Memorials

These courageous and inspirational metavivors have passed away from metastatic breast cancer, but the stories of their lives live here in celebration of the joy and love they brought to everyone around them.

Molly B Hammer

Alice Lorraine Moye

Cheryl K (Finnell) Yavornitzki

Diane Drange

Rosemead, CA

Diane Patricia Drange died at her home November 9, 2020 in Rosemead, Calif., from metastatic breast cancer. She was 55.

Diane was born April 5, 1965 to Clifford and Joan Ware. She discovered her love of music as a child, playing the piano and singing. Diane was an avid reader, the proud owner of countless library cards and loved gardening in her backyard, but her pride and joy was her family.

Diane graduated from Rosemead High. She studied music at Pasadena City College and California State University, Los Angeles, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance. She met Michael Drange during class one afternoon at CSULA; they wed in 1992 at Christ Lutheran Church in Chino, Calif.

Diane worked as a waitress to support herself and her oldest son. She survived congestive heart failure following the birth of her twin boys, happily living another 26 “bonus years,” spending most of them raising her three sons. She also worked in the Garvey School District as a music teacher and librarian, and later as office manager for the Garvey Education Association.

Diane performed as a singer throughout her life and was a prized member of the church choir. She enjoyed listening to music with her husband and driving aimlessly together throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Friends and colleagues recall Diane’s infectious giggle and ability to put those around her at ease. She’s remembered by her children and nieces and nephews as a pun aficionado and selfless mother. Indeed, Diane loved nothing more than to brag about her sons.

Diane was predeceased by her parents and her son, Aaron Joseph Drange. She is survived by her husband, Michael, and her sons Matthew and Phillip, as well as sisters Theresa and Linda and brothers Stephen and Thomas.

Jeff Tesch

Wendy Willson Buckley

San Antonio, Texas

Wendy Willson Buckley died peacefully at her home on October 13, 2020. She had bravely and optimistically faced stage-four breast cancer everyday for twelve years, never giving cancer power over her life. She was a strong, faithful witness bringing hope to countless others. Family and friends surrounded her in her last days with love, prayers and support. Wendy was ready to be with Jesus and to be reunited with her daddy and grandma in heaven. We rejoice that she is freely running and smiling through the eternal fields of Heaven, most certainly with heavenly dogs by her side!

Wendy was born on March 24, 1960, in Albany, New York. Her family moved to Oklahoma City in 1963 and to San Antonio in 1968. Wendy graduated from Churchill HS, attended college at San Antonio College and graduated from St Mary’s University Interior Design Program. Wendy loved creating beautiful things for others. Her creativity led to the creation of her own business, Flooring and Window Designs.

Prior to marrying her husband, Steve, Wendy was involved with Youth and Single’s Ministry with the Presbyterian Church at both Mo Ranch and Montreat retreat centers. Her most cher-ished hobby was helping her dad raise, train and show German Shepherds. Her love for dogs was enormous!

Wendy and Steve married on May 12, 2001, at Mo Ranch. They met in high school. Both families lived near each other and attended San Pedro Presbyterian Church. After they married, they became members of Concordia Lutheran Church.

Wendy was the “Queen of Research” when it came to taking care of herself with cancer. It was her tenacity and optimism that helped her survive as long as she did. She encouraged many others walking similar journeys and never looked at her cancer with pity. For her, it was an opportunity to show her faith to others, and that she did with amazing grace.

She is predeceased by her father, Fred Willson, and is survived by her husband, Steven Buck-ley; mother, Jean Willson Dennis (Lee) ; sisters, Cathy Monkman (Jim) and Connie Tope; her adored step-daughter, Kristin Rivera (Andres); her beloved niece, Erin Duffy (Brian), and nephews Brian (Elise), Brad (Annie) and Eric (Abi) Cunningham; her precious great-nieces Emmalyn, Libby, Elizabeth, and Maya; and great nephew Asher; her beloved God-son, Truman Rivera; Steven’s extended family; and so many dear friends.

Helen Cotton

Pueblo West, Colorado

Helen Marie Cotton was born August 8, 1952, to Charles (Chuck) and Mary (Jones) Cotton in San Francisco, and she grew up in Texas while Chuck was stationed at Fort Hood with the U.S. Army. She was a daddy’s girl and the oldest of her five siblings, who she doted on. She loved to dress-up her sisters, by making their clothes and doing their hair. Helen also had an early love for bikes, and motorcycles eventually brought her to California (full of legendary stories.) She became the first female cook at the Fairview State Hospital in Costa Mesa.

Helen always had a calling as a caretaker, and she spent many years caring for her parents after they suffered strokes. She also took care of most of her sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews at one point or another, as well as her grandnieces and grandnephews. Whether that be making sure her nephew Tyler got to school on time or helping her sister Frances (who was single at the time with two children) move to Colorado and get settled, Helen was always there with open arms and an open door no matter her means. Her sister Charlene captured it best: “When Helen says I love you more, she really means it.”

Helen had an incredible ability to overcome the hardest of challenges. She battled cancer once before and kicked its ass about 15 years ago. She’s also had to fight against several other ailments in her later years. In 2018, she was displaced by the Camp Fire and the loss of a 28-year-relationship with her partner. She relocated to North Carolina to be with family, but then encountered another major challenge: The loss of her right leg. But she persevered – disabled and alone in a new place, Helen ended up finding one of her greatest joys: The love and community of Imprint Church and her dear friend Miss Holly, who was “more like a daughter to me than a friend.”

The faith and friendship she discovered from this community helped to give her the strength, hope & comfort she needed these last few months, after a surprise, terminal cancer diagnosis in July 2020. Following her diagnosis, she came to Pueblo West, Colorado, to be cared for by her sister Frances and her husband Greg. One of Helen’s last wishes was for her brothers and sisters to be okay; her siblings and nieces/nephews rallied to Pueblo to surround her with love these last two months, and it’s here that she passed away at home with family by her side on the morning on October 3, 2020. After a lifetime of overcoming challenges and loving us more, the biggest legacy she leaves us with is her heart.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by a large family who loved her: her siblings Rodney (Elizabeth) Lambert, Charlene (Michael) Baltierra, Frances (Greg) Heninger, Rosemary Cotton, Fred (Kathy) Cotton; her nieces & nephews Charles (Janet) Bagley, Julia Thornton, Crysta Bagley, John Thornton, Deanna Dutton, Tyler Quintard, Anthony Heninger, Lyndsey (Justin) Martinez & Marcus Heninger; and many grandnieces & grandnephews.

Debra Conyers Fearing

Ashley Rainey

Kelly Harrod

Amy Esposito

Claire Wilson

Brenda Sue Kratz

Leslie Anne Bowlus

Murfreesboro, TN

Leslie Anne Bowlus, age 54, born October 26, 1965, went to live with her Lord, Jesus September 14, 2020.

Leslie, a dearly loved leader, educator, wife, mother, and best friend to many.

She helped others despite her own trials. She was a fierce advocate for those who have Metastatic Breast Cancer. She educated people throughout the world with her almost decade long video blog about her medical treatments and journey. The blog provides a window in to her personal experiences of being a full-time Metastatic Breast Cancer patient with the goal of guiding others who are about to go through the same treatments. She gave people reasons to hope, smile, and laugh, and through her blog; encouraged others to always ask questions about their treatments.

Leslie had a deep love for her family and Dachshunds. She loved coffee and a comfy blanket, gardening, crafting, exploring (and getting lost together). She was always learning a new hobby to share with her family. She was an avid reader, she knew all about the stars (the earthly and heavenly kinds). She loved weekend country drives for the simple purpose of enjoying the beauty of her chosen home, Tennessee.

She loved music. Her love for understanding the true stories behind music lyrics kept her family occupied for hours as she led discussions about why certain songs were written, what they really mean, and the lessons learned.

Leslie is dearly missed.

Leslie was preceded in death by her Father, Lester Dunne; Son, Daniel; Daughter, Casey; Sister, Lynn Marie Wilson; Brothers, Patrick “Lil Pat” Leroy Dunne and James Dunne.
She is survived by her Husband, Monier “Mo”; Son, Eric; Daughter, Annalese; Daughter in Law, Caitlin; and Grand Daughter, Marin.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Leslie’s memory to METAvivor Research and Support.

Pam Hines

Diana DeSantis

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Diana Lynn DeSantis (Zimski), formerly of Mocanaqua and Norristown PA, danced gracefully into the night on Monday, August 24th at the age of 51. Diana was the loving wife of Paul Fariello for 4 years, and companion for 14 years before that. Diana was the daughter of Nancy Kranick (Cy), and the late Walter J. Zimski (Sylvia) as well as the sister to Barbara Giannini (Luke) and Cindi Cashmer (Stephen), Daniel Zimski, Cy Kranick III (Wendy), Pamela Phillips (Don), Michael Kranick (Celeste), and David Kranick. Diana was also the adoring aunt to David Giannini (Ali), Lucas Gianinni, Jake Cashmer, Nicholas Wurst, Joanna Wurst, Cy Kranick IV, Erin Kranick, William Kranick, the late Brooke Sarff, Edward Sarff, Sierra Youells, and Justina Fletcher, Michael Kranick. Diana will also be greatly missed by her Fuzzy Children; Sukie Jones and the late Frankie.

Diana was an amazing singer. She will always be remembered for her angelic rendition of The Battle Of Evermore. Her voice would eventually come to fill concert halls like the Electric Factory in Philadelphia to amphitheaters like the legendary Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado over the years. She enjoyed many years of touring with the band Get the Led Out, and always reveled in the feeling of being on stage. Diana would also come to love the people she met through touring. From fans to roadies, Diana was a friend to all.
In 2012 Diana was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer, but she continued to live on her terms, even continuing to tour the U.S. while undergoing treatment. She began to build a support group over the years of women going through the same journey as her. Diana was even able to bring some of her group to concerts a few times.

In keeping with Diana's wishes, a private Life Celebration Memorial Service was held on Sunday August 30th. In lieu of flowers, donations in Diana's memory to the METAvivor Metastatic Breast Cancer Foundation or the Center on Halsted in support of the LGBT community would be greatly appreciated. Diana will always be remembered for the love she exuded and her willingness to always help others. It is Diana's wish that you help someone in need, or offer your love whenever possible, and she challenges us all to better ourselves in this way.

Kimberly Crawford Groglio

Westport, CT and York, ME

Kimberly (Kim) Crawford Groglio, 61, passed away on August 17, 2020, from complications of metastatic breast cancer. A longtime resident of both Westport, CT and York, ME she was the beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Groglio and the very proud and adoring mother of Kaitlin Groglio and Peter Groglio.

Kim was born on December 22, 1958 in Massachusetts where she grew up between there and Southern Maine. The oldest of four daughters of Sally and Edward Carmichael and the late Les Crawford. Kim earned a BA in Government from Western New England College and later a Professional Paralegal Certificate from Northeastern University. She met her future husband, Bob while in college. She worked as a Corporate Paralegal until becoming the happily devoted and loving mother to the true joys of her life Katie and Peter. She and Bob later moved to Westport where they raised their children.

For almost the next 20 years, while raising her own children and volunteering, Kim taught many happy preschoolers at the Darien Nature Center. She enjoyed her days there in the wonderful natural outdoor environment.

Kim was happiest spending time with her family in and around the water (or ocean) especially her favorite spots in Maine and Charleston, SC. She loved to travel and was always planning the next trip. She was an enthusiastic animal lover and always enjoyed rescuing cats throughout her life. She loved summer days at the beach, riding the waves and treating herself to favorite homemade ice creams.

Survivors, in addition to her husband and children include her sisters, Suzanne Nixon of Maine, Kristine Castay of Massachusetts, Kyle Smith of New Hampshire, their families, her parents and her in-laws.

Kim was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, colleague, teacher and friend. She will be missed by all those whose lives she touched. She and her family are forever grateful to those who stuck by her and helped during her deadly illness, including the excellent staff and friends at Whittingham Cancer Center.

Joanne McGilloway

Alisha Anne Prusinski

Shelley Ann Brown

Sparks, Nevada

Shelley Ann Brown was born in Lubbock, Texas on July 10, 1979, the only child of Duane and Cyndy Brown. Their family moved to the Reno Nevada in September 1980 where they still live. The Brown family was always active in church work and in 1983, at the age of four, Shelley asked Jesus into her heart.

