My Angel Marianne has left this earth.
Marianne passed away today quietly, with family members, and friends crying by her side. But I can't say that about her life. She lived her life as an ordinary person, but she made a huge impact on so many lives and touched so many people deeply. God has taken her and her golden heart to make an angel to watch over us. No more pain, no more struggle, just peace.
She was a friend to all that knew her. Words such as sincerity, kindness, special, happy, best person I know were the words people used to describe her. Her smile, caring attitude, and listening skills made her more than an acquaintance. When she touched your life you were better for it. I know I'm a better man because of her. Without her I would have been half the man I am today. And that's how we need to remember her.
Sure cancer took her physical body, but her spirit, her smile, her caring, lives on in all of us. She would feel bad as we shed our tears over her, she would want us to smile and laugh with her. She would tear up with us right now.
So as she passes on to a better place, a place without pain think on how she impacted your life. Take those qualities and share them.
- Marianne was a listener. A friend that took the time to hear what you had to say no matter how many times you told her the same problem or situation over and over.
- Marianne was an excellent cook and baker. A person that delighted in making and serving others the excellent things she made. Whether it was Thanksgiving dinner, or a simple party she made sure you left full of food, drink, and good times.
- Marianne was a giver. She gave more than she every received. She gave love and material things. She would rather give a present than get one. I can't say that there was one gift I gave her that she had to have. She would buy Ryan and I stuff just to give stuff. That was her way.
- Marianne was a crafty person. She could take ordinary some ordinary items and make something beautiful and extraordinary out of it. Marianne was in the craft business for only 8 years but people have her crafts 19 years later. Her unique touches still make people remember her.
- Marianne was a supporter. She was there when you needed her. When you reached out to her she was there for you.
- Marianne is a mom. A lady full of unconditional love that spoiled Ryan, but made him a fine young man.
So if you take her traits and share them with others, if you have become a little better person........ then Marianne hasn't just passed through this earth quietly. Marianne will live on through us. In the little things we do in life for others. She will be touching us, touching your friends and family, and even the people we meet on the street by being each of us being a better person. She would want that.
Cancer would not be the winner. Marianne would be the winner if we take her characteristics and share them. If we share her love with others then we have helped her overcome the destruction cancer did to her.
So hug and spoil your kids today for Marianne,
Love and treat your spouse as if it was your anniversary or their birthday,
And pick up the phone and call a friend just to talk
That will Make Marianne smile from above.
So with a kiss I give my earthly angel, my wife, my love to God to watch over all her friends and family. She was always an angel, now she is God's angel.
Goodbye my friend,
Love you always
Russ
What my wife has taught me - part 5
What my wife Marianne has taught me part 4
What my wife Marianne has taught me part 3
What my wife Marianne has taught me - part 2
What my wife Marianne has taught me
__________________________________________________________
My Month of April quote:
"Sometimes the only way to get to the far shore is to lose sight of the shore you just left"
Russ Ravary
"helping make your move easier"
your local Metro Detroit Realtor helping clients like you sell and buy homes through out the entire Metro Detroit suburbs. I love showing and selling Oakland County and Livingston County Lake front homes too.
My condolences to your and your family, Russ. You cause a stirring in my heart with your words for the love of your life.
God bless you for sharing, and for urging me to hold on to every precious moment with my loved ones.
I'm tearing up reading this. what a beautiful tribute to your wife. May your wonderful memories comfort you.
What a lovely tribute to a lady who was obviously well loved, and loved all in return. My heart, love and prayers go to you and your family in this sad time of grief. Know that as she looks down on you all, you friends everywhere are looking out for you too.
God bless you and yours.
Oh Russ I am so sorry for your loss. Your stories of your beloved Marianne have made me wish I had the good fortune to know her in person. Though the days and weeks ahead will be difficult for you and your family know that you carry hundreds of thoughts and prayers with you. May they lift you in your time of sorrow.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
-Michael
Russ - My deepest sympathies for your loss of Marianne, what a beautiful lady.
