 PM

A gentle Eagle.

May she soar.

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle-Julie Pennell-October 3, 2004
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 01:56 PM

I was searching for information on a couple of our late Mudcatters and visited the link above to Walking Eagle's obituary. It is no longer at that link, but after searching I found the transcript. I'll post it here so it is part of the record.

---

Julia Cameron Zeitz Pennell, 55, of Coatesville and formerly of Charleston, WV, died on Sunday, October 3, 2004 at Brandywine Hall in West Chester after a very long and courageous battle with cancer. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7.

Julia was born in Charleston, WV on May 18, 1949, a graduate of Charleston High School and The Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a librarian at West Chester University Francis Harvey Green Library and a member of the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester.

Julia is survived by her mother, Aggie Zeitz of Charleston, WV; her brother, Thomas E. Zeitz of Elkins, WV; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur E. Zeitz.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2004 at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 South High Street, West Chester, with the Rev. Larry Smith officiating.

Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 1615 West Chester Pike, Suite 102, West Chester, PA 19382; or to the Neighborhood VNA and Hospice, 795 E. Marshall Street, Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380.

Subject: Steve Pennells
From: GUEST,Robin Mayhew
Date: 04 Mar 15 - 07:24 AM

I'm trying to find my old school chum Steve Pennells from the 1950s. The school was Sutton High School Sutton Surrey. I know he was interested in folk music and I have seen the name on several articles on line. Any clues welcome
Robin Mayhew - [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Walking Eagle-Julie Pennell-October 3, 2004
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 05 Mar 15 - 07:19 AM

It was a piece of serendipity that this thread should be revived. It gave the opportunity to read all the posts again and especially, (but not exclusively), that lovely poem from Janie.

RIP Julie, you are not forgotten.

Peter