During her childhood, Shelley’s “adopted” family included Pastor Jim Meek and the congregation of Steamboat Baptist Church. Shelley attended Elmcrest Elementary School, Clayton Middle School and McQueen High School where she met her closest friend, Crystal Meservy. They were extremely inclusive and outgoing and always had a large group of friends with them. Shelley attended Oklahoma Baptist University, Truckee Meadows Community College and UNLV, majoring in psychology.

During the Great Depression of 2008, Shelley’s Dad decided to change careers from construction to home inspections. Shelley was working for a state senator in Las Vegas and decided to go to inspection school and move back to Reno to work with her Dad. They formed D&S Brown Home Inspections in 2010 and celebrated 10 years of excellence April 1, 2020. Shelley was the driving force, always looking for ways to improve the quality of their work.

Shelley was married to Scott Stanley in December, 2013. Shelley was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer March 2018. She continued to prepare inspection reports until June 27, 2020. Shelley lost her battle with cancer and went home to be with her Lord on July 14, 2020. Her greatest desire was, and always will be, that all her friends and family would know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as she has for 37 years.

She is survived by her husband Scott Stanley, parents Duane and Cyndy Brown and a host of extended family and friends.

Shelley’s favorite sayings were, “I’m not cancer, I’m Shelley!”, “Cancer is messing with the wrong girl!”, “Mom, you need to be praying for God’s perfect will, not your will!” and “If I go, I’ll be dancing with Jesus!”

Beth Lyon

Linda Casill Vogel

Voorhees, New Jersey

Linda Casill Vogel, 35, of Voorhees, NJ passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on July 10, 2012. Despite a long fight with breast cancer, Linda will be remembered as not having been beaten by the disease. The illness could not alter her vibrant spirit, as she continued to live life passionately, laugh through it all, and love and be loved by many.

Raised in Gates, NY, Linda graduated from Gates-Chili High School in 1994 where she was active in many athletic and “mathletic” activities. She was also involved in Young Life Youth Group and Summer’s Best Two Weeks camp as a camper and later a counselor.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1998, where she was a member of the track and field team, an Alpha Gamma Delta sister, and first started playing ultimate frisbee.

Linda was very involved in the ultimate frisbee community, playing on many competitive teams and qualifying for several National Championship tournaments. Linda shared her love of the sport with friends and newcomers alike through spirited play and leadership roles in New Jersey and Philadelphia ultimate leagues.

Linda worked for thirteen years as a consultant at ZS Associates, first in Princeton and then in Philadelphia. She progressed through the company very successfully, being elected as Principal in 2010. Linda loved what she did and the people she worked with, and this was evident through her dedication to clients and co-workers. Her enthusiasm and work ethic have made a lasting impact on her ZS family.

Since first being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, Linda annually raised money, Raced for The Cure, advocated, and volunteered for cancer-related charities, most notably Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Linda is survived by her husband Michael Vogel, parents James and Patricia Casill, brother John Casill, Grandparents Arthur and Norma LaRosee, Goddaughter Regan, and many other relatives and friends. Donations in her memory can be made to The Linda Casill Vogel Memorial Fund.

Sharon Swick

Wendy Goretski

Kelly Joann Shepherd

Eleanor Kathryn “Kay” Minjock

Lititz, PA

Eleanor Kathryn “Kay” Minjock, 68, of Lititz, formerly of Charleroi, PA passed away peacefully Thursday, April 30, 2020 at home surrounded by love. Born in North Charleroi, PA she was the daughter of the late John Robert “Jack” and Helen Jean (Harris) Stevenson. She was the beloved wife of Joseph Albert Minjock with whom she shared over 39 beautiful years of marriage. Kay was a 1969 graduate of Charleroi Area High School.

In addition to her husband Joe, she is survived by her daughter, Larissa “Lacy” Lilly, Lititz; son, Zachary (Nina) Minjock, Lititz; six grandchildren, her “angels”, Rayna, Kayla, Jack, Kate, Ryder, and Alexandra. She is also survived by a sister, Nancy (the late Marvin) Greenberg, Chicago, IL; two brothers, Mark (Lee Ann) Stevenson, Charleroi, PA and John Richard “Rick” Stevenson, Charleroi, PA and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Stevenson.

After an unusual presentation of the disease, Kay was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer on April 18, 2019. She possessed a tremendous amount of grace throughout the year that followed.

Kay was a devoted wife, mom and Grammy. She had an infectious smile, a loving and kind heart, and the most incredibly gentle soul. She was an angel on earth. Kay saw the good in each and every person she knew and always put the needs of others before her own. Her happiest moments were with family and at the beach.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s memory may be made to METAvivor, 1783 Forest Dr., #184, Annapolis, MD 21401 www.metavivor.org. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com

Helen Ewing

Janet Steele

Kira Jennifer McClorey

Wyckoff NJ

On Sunday April 19th at the age of 49 Kira Jennifer McClorey (Hillidge) slipped peacefully away from us while at her family home in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Kira’s strength in standing strong and firm against breast cancer for 7 years was awe-inspiring for many. She was determined to carry on with her life, making this her story, not a cancer story and we have so many memories to treasure because of this.

Kira was a wonderful wife, mother and friend to many. She leaves behind her loving husband, Rob McClorey and their two wonderful children, Jackson 9 yrs, and Isla 7 yrs. Sadly, during the C-19 Pandemic, family and friends, could only be with Kira by video call, however she was surrounded by love with messages from near and far. Kira is survived by her extended family; Her mother, Gillian Hillidge of Victoria BC. Her father Ron LeVine and step-mother Micki of Mahwah, New Jersey. Her sisters and brothers Thea Lloyd, Scott Levine, Courtney Feahan and Britney Klimm, Allison Elkin and Gary Goldberger along with her Aunt Jackie McCullough surrogate family Al & Irene Rathbone and their children Chris, Sandra and Emily. She will also be terribly missed by her mother in-law Ruth McClorey of Andover, England and sister in law Zoe McClorey.

Kira was born in Toronto with the family then relocating to Victoria in British Columbia, Canada a place that she loved and was always a part of her. It was here that Kira developed a love of gymnastics and volleyball and also attended the University of Victoria attaining a BA in Psychology. Upon graduating Kira toured Europe and the Middle East, eventually living in Japan for two years where she taught English to Japanese business partners. She had developed a curiosity for other cultures and travel that would remain with her throughout her life. Kira then moved on to New York where she achieved success as an Advertising Executive before choosing to focus on her two young children after marrying Rob in 2008 and finally settling in Wyckoff, New Jersey. It was here in NYC and NJ that Kira made many wonderful friends through work, volleyball, the children and beyond.

Kira was first diagnosed with breast cancer in Feb 2013 and after the initial shock vowed to not let this define her. She tackled this head on jumping into treatment and had, what we initially thought, fought this terrible disease off. Unfortunately it returned and she was diagnosed with Metastatic in Dec 2016. Again after the initial devastation and realization of what this could mean Kira moved forward. She continued to live her life and was determined to be the best person she could be, a rock of support and help for anyone that needed it. Kira was awe inspiring and the bravest person who set an example of how to not let your circumstance define who you are. She continued to be there for her family and will be forever be in our hearts.

Emma Esparza Diazdeleon

Susan Hewitt

Kathleen Mary Feige

Briana Justine Davis Sykes

Mason City, Iowa

Briana Justine Davis Sykes
Mason City, Iowa
Lover of laughter, humor, sarcasm and snark
Aspired to be the 'next white Oprah'
Champion of the underdog, social worker extraordinaire
Master of living in the moment, with intention and purpose
Beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin
Friend

It was early July, 2016, that Briana felt a soreness in her breast while playing with Easton, her one year old. Within days, she was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer (denovo) at the age of 30. This news shaped the remainder of her life, as she endured varied and substantial standard and experimental treatment regimens.

Having stage-4 breast cancer in the Midwest at such an early age is an isolating thing. Via social media, Briana discovered her 'tribe': other men and women living with MBC. She fostered relationships quickly, and was able to gain a wealth of understanding about health, treatment options, and navigating insurance issues. It was also thru these friendships that she learned about Metavivor, of which she proudly served as a board member. As part of her advocacy work, Briana marched on Capitol Hill and participated in several “die-in”'s, sharing her story with legislative officials.
Briana's only desire was to be able to continue to be a mom to Easton. This fueled her determination to live until September 10, 2019, when she passed peacefully. She was 33 years young. Her spirit lives on in her spunky, sweet, smart little man; one of her many gifts to her friends and family.

Briana's transparency and willingness to share her story continues to inspire those who loved her. While her struggle has ended, we remember what MBC has done to her and to her loved ones. Briana deserved so much more. Easton deserves so much more. Her tribe has become our tribe, and they all deserve so much more. In Briana's memory, and in honor of our tribe, we encourage all to donate to Metavivor, so that 100% of the funds raised can be dedicated to research. The sweetest reward would be to see our entire tribe to continue to thrive and live their best lives.

Mary Kay Brown

Lisa Charlotte Massie (Nelson)

Livonia, MI

Lisa Charlotte Massie passed away on January 6, 2019 from metastatic breast cancer. Lisa was born to Kenneth and Nancy Nelson on April 19, 1963 in Detroit. She married the first boy she ever fell in love with, Steve Massie, and they enjoyed 32 years of marriage. Lisa felt her purpose on this side of heaven was to become a mother, and she rejoiced in her three children: Hannah King (Ryan); Griffin Massie (Shannon); and her baby Amy. Life in the Massie household was silly and always filled with love, laughter and enough cats to keep her husband busy cleaning up hairballs and wondering when the cat population would be reduced to zero.

Lisa’s final wishes included that the pallbearers would be the staff from the Senate restaurant where Lisa liked to order just one blueberry pancake. “Please have them wear their work uniforms and I'm quite serious about this,” she wrote…..however, that request might shut down the operation, so, with great respect to her wishes, we will take a bit more traditional pallbearer approach.

In lieu of flowers, Lisa requested that you donate to Metavivor (all proceeds go to research for stage 4 metastatic breast cancer) or that you buy yourself the ugliest outfit at your local Salvation Army, and wear it to her visitation. Along with her husband and three children, Lisa is survived by her parents, Nancy and Ken Nelson, her sister Shelley Nelson, sister and best friend Amy Grenier (Mark, Sydney, Avery, Ben, & Jack), her grandchildren, Michael and Loralei (King); her uncle, Jim Trebilcock, her niece, Emily Nelson; her father and mother in law, Tom and Iva Massie; her sister-in-law Michelle Massie and Thea Eve Vicari, along with countless other dear friends and family members. She is proceeded in death by her brother, Jeff Nelson. Lisa will be remembered for her beauty inside and out, her love for Jesus Christ, her wits and talent for writing, and her gracious, giving heart.

Carrie L Harper

Plymouth, WI

Carrie Lynn Harper: devoted daughter, sister, godmother and aunt, admired school guidance counselor and friend to many, passed away peacefully on December 12. 2019 surrounded by love.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 18, 1952, Carrie graduated with a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling. Carrie impacted the lives of many children, students, and families throughout her 33-year career with the Elkhart Lake School District.

In March of 2017, unable to recover from what she thought was a respiratory virus,, Carrie sought treatment from her local doctor’s office. She would later be hospitalized with fluid in her lung and a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. So began Carrie’s nearly three-year cancer journey, which would see her become a determined fighter, arming herself with medical data, research, and information on the disease, and the various treatment options available to her.

Carrie was a gifted artist and avid collector. She made beautiful stained-glass pieces, lamp shades, and kaleidoscopes. Upon learning of her diagnosis, Carrie spent time making handmade dreamcatchers, woven baskets, and leather monkey “fists” which she gifted to those close to her as a remembrance. Carrie used her final years to make lasting memories with her family and close friends, never letting cancer get in the way of an opportunity to experience joy.

Carrie chose to share her cancer diagnosis with only a few, as in her own words "I need to feel as normal as possible". She did share and exchange her personal struggles and triumphs with fellow on-line MBC survivors and was looking forward to one more "metaversary" which was not to be. Carrie was very surprised to learn of the lack of funding for metastatic breast cancer and became a fierce advocate for the "beyond pink" campaign to channel research funding toward Metastatic Breast Cancer and METAvivor.