Russ, I don't know what to say. Tears are in my eyes. I hope you can find solace in the fact that she is good hands now and feeling no pain. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
She will be greatly missed by family and friends who knew her and loved her and especially you Russ. Rest in peace Marianne.
Russ, your posts have helped many of us to know your Marianne. What an incredible act of giving and humility to share your story. While I don't know Marianne, I feel like I do. While I don't know your pain, I feel it. My blessings and condolences to you and your family.
Russ,
What a beautiful tribute to your wife, Marianne. May God's love comfort and hold you, Ryan and everyone that loved her in your time of grief. Tish
I, too, am in tears reading this. What a lovely lady Marianne was, and it seems from the pictures and your description as though she truly had a love for life. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that you and your family will be in my thoughts.
My deepest condolences Russ. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos. I wish you and your family the strength you will need to get through the weeks and months ahead.
Denise
God bless your wife, Russ. I will remember Marianne in my prayers tonight.
Sorry for your loss - may you find the strength to go on.
Laurie
Wow, words cannot express what I feel for you. I too, have a beautiful wife of 35 years, I can't imagine what you must be feeling. God Bless.
Russ-
Please accept our condolences. May God bless your family. Take care.
-Todd & Devona Garrigus
Russ, my heart is with you and I wish you all the peace in the world as you learn to go on without your Marianne...she is beautiful and well loved.
It is hard to write with tears in my eyes. What a wonderful tribute to your wife and best friend. My prayers are with you and your family in the weeks and months ahead.
I am sure Marianne will be watching over you all. I am so sorry for your loss.
May God hug you both close. Oh Russ, I wish I had words to express how sad I am for you and your family.
Russ I am so incredibly sorry that the love of your life is no longer with you! I will keep you all in myu thoughts and prayers.
Russ, my heart hurts for you and your family. What a sweet tribute to your wife. Russ, the last photo is just so charming. Thank you for taking the time in your grief to remind all of us to all to savor the little moments, and to make time everyday to be with the ones we love.
What a loving tribute to something that is so hard to put words to. I jsut came back from MD Anderson after my check up. I see so many people struglling so valiantly against this terrible disease. Fot those of us who are survivors with their friends and families we need to keep fighting against the loss cancer brings.
Pain free and at peace. What a wonderful place to be.
You are in my prayers Russ. So sorry to hear this.
I am so sorry for your loss, my eyes are watering as I read your post.
Your love for her is beautiful, it has touched my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, God bless.
Russ - my thoughts and prayers are with you. This kind tribute to Marianne brought tears to my eyes. Her memory will live on.
Kathy
Dear Russ -- thank you for enriching our lives by sharing Marianne and your love for her with us. I'm glad there's no more pain for her, and that peace will come to you.
Russ, My prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Marianne would be so proud of the wonderful things that you loved and said about her. I am sorry for your loss.
Russ,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your post is beautiful and your family is in my thoughts.
Russ, It seems like more and more we are hearing the story of family members fighting cancer...I pray to the Lord that she is not in pain and suffering anymore...she is in HIS hands...And he watches over you....FAITH and HOPE!! Jen
Clearly a beautiful person who was loved by you, her son, & all that knew her. All the pain is left behind and she is free. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you search for peace.
Russ:
I am saddened to hear of your loss, but be comforted in knowing that God will be with you during these difficult times, and will shine a light on your pathway as you travel on.
Stephen Sainte-Martin
Realty Direct Boston
I am so very sorry. I like her completely in all the photos you have selected. You and your family are in my prayers.
Oh Russ....I'm so sorry!!! I know what a loss this is for you and your family. I just don't know what to say! Much, much love to you! I wish there were something I could say! My prayers are with you all.
Russ, I am very sorry about your loss and thank you for introducing us to your lovely wife. Please know that she and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
I am so sorry for you loss Russ. You wrote a lovely tribute to Marianne. Thank you for sharing that. Our thoughts are with you and Ryan, your family and friends. May you find comfort from them during this difficult time.