Carrie’s forever wish, when diagnosed with this terminal disease, was that she be remembered by contributions to METAvivor, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness, Research, Support and Awareness. As she stated, “If you want to preserve my memory and help others, please consider being part of this noble cause”. Carrie’s memory will be forever in our hearts, but also let it give at least one more day, one more memory for someone with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. Your contributions will be forever remembered and appreciated.

While Carrie’s fight is over, others fight on. For those whose fight continues, one of Carrie’s favorite quotes to live by was “You are Braver than you Believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think” from A.A. Milne.

Sara Bertrand

Gainesville, FL

Sara Lee Newman Bertrand, aged 62, passed away in her home in Gainesville, FL, on January 31, 2020, after a brave 10-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Sara was born on April 19, 1957 in Philadelphia, PA, to Harry and Norma Newman where she spent her formative years before attending The Pennsylvania State University where she received her BA in Criminal Justice. Sara started her career and family in Philadelphia before moving to San Diego, CA where she resumed her career as a paralegal for Lincoln, Gustafson, & Cercos, LLP. She expanded her family in southern California before relocating to northern Virginia where she raised her sons and was a proud sports Mom. She met her husband Jacques Bertrand in Suffolk, VA before moving to Gainesville, FL in 2011 and retiring.

Sara possessed the ability to forge lifelong relationships with friends from coast to coast. She loved all things Mickey Mouse, she enjoyed playing golf, bowling and traveling to play and win in mahjong tournaments. She was a creative soul loved to quilt, sew, bake and cook. Sara was an excellent hostess and had a passion for serving her community as an active citizen. In her retirement, she served as a poll worker on election days, she was a cheery substitute Hebrew school teacher and volunteer for Haven advanced illness care. Above all else, Sara was a devoted wife, loving mother and Mom-Mom that prioritized spending time with family.

In addition to her husband of nine years Jacques, she is survived by her sons Brett Steiner (Erin) and Jarred Steiner (Maggie), her step-children Chase Bertrand (Nicole) and Maggie Bertrand, her four grandchildren Lola, Logan, Lily, and Noah, her sister Gail Gorenstein (Charlie) and her beloved dog, Mickey.

Sara will be remembered by her family and many friends as a courageous, energetic, and inspiring woman who did not waste a moment of her life. Her spirit and sass will live on in all those who knew and loved her. The family of Sara Bertrand would like to thank Dr. Stephen Staal of UF Health Medical Oncology for the care and attention he paid Sara over the years.

Lindsey Novinich

Deltona, FL

Lindsey Susan Novinich was born at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 2, 1980 to parents Susan Diane Heidel (deceased) and Clifford Charles Heidel Jr. Lindsey was an only child for the first 5 years of her life. Her sister Amy Lynn joined the family in 1985. Lindsey spent much of her time with her maternal grandmother, Audrey Connor, traveling and enjoying summer camps. Lindsey was a member of the FAU scuba club and had been diving since she was 13 years of age. She was an adventure seeker and even jumped out of a perfectly good airplane in the Florida Keys. Lindsey was very active throughout her life participating on cheer squads, basketball, volleyball and soccer teams. She completed and placed at many 5K races, a marathon, sprint triathlon and Ironman.

Lindsey met her husband, Anthony Francis Novinich Jr. (an electrician), while working at Discovery Cove. The two were wed in 2003 creating a family of 3 with Anthony’s daughter Tiana Renee. Anthony and Lindsey welcomed their daughter Isabella Cadence to the world in 2007. A relocation back to Florida at the end of 2007 allowed the extended family to see Isabella grow. Lindsey was diagnosed with stage 2b HER2- HR+ breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 32. She completed surgery and 16 chemotherapy infusions; she was given a clean bill of health in 2014. In 2016 Lindsey was diagnosed stage IV HER2- HR+ at the age of 35. Lindsey fought for her life every single day, living with metastatic breast cancer until the age of 39.

Lindsey was a fierce advocate for individuals to treat one another as they wish to be treated. She shared information she learned with the world in hopes to help make at least one person's life a little easier and enjoyable. She hoped to leave behind a legacy of compassion and humanitarianism.

Charice Callueng

Darlene Nichols Crosby

Bindy Koontz

Pittsburgh, PA

Belinda (“Bindy”) Koontz, formerly Belinda Dinan, aged 62, passed away comfortably in her home in Mars, PA, on December 1, 2019, surrounded by her immediate family.

Bindy was born on May 24, 1957 in Flushing, NY, to John and Camilla Dinan, and spent her formative years on Long Island and Texas before attending The College of Wooster, where she received her BA in Economics. She followed that by earning her MBA from Bowling Green State University, where a long-distance romance with Ted, her husband of 35 years, blossomed. Ted’s career took the family to six different states, but she had a knack for placing down roots wherever she landed and called many places home. She possessed an uncanny ability to forge lifelong relationships with friends from all over, and loved to read, drink Chardonnay, take long walks, and spend summer days at the beach on Long Island. Bindy also had a passion for serving her community and helping those in need. In New York, she helped found the North Shore Neighbors Breast Cancer Coalition, and in Pittsburgh, worked closely with Outreached Arms to feed and help the homeless and underprivileged communities. She also was an active member of METAvivor, a non-profit that funds vital research, promotes awareness, and offers support to the metastatic breast cancer community. Above all else, Bindy was a devoted wife and loving mother that prioritized spending time with family.

In addition to her husband, Ted, she is survived by her three children, Christopher, Will, and Maddie; her daughter-in-law, Erin; her grandchildren, Wilson and Nolan; her mother, Camilla, and her brother, Jay.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Pittsburgh Metsquerade, benefiting METAvivor, an event taking place on April 18, 2020 that she was so looking forward to attending. Please go to pghmets.org for more information on how to donate.

Kristin Erickson

Fargo, ND

Kristin Ann Erickson, 48, passed away on December 29, 2019, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Kristin was born on March 1, 1971, in Crookston, MN, the daughter of Kendall and Kathleen Hunter. She was raised and graduated from high school in Lancaster, MN. She attended the University of Minnesota Crookston and Minnesota State University Moorhead where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. While at college in Crookston, Kristin was a statistician for the men’s basketball team and her favorite player soon became Paul Erickson. They were united in marriage on June 24, 1995, and together they had two children, Kai and Hunter, who were the light of her life. They made their home in Fargo, ND.

Kristin was a lot of things to many people. She was an awesome mom to Kai and Hunter, a fabulous friend and sister, an amazing aunt that traveled thousands of miles to make memories with nieces and nephews, and a woman of faith amidst life’s toughest challenges. Those close to her knew she’d always be there for them, being the biggest cheerleader and celebrating in their accomplishments. Kristin loved hosting friends and family at “Hotel Erickson,” throwing garage parties, cooking delicious meals and snacks for guests, and entertaining. Kristin loved soaking up the sun and always left an open invitation for anyone to join her at their pool – “the more, the merrier” was her motto. She was always fashionable and never left home without throwing on a cute pair of shoes. Everyone who met her would soon learn that she’s Kristin with an “i”. She loved watching sports, was an avid Fighting Sioux hockey fan, and was a proud billet mom to Fargo Force players Jacob Paganelli, Odeen Tufto, William Fallstrom, Michael Mancinelli, and Kaden Bohlsen.

Kristin spent her career working in health care accounting at Banner Health, Eide Bailly, Sanford Health and Discovery Benefits, all in Fargo. Many of her co-workers became her dear friends.

Kristin was an advocate for breast cancer and BRCA awareness. She was an active member of the FM Breast Friends Support Group. Kristin was always willing to share her story and to offer support to all those fighting breast cancer. She was ready with a big smile and a hug to all those that came to support group meetings. There are so many things cancer cannot touch, and Kristin’s light is one of them.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Paul; children Kai and Hunter; parents Ken and Kathy Hunter; brother Kraig (Francine) Hunter; sister Kendra (Nick) Wentworth; father and mother-in-law Allen and Diane Erickson; sister-in-law Nancy (Craig) Riveland; sister-in-law Liz Lisburg (Brian Gunufson); nieces and nephews Carson Hunter, McKenzie Hunter, Alexis Hunter, Myah Jensen, Kendall Wentworth, Laiken Wentworth, Hannah Riveland, Clay Riveland, Erika Lisburg, Garrett Lisburg (Erin Greendahl), Braiden Gunufson; and great-niece Aubree Lisburg.

She is preceded in death by her brother Kevin Hunter and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Joyce Ann Mason

Amy Lyn Schnitzler

Rochester, NY

Amy Lyn Schnitzler: Bright spirit, beloved daughter, sister, partner, niece, cousin, aunt, godmother—and friend to so many, passed away peacefully December 21, 2019, surrounded by love.

She was born July 13, 1989 in Rochester, NY, attended Rush Henrietta schools, and graduated from Nazareth College in 2011. Her interests and talents were many, but her abiding love was music. Her beautiful voice was heard locally as well as in the Vatican and in the halls of La Scala, Milan, where she performed with the RH Singers.

In the fall of 2016 she was to begin her graduate studies in opera performance at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She had to defer her studies when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2016. Later that year the diagnosis was changed to metastatic breast cancer (MBC), forever changing her life’s course: Amy became a fighter – a fierce and dedicated opponent of a disease that affects so many lives. She armed herself with data from scientists, organizations, and from others living with (and dying from) this disease, and became a passionate advocate for more support and research into MBC, beyond the usual “pink” breast cancer awareness focus.

In spite of the cancer, her music lived on, including as part of the Madrigalia Festival Chorus in a production of Bizet’s Carmen with the RPO in May 2018. Some of her finest performances occurred in the living rooms and backyards of friends and relatives. They will be remembered by many.

Throughout, Amy was an active blogger with outstanding writing skills, educating her readers, supporting others with the disease, and unflinchingly capturing the rawness of the downs and the (fleeting) ecstasy of the ups of her personal journey. In her blog she also shared photographs, not just of her experiences, but also of the paintings she created—depicting female silhouettes and nudes, but also a series of elephants, birds, and deer. A book with her writings and photographs will be published in the near future, with proceeds to go to METAvivor.

Amy appeared on national news in an interview with NBC, and locally with Ginny Ryan at WHAM and Beth Adams at WXXI. Interviews and articles were published in the Huffington Post, Underbelly online magazine, and the newsletter of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR). In October 2018 she marched on Capitol Hill and participated in a “die-in,” sharing her story with legislative officials, and advocating for increased funding for MBC research. In February 2019 she walked the runway in New York Fashion week in lingerie for breast cancer patients designed by survivor Dana Donofree of Ana Ono Intimates. The show brought in over $100,000, benefiting METAvivor. In April 2019 she gave a presentation at BCCR’s Advanced Breast Cancer Seminar.

Asked in the Huffington Post interview “What one word defines you?” her answer was:
“Determined. I am determined to live an awesome life, a life not dictated by my treatments or side effects, or cancer in general. I am determined to love the beautiful people in my life. I am determined to contribute to this world in a meaningful way.”
She did that.

Amy is survived by her mother Judy, father Gary, brother Ryan, and her dog Riley, as well as a host of family members and friends.

Dolores Faustini

Kristi Anderson

Riccarda Heising

Lisa Lerman

South Bend, IN

Lisa Lerman 51, died Sunday, November 3, 2019, after a valiant battle with breast cancer. The daughter of Marsha Brook (Fred Kahn) and Ronald A. Silverman (Ann), Lisa married her high school sweetheart, Billy Lerman, on September 1, 1996. They are proud parents of three sons, Max, Ari, and Josh. Lisa is survived by her brother, Todd Silverman M.D. (Jennie) and sister Abby Hahn (Eran Hahn M.D.) and their children: Esti, Eli, Zahava, and Ezra Silverman, and Noa, Yael and Orli Hahn. She is also survived by her Lerman family: Barbara and Dave Lerman, Danny (Elisheva), Mark (Ningrum), Alice (Tim), Ben, and their children: Priel, Shirel, Matanya, Anna and Eliana Lerman.

Lisa was an exceptional woman of many talents. A graduate of Riley High School, Lisa received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and received an MBA from Northwestern University. Her professional endeavors included a position with the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago, work as a valued human resource consultant, and as an interior designer for Peacock and Company. Most recently, Lisa received certification as a life coach focusing on breast cancer survivors (lisalermancoach.com). Her volunteer activities included serving as President of the Board of the South Bend Hebrew Day School, and working in many capacities for Stanley Clark School, Culver Military Academy, and Irish Youth Hockey. Currently, Lisa was serving as the President of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley.

Lisa touched many lives in many communities. She had an amazing way of connecting with people and has collected a crowd of lifelong friends throughout the country. She was the stable source of advice and inspiration to her friends and family. Kind, loving, smart and funny. Lisa’s wit and competence, her straightforward nature, her ability to “tell it like it is,” her positive outlook, and her courage and strength will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Monnie Champion

Lisa Ann Fournier Allen

Michelle Baggett

Orlando, FL

Michelle Renee “Shelli” Baggett died peacefully with her loving husband at her side on November 25, 2019 in Gotha, Florida at the age of 47.

Michelle is survived by her Husband, Doug Baggett and her daughters Ashley Elaine and Paige Kaitlyn all of Gotha, Florida. She is also survived by her Mother, Elaine Webb, her Sisters Rhonda Whirls and Margaret Szymanosky and her Brother Richard Webb all of Okeechobee, Florida. She is preceded in death by her Father, Brian Webb of Okeechobee, Florida

Michelle was born in 1972 in Sikeston, Missouri and moved to Okeechobee, Florida when she was young. She graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1990. Michelle then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Central Florida. In 2003 she married Doug “Deej” Baggett, who was also from her hometown and worked in Construction Management.

Michelle spent her career working in commercial banking for Suntrust for 22 years. She started out as a Treasury Analyst, then was promoted to Treasury Sales Officer, and later in her career was promoted to First Vice President in Treasury Sales. Early in their marriage Michelle and Doug welcomed two children into their home and Michelle set about teaching them about faith, hard work, making the most out of every day, and always doing their best in every endeavor. Her children remember her as an engaged, caring, and attentive mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and to remain grounded in their Christian Faith.

Whatever Michelle was engaged in got her full attention. Whether it was raising her children, snuggling with her puppies, her career, traveling, her friendships, or simply looking her best. Everyone around Michelle knew that if she was part of something it was going to be the best it could be. Michelle was a strong Christian and was passionate about her faith. She didn’t just go through the motions though, she was quite the deep thinker and loved to engage in theological discussions and writing. Michelle was vivacious, competitive, and in constant motion. She was a joy to be around and she enriched the lives of those around her.

The family would like to thank UF Health Cancer, Vitas Hospice, Discovery Church and all the extended Family and Friends who helped so much during this time.

Megan M. Thompson

Monticello, IL

Megan M. Thompson, 32, of Monticello, peacefully entered the Lord’s presence on November 19, 2019 at home surrounded by her family. Megan was born July 8th, 1987 in Decatur, IL the daughter of Steve and Paula Buxton. Megan graduated from Sullivan High School in 2005. She then went on to graduate from Lincoln Christian University with a B.S. in Intercultural Studies and Business Administration where she also was a 4-year member of the LCU basketball team. Megan married Charlie Thompson on May 19th, 2012.

Megan utilized her talents in graphic design, marketing and event planning during her career at CHI overhead doors (2010-11), Christ in Youth (2011-12), The City of Champaign (2012-14) and the ASPCA APCC (2014-17). She had started her own home décor business in 2018 specializing in custom wreaths that have beautified countless homes around the world. Megan touched so many along way.

Her passions included serving the youth of Monticello, homeless ministry through CU at Home, and planning retreats for local women to grow their faith. She also found joy in spending time with family, traveling with her husband, hiking, kayaking and taking photographs. Megan’s inspiring faith and strength were most evident in her journey with breast cancer, documented at: noonefightsalonemt.blogspot.com. Megan’s story is not finished - “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ”

Megan is survived by her husband Charlie Thompson and dog Ruger of Monticello; her parents Steve and Paula Buxton of Sullivan and Mark and Karen Thompson of Buffalo; her siblings Jenny Rau (Brad Rau) of Mattoon, Emily Buxton of Chicago, and Abbey Sherwood (Caynan Sherwood, niece Cassidy Sherwood) of Sullivan, Blake Scroggins (Whitney Scroggins) of Mattoon; Ben Thompson (nephew Jack LaPorte) of Charleston, SC; and her maternal grandparents Cliff and Connie Dobbs of Sullivan. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Terese Erwin

Heather Prochaska

Beverly Ann Majewski

Baltimore, Maryland

Beverly lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer on Sunday, November 3, 2019. She was born October 11, 1955 to the late Joseph Duni and surviving Dorothy Duni. Surviving are her husband, Richard and children Christopher, Natalie and Ashley. Her mother Dorothy. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, Avarie, Caroline, Roger, Everlee and Brynley. Also survived by sisters Patricia, Christine and her brother, Joseph. She was loved by many nieces and nephews as well as her in laws.

She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and underwent treatment and was cancer free for 13 years until February of 2019 we learned it had metastasized to her brain and lymph nodes. She underwent a craniotomy, radiation and chemotherapy but unfortunately 8 months later, her body could not handle the fight anymore, even though she stayed hopeful and strong throughout.

She was an amazing mother and grandmother and will truly be missed by all who know her. She was kind, thoughtful, creative and always did for others. She would always put others before herself.

She loved to watch her favorite TV shows that she would tape and drink her hot tea. She loved word puzzles and doodling. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and even watched her grandchild Everlee. She taught Everlee so much in the short time she watched her before she got sick. Most important she gave her the unconditional love of a grandmother and taught her her love for nature. She took after her father who was an artist and was quite the artist herself. She enjoyed making handmade items for her family. She was very crafty. She made blankets, pillows, boxes, ornaments, decorations, and much more, all of which we can cherish forever along with our memories.

She will be missed by all and we love her very much. We will be having a memorial mass and ceremony on November 23, 2019.

Elizabeth Gumash

Maria Meo

Amy Marie Widner

Pataskala, Ohio

Amy Marie Widner (St. John) age 49 of Pataskala, Ohio (formerly of Toledo, Ohio) passed away at the Hospice of Central Ohio in the OSU Wexner Medical Center on Thursday, October 24, 2019 after a hard fought battle with metastatic breast cancer. Amy graduated from Morrison R. Waite High School in 1988, where she was a member of the marching band and then graduated from Owens Technical College in 1991. She spent most her of her career working as a Dietitian in long term care facilities in Toledo and Columbus. Her greatest accomplishment was the birth of her son Matthew Robert Widner on January 6, 2005.
Amy is preceded in death by her father Ronald St. John. She is survived by her husband Robert Charles Widner, son Matthew Robert Widner, mother Becky St. John and brothers Ronnie, Mike and Kevin (Mary) St.John, in-laws Wayne & Janet Widner, along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters-in law, many nieces, nephews and her long time best friend Julie Bellfy.
Amy touched so many people throughout her life making friends wherever she was because of her generous heart, her beautiful smile and her ability to make anyone feel loved and important. She enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas and traveling with Rob and Matthew to Atlantis in the Bahamas, St. Petersburg Florida, and to the Universal Parks in Florida as she was an avid Harry Potter enthusiast. Although Amy spent most of her life in Toledo Ohio, she easily transitioned into their new life when she, Rob and Matt moved to Pataskala in 2007, making many new friends through work and outside of work. Rob and Amy don’t know what they would have done without the help of their good friend Robyn Gump who took care of Matt when they were at work.
We know Amy would like us to thank all her friends and family that sent their well wishes and who offered love, support and friendship during her journey. Special gratitude to her good friend Emily McGue who stayed by her side at the end of her journey. We also want to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center, The James and especially her oncologist Dr. Jeffrey VanDeusen who treated Amy with grace, respect and a little humor.
Amy would have asked that all contributions be considered in her memory at METAvivor, Inc which is the only organization in the U.S, that exclusively funds Metastatic Breast Cancer research. (METAvivor.org) Or if you love dogs like Amy did, especially her pugs and bulldogs, consider making a donation in her memory to your favorite or local animal rescue organization.
The world lost a bright force that won’t soon be forgotten. Amy knew she lived a blessed life and she will continue to bless us with the love and memories we shared with her.

Kathy Fosses

Hoffman Estates, IL

Kathy Fosses (nee Aikaterina Passialis), age 67, passed away surrounded by family at her bedside, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years of marriage, Christos; two caring sons Alex (Lisa) and Panos (Kristen); beloved grandmother to Katherine Elizabeth, Zoie Maria, and Christos Panagiotis. She is preceded in death by her father, Panagiotis Passialis (1914-1987), her mother Kalomira Kouloubi (1920-2014) and brother Giorgos (1953-2018).

Aikaterina was born May 21, 1952, in the town of Votaniko, Greece. She grew up in the town of Peristeri, Greece, where she met her husband to be, Christos A. Fosses, in the summer of 1964 and in 1965 they declared their love to each other. On September 3, 1967, they got married at St. Konstantinos in Athens, Greece. After getting married, they immigrated to America (USA) and started their new life together in Portland, Oregon, with their first child being born in December 1968 and resided there until 1969. In search of larger opportunities, they moved to Astoria, New York and lived there until 1971. They moved to Chicago, Illinois and had their second child in August 1974 and stayed together in love until death parted them on October, 21, 2019.

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday October 29, 2019 at St. Lazarus Chapel in Ridgewood Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation begins at 10:00 am and service starts at 11:00 am. Entombment is at Ridgewood Memorial Park Cemetery at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations be made to www.metavivor.org, which supports research specifically for metastatic breast cancer. To donate “in her memory” press the “DONATE” button on their website.

Sheri Busky

Connie Niemi

Michelle Belote

Laura Michelle McQueary Batres

Julie Tranes

Hilary Baehner

McKinney, TX

Hilary Christine Baehner of McKinney, Texas passed away on September 15, 2019 at the age of 39. She was born on September 30, 1979 to Douglas Lankford Davis and Cynthia Christine Davis (Gillett) in Longview, Texas. Hilary graduated from Garland High School in Garland, Texas in 1998, Texas where she was a member of the esteemed Dashing Debs Drill Team. She went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Collin College. She married James Michael Baehner on June 26, 2004 in Key West, Florida. From her college days, Hilary had a passion for the Retail Clothing Industry. Hilary worked for Brooks Brothers as a Store Manager for over 12 years. During her time with Brooks Brothers, she was recognized for her selfless efforts to help others succeed and received several accolades from her district. Hilary and Jimmy were married for over 15 years and he supported her throughout her valiant cancer battle from the time of diagnosis until she was called Home to be with our Lord. Hilary fought Metastatic Breast Cancer fearlessly and courageously for over 9.5 years. Hilary was a tireless advocate to help further the efforts to help find a cure for Metastatic Breast Cancer. Hilary lifted up so many others with her grace and strength which provided them with the hope they needed to face their challenges. In 2008, Hilary and Jimmy welcomed their first and only child, Jayden. Hilary’s bond with Jayden was undeniable and unrelenting. She loved watching him play baseball and basketball; she enjoyed making memories on family vacations, and was very active with his school. In addition to being a loving mother, Hilary was an adoring Aunt. She had an unconditional love for all of her nieces and nephews as she loved them, as they were her own. She was a member of St. Gabriel Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, Texas.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jimmy Baehner of McKinney, Texas; son, Jayden Baehner of McKinney, Texas; mother, Cindy Davis of Garland, Texas; father, Doug Davis, of Fort Worth, Texas; sister, Kerry Lenore and husband, Keith of McKinney, Texas; nieces, Kylie, Katelyn, and Kinley Christine Lenore; grandmother, Marilyn Gillett of Garland, Texas; grandfather, Jim Gillett and wife, Rosilyn of Plano, Texas; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Elizabeth Baehner of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Danny and Kimberly Baehner of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Terry Baehner of Plano, Texas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Leigh Baehner of Savannah, Georgia; nieces and nephews, Brooklyn, Luke, and Graham Baehner of McKinney, Texas and Will and Jack Baehner of Savannah, Georgia; aunt and uncle, Suzanne and George Weatherall of Houston, Texas; cousins, Bobby and his wife, Amanda Heckeroth and Dylan and his wife, Elizabeth Heckeroth; and numerous other loving family and friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7.

Memorial donations can be made in Hilary’s memory to METAvivor and Little Pink Houses of Hope.

Amanda Lynn de Fiebre

Jacksonville, FL

Amanda Lynn de Fiebre, 34, of Jacksonville, Florida, an avid traveler and passionate advocate for cancer patients, died of metastatic breast cancer Aug. 30, 2019, at the home she shared with her husband, Youness Aitsaidoualla.