Russ, what a touching tribute to someone who reminds me, through your words, of the Robert Frost quote, "Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length." Please know how many people you have touched with your words. Your loss is profound- I'm so sorry. What lovely memories she has left for those fortunate enough to have crossed her path.
Russ - you have so inspired me with the lessons that your wife has taught you. Thank you for sharing her with us. I hope that the memories of the wonderful times you spent together will help carry you through this difficult time.
A lovely tribute to a lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. She will always be with you...
Pat & Wayne
our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of need. I am so sorry.
Russ, my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the coming days ahead, which will be difficult. You are amazing to share your loving thoughts and memories of an obviously wonderful woman. I don't even know her and my eyes are filled with tears. You gave a very powerful tribute, and I consider it a "God moment." Peace be with you and Marianne and Ryan.
Russ-So sorry for your loss. I wish I had known your wife. Your tributes are inspirational.
Russ,
I felt a catch in my throat as I read your title. I couldn't help thinking no, not yet. But there is no right time to lose the ones we love. I wish I had some magic words that could make things better, even for a moment but there are no words at a time like this. Tears fall down my cheeks as read your words and think of your and Ryan's loss. God bless her and you as you get through this terrible time. Hold Ryan close, he'll need you.
Russ,
I am unspeakably touched by your tribute to your wife. What a beautiful woman she was and what a beautiful soul she is! I followed all of the links to try to absorb all of the lessons you mentioned. My sister has just completed her first chemotherapy session, and I am amazed at her strength! You are in my prayers today.
Russ - Although your loss is very sad, your tribute to your wife has left me with a smile on my face. Your love was deep and what a blessing. Many people search their entire lives for such a gift. May you find comfort in your friends and family in the days ahead. God Bless.
Sorry for your loss Russ. Your family will be in my prayers tonight! God bless you and give you strength.
Russ I am so sorry for your loss. Glad you have such lovely memories to cherish.
Ah Russ, I am so sorry that you and Ryan have to go through this. Following your blog posts lately, I knew this day was coming but still hoped it wouldn't. May you and Ryan always be able to feel Marianne in the wind on your cheek and the sun on your back.
Russ... Oh, my goodness. I can't tell you how sorry I am to read this. I'm sorry to say I didn't even now she was battling cancer. Forgive me. You've written a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. Please know your family is in our prayers.
Russ, Sorry for your loss. I'll keep you, and your posts, in my thoughts.
You describe my wife Suzanne as well. This blog is a wonderful tribute to Marianne and you. I lost the most wonderful woman in the world, my mother, to cancer and share a little of your grief. She lives in your memories and in your soul. I'm very sorry for your loss and wish you peace.
The loss of a loved one is always difficult. Obviously the love you and your wife shared is very rare. Sharing her with the Acitve Rain family was a fine tribute. My thoughts and prayers go with you and your son.
Russ ~ Your tribute to Marianne is touching, tender, and she would love it. I felt like I knew her from your posts and seeing these photos. You couldn't have a better angel watching over you and your son Ryan. Take care and know that many people are thinking of you.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Dear Russ~ I have been following your story and am saddened by your loss. It is quite obvious of your tremendous love for your Marianne. I have admired your strength and vigilance throughout this sad experience. I am sad that you lost the love of your life, but I am glad we got to know her through you. Her spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those that love her!
What an amazing woman! She sounds like she did so much and based on this well written post in tribute to her she obviously had that affect on everyone around her. I am truly sorry for your loss, but very happy that she was a part of your life. I'm sure she is now smiling with Our Father above! Keep smiling - and thank you for sharing with us.
Russ -- What a beautiful tribute to your lovely wife, I am so sorry for you. Your love is so strong. That will never die. Marianne will live on in your mind and heart forever. I guarantee you that because you were so connected you will feel her near you from time to time. You may not see her...but you will sure feel it. God bless you and your family.
Love never dies. What a lovely way to honor your wife.
Russ: I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Your tribute brought tears to my eyes.
What a wonderful love story and tribute to your wife. May those memories bring you comfort and peace. I lost one of my sisters to cancer and I still miss her. She was a beautiful and gentle soul also and we all thought that she was the best one of us.