Amanda was born April 30, 1985, to Henry and Karen Rothe de Fiebre and grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

An adventurer and lover of water, she graduated from Wauwatosa West High School in 2003 and attended Albion College in Michigan, swimming competitively at both schools. She played violin in the orchestra at West and at Albion, and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority.

In college, Amanda became a confirmed international traveler, making her first visit to Africa on a school-related trip to Cameroon and studying abroad in Cork, Ireland. She dubbed the latter her favorite four months of college. A cut-rate airline allowed her to spend almost every weekend traveling from Ireland to cities in Europe.

After receiving her B.A. in history in 2007, she applied to the Peace Corps and eventually was sent to Swaziland (now Eswatini). For two years, she integrated into a rural homestead and community there and worked on health projects. Once her service ended, Amanda took her savings and traveled, often on her own, for half a year through Africa and Europe. It was during this time, in Marrakech, she met the man who would become her husband and traveling companion. They backpacked together and fell in love.

Back in the States, Amanda introduced Youness to her family in Florida, Wisconsin and Minnesota when he came to visit, volunteered at Grace Place and as a docent at Palm Cottage in Naples, Florida, then took a job in New York City with a high school foreign exchange organization.

But in December 2013 she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. She moved to Naples to be closer to family. Three months after the worst day of her life came the best day of her life—March 27, 2014, the day she married Youness in a joyous ceremony on the beach.

Following her initial cancer treatments at Florida Cancer Specialists in Bonita Springs, she participated in a clinical trial for an experimental cancer drug at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. She and Youness moved to the Tampa Bay Area. They also traveled to Poland, Latvia and Germany, and then to Morocco. In Morocco, Amanda’s family met Youness’ parents, Addi Aitsaidoualla and Fatima Ait Baali, and his brother, three sisters, nieces and nephews in his home town of Midelt.

But while she was trying to live a post-cancer life, Amanda continued to be disturbed by half truths and misperceptions about breast cancer. Then her cancer metastasized to her brain in early 2016, making her cancer incurable. It later also spread to her liver. She became an outspoken advocate and educator who wanted people to know early detection wasn’t a cure, young women and men can get breast cancer and the best way to save lives is through scientific research not “awareness” and pink parades.

She lived that philosophy, participating in more clinical trials at Moffitt Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, and encouraging others to seek out trials for themselves and those in the future. She also spent many hours online educating and encouraging other breast cancer patients, and attended national advocacy events and oncology conferences. In 2018, she went to Lisbon, Portugal, for the International Consensus Conference for Advanced Breast Cancer, and had received a grant to attend this year’s conference.

Friends in the metastatic breast cancer community said people were drawn to her pure heart and her love of life and travel. Her story and legacy will live on in the hearts of her “metasisters” and brothers who will remember her as a loyal friend and a person who made a difference in so many lives.

Amanda is survived by her husband; her parents; her brother, Jonathan; her beloved nephew, Matthew; a slew of aunts, uncles and cousins; plus her much-loved family in Morocco.

By her count, Amanda traveled through nearly two dozen foreign countries and all but four of the states. “It’s been an amazing life,” she said. “I just wished it could’ve lasted longer.”

Still, what Amanda wanted most was to have children and grow old with her husband. Metastatic cancer robbed her of the opportunity. So Amanda’s fondest wish for any remembrance would be a donation to METAvivor (www.metavivor.org), an all-volunteer organization that devotes all monies raised to metastatic breast cancer research.

Cathy McCullough

Sterling, Virginia

Catherine "Cathy" Dorman McCullough, died August 8th at home surrounded by her loving family ending her brave battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Cathy was was a 14 year cancer survivor, she had been in remission until November 2017 when she was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Despite the disease, Cathy was always able to remain positive, happy, and kind until the end. She was a bright light in a dark time and a true inspiration to everyone around her.

Cathy was born in 1958 in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Henry and Catherine (Fox) Dorman. She grew up in Cedar Grove, New Jersey and settled in Sterling, Virginia in 1994. She married the love of her life, Wayne McCullough, in 1989 and gave birth to her greatest life accomplishments, Megan (1991) and Kevin McCullough (1995), both of Sterling, VA.

She held a Master's Degree in Human Resources from Marymount University. In her lifetime she held a variety of jobs including Manager of a Pathmark grocery store in New Jersey and Maryland. She worked for decades as a recruiter at companies including Roberts Ryan & Bentley, Executive Recruiters, and Resolvit. Until June 2019, she worked as an independent contractor doing recruiting for EY, under her own company, The KNM Group.

Cathy loved to spend time with her family, especially while on vacation. Some of her favorite family memories were made while traveling the country. She loved visiting the National Parks, as well as the Disney and Universal Parks. She enjoyed skiing in both Colorado and Canada on multiple occasions.

She is survived by her beloved husband Wayne McCullough, loving children Megan and Kevin McCullough, and cherished parents Henry and "Kay" Dorman. She is also survived by her sibling Peter Dorman (Jackie), Christopher Dorman (Kathy), and Matthew Dorman (Lisa); as well as her 10 nieces and nephews.

Debra Tremarco

Penne Chadala

Ontario Canada

On July 31, 2019 at Stedman Community Hospice, Penne Chadala (formerly Cruickshank) ended her 12 year battle with metastatic breast cancer and left her heartbroken family and friends to be with our Lord, Jesus in heaven. Born in East York on October 23, 1957, Penne was a graduate of Guelph University and was an elementary school teacher and principal for 35 years in the WDSB before her retirement in 2015. Survived by her husband Rob, daughters Amy (Jason Blair), Rachel (Devin Weatherby), mother Arlene Wood ( the late Peter), in-laws Anne and Zigmunt Chadala and sister Tracy (Phil Cruickshank). Penne adored children and loved being Nana to Gabriel and Vanessa. The entire Cruickshank, Wood and Chadala families will forever miss her zest for life, her flair for decorating, her passion to try new foodie establishments and her endless friendships in teaching and in the communities where she lived. Please join us for a time of worship, celebration and tears while we share joyful memories and grieve our loss at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario.
Penne's family will receive relatives and friends from 7- 9 p.m. on Monday August 5, 2019 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, a funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Tuesday August 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with everyone invited to the reception following. A private family interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Penne would appreciate contributions to Metavivor Research and Support, Inc., (1783 Forest Drive #184, Annapolis MD. 21401) as it uses 100% of donations to fund research for cures to metastatic cancer( the same cannot be said for other cancer agencies).
WE LOVE YOU PENNE! THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE YOU GAVE SO MUCH!

Jill Marie King

Fort Collins, CO

Jill Marie King (Phillips), 60, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away November 10, 2018 from a short and aggressive battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Jill was born to Jack and Johnnette Phillips on March 27, 1958, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. She graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 1976 where she was a dedicated cheerleader and member of the track team. Jill received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1980. She married Michael Eugene King in 1983 in Vail, Colorado, and they lived together in Loveland, Berthoud and Fort Collins. Together they raised their twin sons who were born in 1987. After a year of teaching in Southern Colorado, Jill was hired as a first grade teacher at Ivy Stockwell Elementary School in Berthoud in 1981. She spent the next 30 years fulfilling her life’s passion of working with children. After a brief retirement in 2011, Jill started a new adventure providing care for her grandsons Grayson (born in 2014) and Garrett (born in 2017) while their parents worked. One of the greatest joys in her life came from being their Grammy. These boys were the lights of her life. Jill was an avid reader, loyal friend to many and lover of the Colorado outdoors.

Jill Marie is survived by her husband of 35 years (Michael), her sons (Dalton and Marshall), her daughter-in-law (Rosalie), her grandsons (Grayson and Garrett), her mother (Johnnette), and her siblings (Jan, Jackie, and Jeff), her mother-in-law (Nora Jean), sister-in-law (Gwenette), as well as countless other family members and friends. Jill lived a very peaceful and beautiful life, she was content with the simple joys around her. Jill had a selfless ability for loving others and she will be dearly missed by many.

Eileen Muncie

Kris Sharer

Avon Ohio

Even in this era of super moms, Krista "Kris" Sharer stood out.

The 53-year-old's work raising three high-achieving children while running a successful business came to an end on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Cleveland Clinic after an 8½ year battle with cancer.

Kris was born Feb. 28, 1966, in Wooster, Ohio, to Marla and Ronald Singer. She married Rollie W. Sharer on May 16, 1992 in Smithville, Ohio.

The academic and athletic successes of their children – Emmary (25), Will (22) and Kamryn (19) – exceeded Kris's dreams. While sharing her outstanding attributes, each also developed unique skills that could only be fostered by a mother as wise, caring, and grounded as Kris.

No matter the weather, Kris could be found at her children's sporting events. If a volunteer was needed to run the concession stand, she stepped up. If the school needed a volunteer, she was there for activities ranging from reading programs to spelling bees.

Growing up in Smithville (pop. 1,263) under the guidance of a thoughtful and dependable father and an energetic and creative mother gave Kris a value-system featuring honesty, decency, and integrity. As the daughter of teachers, her desire to teach came naturally. She cherished her hometown and was loyal to the lifelong friends she made there.

Kris left Smithville, but it never left her.

When Kris set a goal, she had the work ethic to attain it. Against long odds, this small-town girl became a cheerleader at The Ohio State University, serving as captain her senior year.

Everyone Kris met remembers her smile and one-of-kind giggle. They were comfortable in her presence because she was authentic and made others feel that way, too.

After graduation from Ohio State in 1988, Kris became a respected information technology professional with Electronic Data Systems in Troy, Mich., where she met Rollie. While being skilled at building complex computer systems, she excelled at helping customers solve problems.

Kris' passion, however, was to own a gymnastics business, the subject of a paper she wrote in college. While raising a family and continuing her 14-year IT career part-time, she founded "Little Flippers" in 2001 through the Avon Parks and Recreation Department. In 2003, she left EDS to create the Flippers Gym Program, which uses non-competitive gymnastics as a foundation for all sports and for children of all abilities.

Survivors include her parents; husband, of Avon, Ohio; two daughters, Emmary (Adam) Horrocks of Medina, Ohio, and Kamryn, at home, and a son, Will, also at home; one brother Curt (Sandy) Singer of Wooster; mother- and father-in-law Shirley and William Sharer; sister-in-law Glenda (Keith Clouarte) Sharer, and brothers-in-law, Randy (Marie Bosche') Sharer and Rory Sharer.

Kris – who is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins – will be remembered for her sense of humor. Rollie, for one, will always appreciate her politely laughing when an eye-roll would have been the natural response.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22 at the Avon United Methodist Church in Avon with Rev. Micah Holland officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21 at Misencik Funeral Home in Avon. Interment will be during a family ceremony at the Paradise Church of the Brethren Cemetery outside of Smithville at a date to be determined. The family requests memorials be given to METAvivor at:
https://www.metavivor.org/take-action/donate/

Melissa Bingham

Monica Hill

Amanda Bennett

Austin, Texas

Amanda Michelle Bennett passed away after a fierce two year battle with Triple Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer on April 29, 2019, at the age of 33. She was born on August 23, 1985, in Austin, Texas to Keith Bennett and Nikki Bartlett. She is survived by her father, Keith Bennett, of Smithville, Texas; her mother, Nikki Bartlett, and husband, John Bucklin, of Pflugerville, Texas; and her siblings, Alexis and Michael Robinson, also of Pflugerville, Texas. She is also survived by a close extended family including her maternal grandmother, Rita Eve and husband, Bob Eve, of Pflugerville, Texas; maternal grandfather, Christopher Bartlett, and wife, Pamela, of Ross-on-Wye, England, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Genevieve Bennett, and two cousins, Erin Jackson, and Manuel Gonzales.

Amanda spent most of her childhood in Cedar Park, Texas; she moved to Austin in 2001 and graduated from Anderson High School in 2003, where she enjoyed theater, dance, and worked in a movie theater. After graduation, she moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she collected more friends and went to school. In 2013, Amanda returned to Texas and soon purchased her first home with her sister, which she loved decorating and making their own. Amanda worked as a Sales Manager with Marriott and loved her career in the hospitality industry. She was also an active member of the Global Business Travel Association and the West Austin Chamber of Commerce, where she excelled in networking and made many dear friends. She volunteered extensively with the West Austin Chamber of Commerce and helped plan and execute events for the organization. In January, she was awarded the West Austin Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award for her efforts in extending their mission.

Amanda was full of joy. Even on her hardest days, she’d be smiling and cracking jokes. She was sarcastic and clever. She loved hard and her beautiful personality was appreciated by many. She made friends everywhere she went, which is evident by her village of friends. Her friends were like family to her and she carved out time to keep them close, whether it was a weekly get together or keeping in touch via text with friends who lived out of state. She was a caretaker. She took care of everyone and was like a second mom to her brother and sister, lovingly nagging them about things like Michael going to school or making sure Lexi brought a sweater.

Her family will always remember her bubbly personality and how she could demand everyone’s attention; even when she was a little girl, she would stand in the middle of a room, spread her arms dramatically, and yell, “Everybody! Listen!” She loved family traditions and always wanted to make sure they were passed down from year to year. Christmas Eve was one of her favorites; playing games, having dinner together and drinking strawberry daiquiris. She made it a priority to attend every holiday and birthday celebration she could for all of her family and friends.

Amanda was a planner. She made lists upon lists, organized events, game nights and dinner parties. By far, her favorite thing to plan was vacations. She loved to travel and explore new places; she took some great trips, including trips as far away as England and Costa Rica. She visited various cities across the United States as well, but her favorite city to visit by far was New York. Her last trip there was extra special. She took in two Broadway shows, particularly loving one: Come From Away. She also ate one of the best meals of her life at a Michelin two-star restaurant during which she was given a tour of the kitchen and an introduction to the chef. At one point during the trip, as she grabbed a seat on the subway with a big smile on her face, she said, “I am so happy right now.”

Amanda enjoyed baking and in recent years took classes to learn a wide variety of baking techniques. She shared her skills by making creative and ornate cakes for birthday parties, showers, and holidays. She loved television and movies: Gilmore Girls, Harry Potter, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s were among her favorites that she watched tirelessly. Amanda was also an avid reader who had an affinity for both American novels and British authors.

Amanda’s life was cut short, but her imprint on this world is indelible. She will be greatly missed by so many people, which is a sign of the kind of person she was. She lived her life by one of her favorite quotes and would encourage others to do the same: “If you want to be happy, be.”

LuAnne G Worley

Lori Ann Lloyd

Gia Naomi Goodman Thornburg

Alamo, CA

Gia was the brightest light in our universe. Born in New York, she was a lifelong athlete, she was the Captain of the Swim Team and had the most beautiful broad shoulders and long legs around. She graduated from Georgetown University and started her career as a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. She earned her Masters Degree from Columbia University. She moved to California where she became undoubtedly the most popular Nurse Practitioner at California Cancer Care in Marin.

At her brother's MBA graduation party, she met the love of her life, Damon and together they traveled the world, living in Hong Kong and Thailand. Their children, Lucy and Harlan, were born explorers visiting many countries in Southeast Asia at a tender young age.

In 2013, Gia was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer and received treatment in the US, where after treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she was deemed cancer-free. The family returned to the US and relocated to California in 2014. Gia returned to her career path as a Nurse Practitioner, her passion for nursing stronger than ever, fueled by her personal experiences. She devoted herself to working to educate and support cancer patients and their caregivers.

In November 2016, after walking 39 miles in a breast cancer charity walk a month earlier, she had a sense something was wrong. After numerous evaluations, she was found to have a recurrence in her abdominal cavity. Her physicians were baffled by this rare site of recurrence. On her 40th birthday, she started her regimen of chemotherapy that would be the beginning of numerous, aggressive treatments to combat this disease. Throughout her treatments, she persevered to live her best life as a wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, cousin, traveler and explorer first, not as only a cancer patient. After a grueling, two and a half year battle, she died as she lived, with the ultimate grace, humor, kindness, integrity, and strength, passing peacefully at home surrounded by love with her family and friends.

The bravest, kindest, selfless, generous, goofy, loving, funny, beautiful soul, Gia touched the hearts, lives, and worlds of everyone who were lucky enough to know her. She shared the joy of good food, good company, being in the great outdoors and exploring everything her life and the world had to offer. Family and friends around the world many times over will cherish their precious memories and all the joys she brought to their hearts and hope to continue her legacy of kindness and love.

Melanie L. Miller

Boise, Idaho

Melanie Lee Miller (Yorker) passed away April 12, 2019, from metastatic breast cancer which she faced with extraordinary grace and strength. A dedicated spouse, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and a cherished friend to many, she was born in Denver, Colorado on August 14, 1952. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Melanie married Russ Waln, and they had a daughter, Jackie. They later divorced.

Her professional life began as a 4-H Extension Agent on Indian reservations in Idaho, where she met her husband, Sam Miller, whose work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs brought them to the Washington, DC area in 1981. Melanie served in senior public relations positions for trade associations in the peanut, food safety, tuna and sugar industries for close to 30 years. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA and a past president of The Charter 100 DC, an organization that recognizes accomplished women. In 2010, Melanie and Sam moved to Boise, ID.

In Boise, Melanie served as the Executive Director of the Boise Watershed Council. She and Sam enjoyed making new friendships with their neighbors, visiting the Idaho wineries, and acting as terrific hosts to family and friends who visited. Spending time with her grandchildren on a regular basis and the out-of-town great-grandchildren when they visited were highlights of her life in Boise. Melanie and Sam were members of the Cathedral of the Rockies. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2012, Melanie was involved with a support group of Forever Fighters.

Preceding her in death are her parents Neal and Jacqueline (Westbrook) Yorker, grandparents Lon and Audrey Westbrook and Oscar B. and Alice Yorker, and stepson, Jeffrey Miller. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, her brother Scott Yorker (Karma), her beloved Allred Family - daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Jason and four grandchildren, and members of the Miller family across the country – stepdaughter, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

All of us will remember her strong spirit, optimism, and kindness. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 7 at 4:00 pm the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise.

Alysha Brittnay Pooka Ray

Joann Suthers

Joyce M. Langford-Beaugard

Omaha, NE

Joyce Langford-Beaugard was born on December 17, 1966, in Omaha, NE to Earnest and Doris Langford. She transitioned into eternity on March 18, 2019, due to metastatic breast cancer. She accepted Christ at an early age. She met Troy Beaugard and in November 2001, they married. To this union, they bore a son, Jaden. Joyce also was blessed with two stepchildren, Troy Jr., and Jacquelyn. She was very devoted to her family and spent a lot of weekends supporting her children’s extracurricular activities. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Joyce graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in English. She taught English at Nebraska College of Business. She was also employed by State Farm Insurance Company as a Claims Assistant, Claim Specialist in Property Claims, Medical Claims and Bodily Injury Claims. As a specialist, she represented State Farm as an Intra-Arbitrator Panelist for the states of Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. Joyce was also a part of the National Catastrophic REACT and National Litigation Assistant Review Teams. She later accepted the role of a Claim Automation Procedures and Training Consultant which advanced her duties to the Enterprise Legacy/Auto Model Transitioning Team. She was responsible for transitioning over 60,000 enterprise employees’ access to internal and external vendors.

Joyce received her Certified Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, the premier designation for insurance professionals, in December 2010. Joyce was a trainer, consultant, troubleshooter, very resourceful and knowledgeable, and she was well respected by her business partners and peers.

When Joyce was not working, she spent a lot of time crafting and reading. She was a very avid learner and was extremely talented with her hands.

Joyce is survived by husband, Troy; son, Jaden; step-son, Troy Jr.; step-daughter, Jacquelyn; parents, Earnest and Doris Langford; sisters, Patricia Johnson (Curtis) of Omaha, NE and Margaret Langford of Fayetteville, GA; four brothers, Earnest Langford (Kim) and Kevin Langford (April) of Omaha, NE, Michael Langford (Beverly) of Redondo Beach, CA, Darryl Langford (Markgetta) of Fayetteville, GA; mother-in-law, Pearlie Beaugard; sisters-in-law Janis Burris (Lonnie) of Omaha, NE and Jacqueline Calderon (Johnny) of Maple Grove, MN; eighteen nieces and nephews; seven grand nieces and nephews; special cousins, Carolyn Foster and Candice Nelson; aunts, uncles and a host of other relatives and friends.

Erin Jessica Banton

Traverse City, MI

Erin Jessica Banton, age 38, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2019, surrounded with immense love shared by her family. Love is what carried Erin through her journey with cancer. Through it all, Erin believed that love beat cancer and love can beat any obstacle in life. Erin was a true warrior throughout her nearly four-year long journey living with metastatic breast cancer. She took pride in sharing her story publicly in order to help others also experiencing a cancer diagnosis. Erin left a legacy for others to follow and admire for years to come. She will always live on in the many people in her life she touched by her kindness, compassion, gratitude, selflessness, strength, and love. She was an exceptional human being who will be greatly missed from this world.  
Erin was born on November 27, 1980, and raised in Traverse City, where she graduated from Traverse City West High School in 1999. She loved her hometown and took pride in being raised in beautiful Northern Michigan. Erin had a passion to help others and loved children. She graduated from Western Michigan University with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education degree in 2004. In 2009, she received her Masters in the Art of Teaching degree from Marygrove College. Erin taught Reading Recovery, Kindergarten, and First Grade during her ten-year teaching career with TCAPS.  Erin knew at a young age that she wanted to be a mother. She took pride in raising her three beautiful boys alongside her high school sweetheart and husband, Travis. Travis and Erin shared a special relationship over their 21 years together. They were always a great team and successfully overcame any obstacles that were thrown to them. Cancer was definitely the biggest hurdle but they both still continued to show love and grace through it all.
  Erin is survived by her husband, Travis Banton and three sons, Carter, Nolan & Griffin. She is also survived by her parents, George and Janice Underwood and brother, Chad Underwood. Erin always had a passion for family and loved all of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, seven nieces, and her many in-laws. Family meant the world to Erin and she was constantly surrounded, supported and loved by them all. She was immensely grateful for her family’s love and helping her shape her into the person she was.  Erin is preceded in death by her two sets of grandparents, George and Lyleth Underwood and Doug and Dorothy Little.   
Erin wants to be remembered by her kind and loving heart. She truly loved everyone. She accepted each person into her life no matter what. She was always the first to help others. Erin had many friends and always opened her heart to let new friends in her life constantly. She would even befriend complete strangers. She was a friend to all. All of her friends throughout her lifetime made a difference in Erin’s life. She cared for them deeply and is forever grateful for their love and support throughout the years.
  Erin planned her own “celebration of life” service, which was held on Sunday, March 10, 2019. In lieu of flowers, she asked that donations can be made for the college savings plan that has been established for her three young boys. Checks can be made payable to “Erin J. Banton Educational Fund”, PO Box 894, Traverse City, MI 49685-0894. You can also contribute to the fund online at paypal.me/erinjbantonfund. Additional opportunities to support Travis and the boys will also be made available in the future.

Any additional donations may be directed to Cowell Family Cancer Center in Erin’s name. Or you may choose to donate to Metavivor.org, an organization that Erin was very passionate about which funds 100% of research and support to Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Terri Carpenter Kading

Alycia Lynne Ronnenberg

Chapel Hill, NC

Alycia Lynne Ronnenberg, beloved mother and daughter, loyal friend, and creative designer, age 45 died peacefully at home on March 23, 2019 in Chapel Hill, NC of metastatic breast cancer. Born on January 3rd 1974, she was the daughter of Alayne Ronnenberg and Richard Wood of Amherst, MA and William Jennings and Linda Loft, of Eugene, OR. Alycia was married to Ben Averch and was the adoring mother of Brady (15), Leila (12), and Ondine (4).. She was the loving sister of Sika (Wood) Sullivan (and Kevin) of Dedham, MA; Keyarra, Quan, Ken, and Maria Wood of Amherst, MA; David Sauter of Manhattan, KS; Dara Doty (and Doug) of The Dalles, OR and Aaron Loft of Newport, OR. Alycia was the cherished niece and cousin to Kay Reagan of Denver, Jody O’Neill, Sandra O’Neill-Perez and Vanessa O’Neill and the beloved niece of Nancy Jennings, Steven Jennings and Judy Jennings-Hoover of Cedar Rapids. Alycia was born in Cedar Rapids, IA and grew up in Chico, CA and Ithaca, NY before graduating from Brookline (MA) High School in 1992 where she made many lifelong friendships. In 1997, Alycia graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Vassar College, where she was also a member of the women’s crew team and delighted in many trips to New York City art museums. Her passion for art and design led her to go back to school when living in the San Francisco Bay Area to earn an additional degree in Interior Design. Before making the decision to stay home with her young children, she was a talented Designer for Hensel Design Studios in Seattle, where she lived for 10 years and often served as an art docent in the Sammamish schools.