God bless you, Russ. While your pain is great, hers is over. I can just imagine her saying, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty I'm free at last." I'm praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your heart with us here.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. What a beautiful tribute to your wife.
Tere
Russ, what a lasting testimony about your wife's loving and fruitful life and your heartfelt tribute. Our prayers are with you.
Mary
Russ - I too have been following your story, and my heart is heavy from reading your post.
I truly am sorry to read the news, but your amazing tribute has inspired me to make some changes myself. So without even knowing, your lovely angel Marianne has touched my life too.
Wishing you and your family strength at this tough time.
So sorry to hear the news.
Russ,
This is such a loving tribute. My your dear wife rest in peace and may you remember all of the wonderful days you had together.
Russ,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can tell from your tributes how much you loved her. Be at peace my friend.
Rich
Russ - I love you and can't imagine the pain you must go through. I will continue to pray for you and your family daily. It's not goodbye, it's see you later!
Russ - we will keep you and your family in our prayers. Great tribute to your beautiful wife. She is watching down from heaven over all of us.
Russ I am so sorry for your loss. Godspeed.
Russ I am so sorry for your loss, and hear the news. May God continue to bless and watch over all of you. Our lives are blessed with God's love.... for Him to have placed the best of His angles among us even for just a short while. They inspire us, comfort us, show unconditional love and we can feel so empty when they are not around. Thank you for sharing the celebration of your wife's life with us all! Each day we have with a loved one is such a gift to be cherished forever. The both of you accomplished quite a bit in life, and you both raised a fine family! Her works will not be forgotten! I will keep you all in my prayers
Russ, I was so moved by your post and know this is a tragic loss. I feel for you and hope you can take take strength from the incredibly wonderful relationship the two of you were able to share.
Russ, that was just beautiful. I am praying that you are comforted with many happy memories.
Russ,
Your wife was beautiful inside and out. Thank you so much for sharing all the wonderful things about her. I am certain she is by your side. Your friends on AR will always be here for you. We are your family too!
Russ I am so very sorry for your loss. But you are so fortunate to have had her on loan for all of these years. What a blessing.
So sorry to hear about your loss. She sounds (and looks) like she was a wonderful, kind, sweet person. I'm so sorry for your son as well. You are amazing in your tributes to her, and it is no small blessing how much love the two of you (and your son) shared. Cancer is all around us; I have fought it, too, and I know we all hope one day there will be easy and permanent cures for it.
You do not know me but I knew of your wifes illness through a friend of a friend. I wish you strength during this unbelievably hard time and I wish you eternal happiness.
Heather (oakland twp MI)
I am so sorry for your loss. You gave a wonderful tribute to her loving spirit. I wish you well.
Russ, so sorry to hear about your beloved wife and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. She was a beautiful woman and I'm sure will be greatly missed by all. What a wonderful tribute to her.
I was moved by your news today. How sorry Iam for your loss. You fought the good fight, take heart, she's in a better place.
God Bless.
Patricia
Russ, Bet Marianne would be so proud of this outstanding tribute. I happen to think that she was very fortunate to have you for a husband, partner and friend. Please take care of yourself! There are a lot of people who care about you.
Margaret
Russ,
I am so sorry for your loss. The memories of your Marianne that you have shared with us all are a testament to the powerful love that you both shared, and those memories will comfort you now. My prayers are with you.
What a touching tribute to a beautiful lady. It is clear that you had a very special partner in life, as did Marianne. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Russ, that was a lovely tribute to your partner, your wife and your love. Our family will keep you in out prayers, and we are deeply sorry for your loss and the pain of the last months. You will be supported here in the community, but that is a sorry substitute for what a great partner you have been so lucky to have. I am sure that she is watching over you and will continue to do so.
Hi Russ. I am so sorry for your loss. I just spoke with my mom today so this reminds me to cherish those who you love dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and to your family.
It sounds like she was an extraordinary woman, and that you were both blessed to share your lives together. May you and your family find peace and comfort in the Lord. -Cory
Russ:
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Marianne. May your warm and caring memories of her sustain you in this sad time.
Russ, your sharing of your journey with Marianne during her illness has touched me and so many other members. My sincere sympathy to you, your son, friends and family during this time. Marianne is in the place of no more sorrow and no more pain, like you said, and you are left to mourn her loss and also look forward to the day when you will be reunited. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us...and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us." I believe she is watching, along with the others who have gone before us.
Russ- I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like she was a truly wonderful woman. My condolences to you and your family.
I'm so sorry to hear this news Russ. Thanks for sharing some of your wonderful memories of her with us in this tribute. I know those memories will be with you always and I hope they bring you comfort.
What a wonderful tribute to a very special lady we have come to know just a little bit through your words. God Bless you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. She obviously was a wonderful lady. May God comfort you and bless you all.
Russ - what a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. I'm so sorry to hear and my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. You will have wonderful memories, adn we thanky ou for sharing some of them with us now in this difficult time. I cannot imagine...
Jeff
God has taken her and her golden heart to make an angel to watch over us.
Good evening Russ,
What an absolutely awesome post. You brought tears to my eyes.
May God bring peace to you and your family.
Russ: I am very sorry for your loss. It's a blessing that Marianne is no longer suffering. I watched my father die of cancer and there was a certain peace that came over us when he did pass. There is nothing worse than watching a loved one suffer when we are powerless to help.
This is a wonderful tribute to Marianne and will certainly impact many of your Active Rain friends. I know it has already affected me.
Your family will be in my prayers.
Russ - I'm not sure if you are supposed to cry in the "virtual world" or not, but my eyes have swelled. Beautiful tribute, Russ. Your family's loss is a gift to the above ... but you did her more than proud with this.
Russ,
I was deeply touched by the beautiful post you wrote about your dear wife. She will live on in your hearts and your memories I know. My deepest and most sincere condolences...
My deepest sympathy to you and your son. You are lucky to have had Marianne in your life. Some people go a lifetime without this kind of love.
Russ -- what a beautiful woman and what a lovely tribute. She is our special angel and we will miss her physical presence, but be happy to know her spirit lives on in all the people she has touched.
Russ, I felt like I knew Marianne through your blog and your posts. She was a very courageous woman and put up a good fight. Your loving memories of her and all that she taught you throughout your lives together will keep her in your heart forever. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My best to you Russ.
Aw...geez Russ...I can't even write after reading this incredible tribute. I think this post alone will help bring out a bit more humanity in all of us and I know for one it's going to be the first thing on my mind when I wake up tomorrow and look at my two kids and wife. Thank you for sharing Marianne with us. I know she will be deeply missed by you and everyone who knew her.
Russ - I read your post with tears in my eyes tonight. I have been thinking about you and your wife, and you have written a beautiful tribute to her. God speed Marianne. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and Marianne. Just so you know you have love and support here, and thanks for sharing your very intimate journey. Including, if you need to pick up the phone to talk, I am here. God Bless!
So sorry for your loss. May you and your family find comfort in your memories.
Russ, my father passed away seven years ago from cancer. Everytime I think of him I envision him fully restored before my savior. I've provided a link to the song, I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me. Marianne is being embraced by Jesus now. I hope you find comfort in these words. Praying for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII
Russ: I am so very sorry for your loss. I have followed your posts about your beloved Marianne, and honestly, truly feel sorry for you. Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure it may be of little comfort to know that somehow, someway, your beloved Marianne will be with you in Spirit. Take care... very gentle huggs...
Russ - My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. What an absolutely beautiful tribute to Marianne. Find comfort in knowing that she is smiling down on you with that wonderful smile of hers as you cherish such wonderful memories.
Russ, “Just peace” is a beautiful place to be. Love is eternal ... as is our spirit. God Bless you and your family.
Russ, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Marianne isn't suffering anymore. I have been following your tributes and they have all be so beautiful. Marianne was lucky to have such a loving and caring partner. You are both blessed in having each other. I know your heart is broken and I'm so sorry. Your AR family is praying for you. You have touched so many lives.