Alycia cultivated friendships in California, Boston, New York, Seattle, and Chapel Hill and relished planning road trip adventures with family and friends. In 2016, Alycia was quickly enamored with her new community of Chapel Hill, and her family embraced by it when she was diagnosed in 2016

Throughout her life, Alycia demonstrated her intelligence, humor, determination, strength, and resilience. She had an unrivaled ability to turn down pessimism, craft stunning and delicious baked goods, write eloquently with honesty and wit, and find gratitude in the here and now. She was meticulous with her word and abundant in love for her people—most of all her three beautiful, caring, creative and curious children. Alycia is an extraordinary spirit whose purpose, passion and memory is a blessing to all who knew her.

Service March 31 at 5PM at Chapel Hill Unitarian Church, in lieu of flowers please donate to METAvivor.

Christine Benavente

Pequannock, NJ

Christine Benavente, 48, of Pequannock, passed away on February 21, 2019 after a courageous battle with stage IV breast cancer.

Christine was born in Montclair NJ, July 19, 1970, the daughter of James and Darlene (Duganeir) Moschella and big sister to the beloved late James E. Moschella, Jr.

Christine was raised in Clifton, NJ where she graduated Clifton High School in 1988. She made lifelong childhood friends that shared an unbreakable bond. She grew up playing softball for Western Division, having her Dad as her coach. The Moschella house was home to all of her family and friends. Countless memories were made in their backyard, swimming and playing bumper pool.

Her passion and love for travel began her junior year of high school when she got her first job at Travel World. She worked there for several years, and in 1988 she entered the corporate travel industry at VTS (Direct) Travel.

Christine would get married in 1998 and move to Pequannock, NJ where she gave birth to her twin boys Joseph and James. As they grew up, Christine was an active mom in all of their school activities and sports.

Christine was passionate about many things; travel, was a foodie who enjoyed new restaurants, loved music and going to concerts. When not doing all of those things she would relax at home, watch movies and her favorite DVR’d shows.

Christine is survived by her husband, Michael; her children, Matthew, Alexa, Joseph and James; her parents, James and Darlene Moschella; and her in-laws, Luis and Natividad Benavente. She was predeceased by her brother, James Moschella.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Christine's memory can be made to Metavivor.org

Vickie Hamrick

Roseann Lukasik

Howell, NJ

Roseann Lukasik (nee Picone), 60, of Howell, N.J., passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Roseann was born in Morristown, N.J., on Jan. 2, 1959, to Louis and Maria Picone. She was raised in Florham Park, N.J., where she lived for most of her younger years prior to settling down with her family in Howell.

Roseann and her husband, the late Walter Lukasik Jr., raised their family in Howell, and lived there for many years. She had a long career as an administrative assistant for several doctors' offices.

Roseann was a wonderful and loving mother, daughter, wife, and grandmother. She went to great lengths to make sure her family was well taken care of, loved, and comfortable.

Roseann loved crafts, watching Disney and Pixar movies, as well as card and board games with her family. She was a fan of the Food Network, enjoyed cooking, and appreciated good food.
Roseann loved children, babysitting for friends and family, and was beyond overjoyed with the recent birth of her first grandchild. She will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved her, especially her two dedicated daughters.

Roseann was predeceased by her beloved husband of 36 years, Walter Lukasik Jr., in 2017. She leaves behind her dear parents, Louis and Maria Picone of Florham Park; her two daughters, Elisa Randisi and her husband, Mike of Howell, and Jennifer Lukasik and her husband, Dimitrios Penoglou Jr. of Jackson, N.J.; one brother, Anthony Picone and his wife, Kathy of Flanders, N.J.; one sister, Jamie Picone of Basking Ridge, N.J.; her mother-in-law, Marie Lukasik; her cherished grandson, Dimitrios Penoglou III; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Teri Lynn Hagen-Cranson

Belleville, Michigan

Hagen-Cranson, Teri Lynn 10/10/1962 - 1/31/2019 Belleville, Michigan

Teri Lynn Hagen-Cranson, 56, of Belleville, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2019, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Teri was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Donald and Loretta (Immel) Hagen on October 10, 1962. She was the youngest of their 4 children. Teri grew up on the east side of Ann Arbor, while spending many summers in Oak Harbor, Ohio, on the Immel family farm. She was a graduate of Ann Arbor Huron High School in 1980.

Teri was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend to so many! She was an avid crafter who organized many craft shows in the Belleville area where she created many friendships in which she treasured. Teri loved gardening, sewing, beading jewelry, cooking, singing, dancing, genealogy, and spending every moment she could with her family. She loved her grandchildren most of all and was always her granddaughter's biggest fan at her sporting events.

Teri was a Tribute Rosie the Riveter; she participated in all 3 Guinness World Record attempts for the Most Rosies in One Room in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in an effort to save the Willow Run Bomber Plant. She was very proud to help prepare, promote, and use her sewing skills for these events. Most of all she loved all of her "Rosie" friends and the bonds they shared.

Teri is survived by her loving Husband, Mike Cranson, Daughter Suzanne Hagen, Grandchildren Brandon and Kaylie Horn, Stepchildren Meghan (Chris) Miller and Ryan Cranson, Aunt Marcella Smith, Brothers Donald (Jackie) Hagen and Raymond (Sonya) Hagen, Sisters Carol (Bruce) Hagen-Schaible and Janis (David) Immel, Stepmother Helen Hagen, Stepbrother Steven Miller, Nephew Donald (Lori) Hagen and girls, Niece Paula (Jay) Sarnovsky and Vaughn, Niece Lisa (Jim) Kane and boys, Nephew Darren Hagen, Niece Dana Hagen, Niece Erin Schaible and girls, along with many cousins and friends. Teri was preceded in death by both Parents, Stepbrother Clark Miller and Stepsister Diane (Miller) Creger. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 3, 2019, at the Yankee Air Museum (47884 D. Street, Belleville, MI 48111) from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Family will receive friends at 2:00 pm with Deacon Ralph presiding his eulogy at 2:30 pm, along with light refreshments and access to the museum.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to METAVIVOR Research and Support, Inc. 1783 Forest Drive #184 Annapolis, MD 21401.

Valerie Jane Hewson Wright

McKinney, TX

Valerie Jane Hewson Wright, age 54, passed away after a long battle with breast cancer on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at the Baylor University Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Valerie was born in Summit, N.J. on November 1, 1964, All Saint’s Day. Like the saint she was, she cared for and educated people around her with love and faith. Valerie was one of three children to Dr. George F. Hewson and Wallis Houk Hewson.

After eight wonderful years growing up in Madison, New Jersey, she continued her adolescent years in Tucson, Arizona. Valerie graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1982. She went on to get her nursing degree from The University of Arizona in 1986.

On, May 24th 1986, Valerie married Roy Wright whom she met at The University of Arizona. Together they had two children Katherine and Kevin Wright.

Valerie worked as a surgical nurse for many years in Arizona, California, and Texas. Most recently, she was a school Nurse at McKinney Boyd High School in Texas and a surgical nurse at Surgical Arts Surgery Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Valerie loved being a part of a medical team helping people.

In 2011, Valerie was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. After battling the disease into remission she made it her life’s work to encourage, empower and mentor all cancer fighters and survivors from the psychological and physical effects of cancer and its treatment.

In 2012 she founded the V For Victory Foundation, Inc. and invented the “Victory Pouch”, a pouch to carry drain reservoirs after surgery for breast cancer patients. Such a simple device has made a big difference in the recovery of so many women. Through the cancer community she was involved with various project such as The Buddy Project, Camp Keseem, Hope Cancer Resource Center, Relay for Life, METAvivor.

Valerie Hewson Wright is survived by her husband of 32 years, Roy Wright and her children Katherine Wright (28) and Kevin Wright (24) as well as her parents Dr. George and Wallis Hewson and brother Kim Hewson (fiancée Kathryn Morrison) and nephews Robin and Daniel Hewson and brother Mark Hewson (Jessica Zimmerman) and nephews Jackson and Grant Hewson; mother in law Susan Biglione, father in law Everett Wright, sister in law Julie (Wright) Schulte (Luke Schulte), niece Holli Morris.

Valerie is loved by friends around the world for her thoughtful, fun-loving and caring spirit.

Funeral services will be held St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, Texas on Monday, February 4th, 2019 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Valerie Wright’s name to the METAvivor Foundation for Metastatic Breast Cancer Research

Heather Solomon

Princeton, TX

Heather Danielle Solomon, 39, passed away Monday February, 4 battling to the end in an inspiringly, difficult clash with metastatic breast cancer. She spent her last days surrounded by those closest to her and never faltered in her steadfastness to keep fighting and to #fcancer.

The daughter of Becky and Mike C de Baca, she was born November 5, 1979 and raised in Ranger, Texas. In December 2014 she married the true love of her life, Dan Solomon. While their time together was short, it was filled with happy memories, smiles and laughter, and a deep admiration for one another.

A true "Texas girl" in her core, she loved country music, cold beer, dirt roads and spending time with those who mattered to her. Her spirit was infectious and she would selflessly join her friends and family to help them overcome their own personal struggles, even at her own expense. Most recently she worked as an estimator for Timber Blind Metro Shade in McKinney but will be remembered by many for her years serving Irish Nachos at J. Gilligan's in Arlington.

She is survived by her husband Dan and their fur-baby Murray; parents Becky and Mike; two brothers: Michael C de Baca and his fiance Robbie Smith, and Matt Kennedy and his partner Sabeen Uddin; two sister-in-laws: Kate Mize and her husband Mark and children, and Jess Butler and her husband Pat and son; parent-in-laws Cindy and Mike Solomon; numerous cousins including Monica Stanley; several aunts and uncles from the C de Baca and Kopietz families as well as Linda Miller; and an incredible amount of friends, supporters and fellow cancer fighters. She was preceded in death by her Grandmother Dorothy Henson.

A celebration in honor of Heather's life will take place the evening of March 16, 2019 at Heather and Dan's home in McKinney. Anyone who loved Heather or felt loved by her is welcome to attend.

Please, no flowers or plants. Instead, Heather would want those dollars to allow her war against cancer to continue. You can learn more about metastatic breast cancer and donate at www.metavivor.org.

Jessica Lynn Bell Gill

Helena, Montana

On the night of January 6, 2019 Jessica passed away after a long battle with cancer. In the days prior to her passing she was surrounded by friends and family who had been touched by her love, patience and kindness. She was 36 years old and one of the best people you could ever know.

Jessica Bell was born on April 3rd, 1982 in Helena, MT as the first of four children of Bruce and Patricia Bell. Growing up Jess developed an early love of reading as her bedtime ritual was “reading” stacks of books in her crib. She carried this love throughout her life attending her Book Club even when her health was greatly compromised by cancer. Jess took the job of oldest sibling to heart taking care of her younger three siblings as their second mother. She attended grade school and high school in Whitehall, MT excelling as a student, poet, athlete and musician and graduating the top of her class in 2000. Family was everything to Jessica. She made sure to visit her grandparents frequently, attended family reunions and always was conscious of being the best daughter she could be. Humble to the end, Jess never truly understood how beautiful, kind and talented she was.

She started Carroll College in the fall of 2000 as a Communications and Public Relations double major. At Carroll she found a great number of friends and her future husband, Adam Gill. Jess was always intelligent, but her work ethic was unmatched. She was the student that never stopped studying and was always willing to take on another opportunity. In her Junior Year she was tapped to take over the Carroll newspaper, the Prospector, mid-year after its editor quit and with only two weeks until the next issue. She hadn’t even taken a journalism class, but she wouldn’t let insurmountable difficulty stop her. She ran the paper well, putting out the remaining issues while working part time, taking a full load of classes and planning a wedding. Also while at Carroll she was in the pep band, was a manager for the girls’ basketball team, and after college, was part of the Helena State Capital Band. In 2004, she graduated from Carroll Summa Cum Laude, one of only two students that year.