Russ,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to Marianne...and for the encouragement to show our love and affection right now, while we can.
I pray for God to fill your emptiness and count your tears...as well as give you grace until you see your dear Marianne once again.
God bless you and Ryan and your family.
Dawn
Oh Russ...
I am so sorry for your loss, Marianne will live on in your hearts, and I want you to know that all of us in your AR family were deeply moved by your touching tribute.
Russ -- we are soooo sorry to hear this -- we knew she had been struggling and we have been keeping her and you in our thoughts -- she sounds like a wonderful wonderful woman --- all our best to you -- and we'll continue to keep you in our thoughts. Take care.
Russ, my deepest sympathies for you and your family. .I'm truly sorry.
Russ, so sorry to hear about your loss. It has to be tough. My deepest sympathies to you and your family...
Russ, my heart is with you as you grieve for your beautiful, loving wife. Her pain is gone and she is in a better place, we who are left are in pain. I will keep you and your kids in my thoughts and prayers. (((hugs)))
Russ,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Russ - I am soooo sorry, and words can never express the feelings we endure when a friend or loved one is lost. Know that we are here and that your extended AR Family has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers today and always!! :-)
Russ - I've been following your story and you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers recently. I can only imagine how much you're grieving right now. I couldn't even read your post. Can't see through the tears.
May God hold you through this difficult time. Just know that your wife is in a better place. My condolences.
Russ - I'm so sorry. I know you will miss Marianne so very deeply. She was an amazing person. I can sense her kindness, generosity and love for friends and family through your posts. I'm sorry I missed this post yesterday, but my husband had a long chemo session and I was too exhausted to gone on AR last evening.
Thank you for this lovely tribute to a beautiful person. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family.
Russ....we've kept in touch on facebook & I just found this memorial while searching for arrangements....what a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person.....Thank God she had you by her side to help her thru this.....you have been her rock & it is time for you to let us surround you with our love to help you thru this awful time. When Tony died, I received some wonderful books & poems....while you won't feel like reading them right away....I have them for you when you are ready.....you know you can always call if you need to talk or need some help with anything .....you are surrounded with loving friends & family that are there for you....reach out.....take time to mourn....she will be truly missed......
Hi Russ,
I'm so sorry to hear about Marianne, she is a special lady. I have a lot of fond memories of us at the shows, always enjoyed what Marianne came up with each season with her work, truly gifted. I know she had a long battle, but we're never ready to lose them. My husband also was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, it's terrible news, but I will enjoy each day we have just as the two of you did.
God Bless you and your Family
Rose Tibbles - Keller Williams, Northville
God bless you and give you peace. What a great tribute.
Russ, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I mainly only know you through the internet even though we may have bumped into each other at a class or two. Your story has more than touched me in ways I didn't realize possible. I wish you the best and hope to officially meet you in person soon. Take Care
Very sorry for your loss.
God bless all of you.
Russ - First and foremost, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. While I will never know the depths of your pain and sorrow, please know that I will think of you today and wish for you solace as you begin the healing process and joy to treasure your memories.
Russ - I am sorry to hear about Marianne. Your tributes to her are beautiful and you let us know how special she was. She is in a better place now with no more pain. May God bless and give you peace.
Rest in peace Marianne. Hang in there Dad.
Russ, nothing can be said to ease the ache in your heart. When I was 29 I lost my husband who was 31 to this terrible disease. I know the relief to know they are no longer in pain, the anger they are taken too soon, the fear of living without them, the physical pain of the loss, the need to remain strong for the family...it is all so overwhelming.
Your beautiful wife is honored to have a husband who loves her so dearly. She smiles down from the heavens and sends her love. It will come at unexpected moments, just when you need them most. It may be in a song or a flower. A cloud in the sky or a bird in a tree. A word from a friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. You have done a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman.
Dear Russ and Ryan,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Marianne's passing away. We had no idea that she was suffering once again. Our sincere sympathies go out to you and yours. The first word that comes to mind when we think of her is "sweetheart". She was one of the kindest, sweetest, most generous saints on this earth. We will always remember her infectious smile and warm hugs. The memories created in the four years we had the honor of knowing her at Catholic Central will always be treasured. You are so right..... she left such an everlasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. We will try our best to carry on her work on this earth. Thank you for honoring her in this beautiful way. You two were always such a sweet, loving couple. Know that she will always be in our thoughts and prayers. God comfort you and Ryan during these difficult times. We thank God for sharing his angel, Marianne, with us. We ARE better persons because of knowing her.
Love,
Sharon and Ken Filips
I'm soooo sorry to hear this. Your love for your wife has touched my soul. She is with the angels now and may GOD bless and be with you and your family.
This could not have been easy to write. I admire you so much for sharing your love with us, and helping us all realize that we are mortal . . . and our time here is a moment in eternity. I admire you for being a strong support and comfort to your wife and giving her so many years of love. I admire you for your dedication to your family. Many thoughts sent your way at this time.
Russ, I am so sad to hear your loss of Marianne, I remember the story I read last time and I know how much Marianne meant to you. Please take care of yourself, and I know you are much respected here on Active Rain. May God bless you, Mariannie and your family.
Russ, I am so saddened to read this news, but know that Marianne was blessed to have had a husband like you while she was here. Take the time you need in the coming days, weeks, months to take care of yourself. You have my prayers going up from Texas...
I don't know you Russ, but I know love when I see it displayed. May all those past blessings and memories fill your mind when you need them most.
Russ,
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to a great friend and wife.
Russ,
So sorry for your loss..... Words are not enough to express my feelings.
Hugs to you,
Ann Hayden
Hello Russ,
I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Russ, your family has been in my prayers since I read the post that she was in the hospital. Reading this just broke my heart. You wife was a beautiful person inside and out and so lucky to have you for a husband. I can tell how much you love her. I am so sorry about your loss. May God wrap his arms around you during this difficult time.
Russ, I cannot believe you took the time to post this in your time of loss, but I hope by sharing it her and reading all the supporting comments it somehow comforts you. As I'm local, please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Cherish your memories:)
Russ - Our sincere condolences on your loss. You obviously loved your wife as a soul mate and we're sure she knows that. Take Care.
Russ - I keep checking to see if you've come back on AR. I know you'll be back on when you can. It may be too much for you to post right now, but I hope you are reading the words of comfort here and knowing your AR friends are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Russ: I'm saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Marianne. This must be a very difficult time. It sounds like she was an amazing personality with many great qualities. I appreciate your taking the time to share your expereinces with her and suggest how we may benefit from emulating her many virtues. My best to you and your family.
Dear Russ,
Thank you for sharing your memories of Marianne, this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. But after reading your posts and looking at the pictures, it brought a smile to my face too as I got to know her a bit. She is beautiful! And so obviously loved by you. Treasure your memories. My deepest condolence to you.
Russ,
Thank you so very much for sharing your lives. 10 years ago I also was diagnosed with breast cancer. Wasn't supposed to be here now. And I get totally scared...a lot. Your sharing of your lives has helped me so much (and so many more who you'lll never hear from). Thank you so very much.
And may you have peace and calm and love in your life.
Russ,
I pray for peace. I know that you will keep the love that Marianne shared with you and family to live deep in your heart. Thank you for sharing Marianne with us.
Rest.
I am walking in the Tampa 3 day cancer walk in October. Support cancer research by going to www.the3day.org/goto/marianneravary and donate as much as you can. My wife got to live 20 years after finding out she had breast cancer due to advances in cancer treatment. Be part of the team and help me. I would like to be able to give some other "special lady" (like my wife Marianne) more days on this earth. If we can give another lady another night to enjoy with friends, an extra week to laugh & hug her kids, an extra month to love her spouse, or an extra year then our money will be going to a good cause. Help me give more time to somebody else please donate to the 3day walk. Thanks
Russ, your love is one of the things that kept Marianne going. Thank you for being there for her.