After college she and Adam moved to the Twin Cities where he pursued his graduate degree. Initially work was hard to come by, but she found a reception job at a small consulting firm. Within two weeks she was promoted from receptionist and became an invaluable part of their team. When an opportunity arose to move back to Montana, she was able to take the job with her, working remotely. Even when the company was purchased, she was kept on in her distant home office because of her commitment, skill and willingness to go the extra mile.
After moving to Great Falls, Jess volunteered for the Paris Gibson Museum, the Great Falls Farmers’ Market and Pulse, the local young professionals group. She also volunteered at St. Luke the Evangelist Church as a Lector, Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister. It was in Great Falls that she and Adam became parents, adopting their first child, Peter Daniel, in an open adoption through Catholic Social Services in 2009. Jess shined in everything, but as a mother she was radiant.

She and Adam moved back to Helena in 2010 to follow work and to be closer to family. Through every move, her job came with her and grew. She developed a reputation as someone who could be incredibly patient and tactful, by Montana standards, but could never abide dishonesty or laziness.

In 2012, she gave birth to her second child Alexander Dominic. She was active in her community, volunteering to help in music classes at Jefferson Elementary, doing laundry for Family Promise, coaching her boys in basketball and floor hockey for the YMCA, and organizing the popcorn sales for Cub Scout Pack 212. Many of these were done even when she was fighting her first battle with breast cancer in 2016. Through intensive chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, she kept giving back to her community.

After cancer treatment ended in 2017 she relished family road trips to show her sons how wonderful, large and interesting the world is. At the beginning of 2018 she started Helz Belles Roller Derby training. She loved Derby and threw herself into it with the same drive and cheerful stubbornness that she approached everything she loved. Shortly after she passed her skills test, she discovered the cancer had returned and spread to her lungs and bones.

She was adamant that she was going to fight even when the odds were so slim. She fought for every minute and showed all of us how to carry such burdens with grit, grace and love. Her oldest son Peter would like everyone to know that “She was the best mom and person I ever knew and I’m so sad she had to go.” Her youngest son Alex wants everyone to know that he loved her and misses her. She is preceded in death by her aunt, Cristie Bell; her uncle, Thomas Bell; her grandmother, Cleone Bell; and her grandfather, George Chaffee. She is survived by her husband, Adam Gill; her sons, Peter and Alexander Gill; her parents, Bruce and Patty Bell; her bothers, Neal (Rissy) and Jayce (Lynsey) Bell; sister, Nicole (Eric) Hensley; her grandfather, Fred Bell; and her grandmother, Carol Chaffee and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the Medical Oncology team at Bozeman Cancer Center, the Radiation Oncology team and ICU at St. Peter’s Health. Memorials and donations-in-lieu-of flowers may be given to Metavivor: Metastatic Breast Cancer Research and Support. Condolences and remembrances may be left at her Facebook page as well as http://www.aswfuneralhome.com. Services will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church on Monday, January 14th at 11:30 with a reception to follow.

Micki Linn Scherling

Commerce City, CO

Commerce City, CO, resident Micki Scherling died Thursday, December 27, 2018, at her home with her loving family by her side. Micki battled metastatic breast cancer for nearly 13 years, living with joy and passion in the face of her diagnosis. She was 56 years old.

Micki Linn Overmiller was born on October 24, 1962, in Red Cloud, NE, the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Julia “Judy” (Ellis) Overmiller. She grew up on the family farm northeast of Smith Center, KS. She graduated with honors from Smith Center High School in 1981, and earned an associate degree in cosmetology from Garden City Community College in May 1982.

On June 26, 1982, Micki was united in marriage to Dane Scherling at the Thornburg United Methodist Church north of Smith Center. The couple moved to Kansas City, KS, where she worked for two hair salons while Dane attended mortuary school. After Dane’s graduation in December 1983, they moved back to Smith Center where she worked at the Looking Glass Salon. In October 1984, they moved to Kensington, KS, where she worked part-time at Betty’s Beauty Shoppe, and where she and Dane began their career in the funeral business together. For the next 26 years, they owned funeral homes in Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska. Their first son, Ian, was born in June 1986, and their second son, Ren, was born in November 1989.

In March 1998, the family moved to Goodland, KS. Micki worked as a teller at the First National Bank and as smile maker at Brittney’s Photography. For more than a decade she opened their home to host weekly bible studies, and for eight years she and Dane led a youth group, leaving a deep and lasting imprint on many people’s lives. In August 2005, she and Dane were part of a team that planted the Harvest Evangelical Free Church. Micki also co-facilitated GriefShare grief recovery groups for several years.

In 2001, Micki was diagnosed with breast cancer. In May 2006, after surgery and treatment, she was declared cancer-free. That October she received a new diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, which was a type of cancer that differed from her first diagnosis.

In October 2014, Micki and Dane moved from Goodland to Cape Cod, MA, to live near their son Ian and daughter-in-law Anna. There, Micki worked as an assistant funeral director at Doane Beal and Ames Funeral Home in Hyannis, MA, and was the certified life celebrant for the 30 Dignity Funeral Homes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Dane was the manager for the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Homes in Bourne and Sandwich, MA.

Micki and Dane moved to Colorado in June 2016 for the opportunity to work with their son Ren, a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Darrell Howe Mortuary in Lafayette, CO. Micki continued her work as a certified life celebrant for Darrell Howe Mortuary, Rundus Funeral Home in Broomfield, CO, and DeWitt-Tabler Funeral Home in Thornton, CO. Dane is the general manager of Darrell Howe Mortuary and Boulder County Crematory.

Preceding Micki in death are her father, Bob Overmiller, in 2003, and her niece Alli Jo Baskerville in 2017.

Micki is survived by her husband, Dane, of their home in Commerce City, CO, and their two sons, Ian Scherling, his wife Anna (Jurey), and Ian and Anna's daughter, Lucy, of Watertown, MA, and Ren Scherling and his wife Emelia (Coppage) of Aurora, CO. Micki is survived by her mother, Judy Overmiller, who moved with Micki and Dane to Cape Cod and resides with them in Colorado. Also surviving are Micki’s four siblings, Patti Gilpin of Wichita, KS, Linda Stroede of Overland Park, KS, Gayle Overmiller and his wife, Julie, of Beloit, KS, and Bryan Overmiller of Prairie View, KS; mother-in-law, Marilyn Scherling, of Manhattan, KS; two sisters-in-law, Debbie Kleinau and her husband, Jim “Shorty,” and Susan Scherling, both of Manhattan, KS; and brother-in-law, Syd Scherling and his wife, Karla, of Woodbury, MN, as well as many loving nieces and nephews and many friends.

Micki was a staunch advocate for metastatic breast cancer research. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to METAvivor, an organization dear to Micki’s heart. Please specify your contribution is in memory of Micki Scherling. To donate, visit www.metavivor.org.
Services

There was a funeral service at 10:30AM on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, Colorado.

There was a funeral service at 10:30AM on Friday, January 4, 2019 at Harvest Evangelical Free Church in Goodland, Kansas.

A graveside service took place at 1:00PM on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Cedar Hill (Cora) Cemetery in Lebanon, Kansas.

Zita Angela Varnelis

Benton Harbor, Michigan

Zita Angela Varnelis passed away peacefully in her home on December 29, 2018, surrounded by her family. Zita will be remembered most for her vibrant, creative personality, her artistic talent as a graphic designer, her fabulous cooking, adventurous spirit and for her passion for life – living life to its fullest to the very end– even in the face of adversity. Most importantly, Zita will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her friendships and devotion to her family.

Zita was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan on October 15, 1965. She grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan attending St. Joseph High School graduating in 1983. Following high school, Zita attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan for her Bachelor of Arts degree. After college, Zita took a 5 week trip to Europe with her boyfriend Maris, and fell in love. Maris Kampe and Zita were married in November 23, 1991 in Cleveland Ohio. They have been married for 27 years residing in Sagamore Hills, OH for the past 21 years with their two beautiful daughters Katarina (17) and Daina (12).

Zita is survived by her husband, two children, her parents Edmund and Grazina Varnelis, her sister Audra Murdoch, brother-in-law Shawn Murdoch, and their three children, Jade, Luke and Chase, her sister Lora Varnelis and her two Children Adija and Caleb, her aunt Irene Pran, her in-laws Grazina and Kalvis Kampe, her brother-in-law Peter Kampe and his wife Andrea, along with their 6 children Alexandra, Mara, Matthew, Luke, Andrew, and Andra, nephew Jimmy Frankina , God-daughter Kaja Kijauskas and preceded by the death of her sister-in-law Kristina Kampe.

Zita loved the beach, traveling both domestically and internationally, and was an avid rower – with her most recent race at the Head of the Charles in Boston, October 2018 – with the motto “We can Fly”. She was also a rowing coach for several years for Western Reserve Rowing Association. Zita also loved to ski and was an instructor for 16 years. Additionally, she will be remembered for giving her time and talents generously over the years to various charitable foundations and organizations.

Zita was a warrior against metastatic breast cancer – surviving with stage 4 cancer for over three years. Therefore, we would like any donations to go to the Metavivor Foundation at metavivor.org/take-action/memorials where a memorial page has been established in Zita’s name.

Services to celebrate Zita’s life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Euclid, Ohio on January 4, 2018 at 10:00 am, followed by a reception at the Lithuanian Club on 185th Street, Euclid, OH.

Dr. Stephanie Marie Odom

Veronica Cavazos Bishop

McAllen, TX

Veronica Cavazos Bishop’s beautiful soul transitioned to Heaven on Nov. 30, 2018. Born January 7, 1974, she was just shy of her 45th birthday when she passed under the amazing care of the Acute Palliative Care unit at M.D. Anderson in Houston. Her cause of death was Metastatic Breast Cancer. The disease killed her body but not her soul or her spirit.

Veronica leaves this world a much better place for having had her here. Her inspiration, influence and example will live on for years in the thousands of friends that were blessed to have known her. Always the life of the party, her magnetic spirit and personality drew people to her. She had the most beautiful edge and style about her that always set her apart.

Veronica grew up in Mission, TX and attended Mission High School before attending and graduating from Texas A&M University in 1996. She lived in Dallas and worked as a real estate finance executive before returning to the valley to marry Trent Bishop. She resided in McAllen with her husband and 4 daughters for 8 years.

Veronica loved her family, friends, travelling the world, singing karaoke, and she was actively involved in community service. She had a joie de vivre and a smile that lit up every room she graced. She is deeply loved and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

She is survived by her husband, Trent, daughter Valentina, three step daughters, Hannah, Allyson, and Marin, parents Arnulfo and Amanda Cavazos, brothers Ronnie, Servando and Arnold, sisters-in-law Bridget Cavazos, Annabelle Cavazos, and Ronda Bishop, brother-in-law David Bishop and parents-in-law Jim and Nan Bishop, and 11 nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on December 8th at 11:00am at Palm Valley Church in Mission, TX. In leiu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Metavivor in her honor.

Nancy Pustina

Cuba City, WI

Nancy L. (Rose) Pustina, 57, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with triple negative breast cancer.

Nancy was born on July 19, 1961, in Madison, Wisconsin, the fourth of nine children of Francis J. and Marvelene A. (Kite) Rose. She was a graduate of Highland High School in 1980 and NICC in Peosta in 1994. Nancy was a loyal Medical Associates OB Clinic RN for 23 years. Her work there was important to her and she loved her job. Nancy married Jeff Pustina on June 9, 1984, at St. Anthony's Church in Highland.

Family functions were a big deal to Nancy. She enjoyed shopping and playing on her volleyball team with friends. Supporting Jeff, she rarely missed games and always had her camera. Nancy spent twenty years traveling with her girls for AAU basketball and she made them into family vacations with lots of wonderful memories. Nancy's most perfect accomplishment was being the mother to Kaitlyn, Kelsey and Chloe. She loved them with her whole being.

Nancy was a veteran nurse, working in the women’s health field for over 20 years. With this knowledge and experience, she became to “go to” person for any medical question, big or small. Sometimes her girls would get texts from friends asking for them to “ask your Mom” about this or that. Nancy was always so easy to talk to that no one felt uncomfortable and felt they could ask her anything.

Nancy was the epitome of kindness and selflessness, all the best qualities in a great Mother. Her ‘Mothering’ personality and responsibilities bled over to not only her own daughters, but her daughter’s friends and teammates, making her known from early on as “Mamma Nanc” for all who knew her.

She was one of the kindest, giving, selfless souls on earth. We miss her everyday.

"A life that touches others, goes on forever.”

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure."

Aimee Johnson Kilman

Bobbie Jean Higby

Catherine McRae

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