Andrew Boldt, 21

 All copied from obituary

He was born on June 11, 1992, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While living in Wauwatosa, he attended Christ King Grade School. He graduated from St. Frances Cabrini Grade School in 2006 and then graduated from Marquette University High School in 2010.

While in high school he earned his Eagle Scout Rank in 2009 with Saint Frances Cabrini Troop 796. He played football, competed as a pole-vaulter for the track team and earned regional awards on the Hilltoppers FIRST Robotics Team 1732. In addition, Drew was a member of the Latin Club and enjoyed competing at State and National Junior Classical League conventions.

At Purdue University Drew was working towards a degree in Electrical Engineering and lived all four years in Cary Quad Southwest. He was past president of Cary Racing and worked with a team of students to build and race electric go-karts for the annual Purdue Grand Prix. He also served on the Cary Dorm Board. He was employed by the College of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) as a Teaching Assistant and served as an Officer for the ECE Student Society. Drew also worked as an intern the past two summers for the John Deere Corporation. He was due to graduate in May 2014 and was hoping to accept a full time job with John Deere.

Emilio Hoffman, 14

image from katu, below from The Oregonian

Emilio Hoffman was prone to pranks and the kind of mischief that drove teachers crazy. He often woke his foster brother up in the middle of the night just to share a bowl of cereal. The Troutdale teen scrunched his face up in self-portraits.
"He was actually a pest," said his father, Abraham Gallardo.
And they adored him.
The 14-year-old hated to see people sad, friends and family said at his funeral Sunday afternoon. Every prank, every silly-faced selfie was intended to make people laugh.
"You couldn't help but smile when he smiled," said Jesse Slick, Emilio's sixth-grade teacher at Reynolds Arthur Academy "If you were down in the dumps, he lifted you up."
Hoffman said she will treasure those selfies, the memories that still feel so alive. At Sunday's service, held in Boring, she and others told stories about a puckish boy who loved soccer, music and fashion. Hundreds, including the family and pastor Steve Keels, wore red Converse, Emilio's favorite sneakers.
"You were the beginning of me, of who I was supposed to be," Hoffman said. "I needed to be your mom."
Emilio hoped to be rich someday, Slick said. He dreamed of owning a business or becoming a professional soccer player.
As a midfielder and defender on the club team Crystal, Emilio "anticipated his opponents," said coach Arnaldo Soriano. "He made them work for every play."
He cut up so much on the field, he sometimes got his teammates in trouble. But he showed great leadership, too, and rose to team captain.
As competitive as he was, his charming side was unmistakable. Kylie Kreamier, a rising freshman, said she remembered Emilio politely extending his hand and to introducing himself the first time they met — a rare practice among middle school boys.
He was sensitive, girlfriend Alyssa Karm told those at the service. He wrote her love letters and cried during "The Fault in Our Stars," a movie about teen love set in a cancer support group.
Though he did sometimes drive teachers crazy, he was also their favorite student, too.
"He asked me every Monday, 'Did you miss me over the weekend?'" said his science teacher, Deithra Archie.

Emilio Hoffman Annual Tournament

https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/district/emilio-hoffman-memorial-soccer-tournament-set-august-9-10

Gia Soriano, 14

image from people.com official statement from her parents

"We are devastated by this senseless tragedy. Gia is our beautiful daughter and words cannot express how much we will miss her. We've made the decision to donate Gia's organs so that others may benefit. Our daughter was loving, kind and this gift honors her life.
"Thank you to Providence for their excellent care – bar none – from beginning to end. Thank you to our friends and family who have supported us. Thank you to Drs. Bill Finley, Sanford Wright and Anita Tsen for their tremendous support and compassion. And thank you, to Bill and Ben with LifeCenter.

Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14

image from Huffington Post and Facebook

In Shay's short life she has been a radiant light bringing us incredible joy and happiness. She has been a loving daughter, a caring sister, a devoted friend and a wonderful part of our community. We can't imagine life without her."

Zoe Galasso, 14

"Zoe was a vibrant 14-year-old, beautiful, always laughing and sweet," Edmond said. An obituary posted on the website of Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home said Galasso was an animal-lover who enjoyed road trips and live music. She also played various sports, but enjoyed soccer the most.

Joan Rivers, 81

picture from markatlarge.com

Joan Rivers said it.... and you couldn't help but agree with it and laugh. She had the guts to say what you were probably thinking in the back of your mind. Still working hard until her final day at 81. 

http://joanrivers.com/

Robin Williams, 63

picture from People's Choice Awards

One of my all time favorite comedians. Movies, Mork and Mindy... you name it... the man would make me, and a whole lot of other people, laugh. So inventive and quick, he was hard to keep up with. I was a fan of his latest work - The Crazy Ones. It was "my show". And I will see Night At the Museum 3, The Secret of the Tomb.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams

Our First celebration of The Day of The Dead

1

For Carolyn Coffey

2

For Jessica and Grace

3

Remi

4

Tanner

5

Mo and our "alter"

6

30 victims

7

30 victims

8

Mary Burns

 

We set up our alter behind "Mo" and lit candles. We worked on getting a fire going in the fire pit in front of "Mo".(See picture 5) And when my husband, the fire master arrived he got a beautiful fire going. We played "Heart", and "Home"(See Charlotte), and a whole Beatles album (See Benjamin). I explained the plan in general to my 12 year old Brian and to my 9 year old Alana and our friend next door Cailyn (age 9). We put out some impromptu invites but it was just the cozy 5 of us. Brian thought of everyone. "And your Aunt Carolyn?" Yes, Brian, (see picture 1) cousin Janet posted some pictures from their celebration of Dia de las Muertos - I printed those out and put them on our alter. "And what did she like?" She loved to watch birds and be out in nature. "OK, I will go get one of our bird books." Brian, "What about Uncle Tom's wife?" Of course, Mary. (see picture 8) Found a picture of Mary on her daughter's FB page, printed it out for our alter. Cailyn asked if she could bring out something for her dog Remi. Of course you can.(See picture 3) And Tanner? (See picture 4) Absolutely. "And Mommy, how do you know those 30 people that you have in the box?" (See pictures 6 and 7) Well, I don't personally know them but there were 2 national tragedies which took these 30 people and cut their lives too short. I want to honor them.

As Alana, Cailyn, and Brian tended the fire (see Avielle) and we cooked our hamburgers (See James)... Alana says to her friend Cailyn "I feel like every fire represents people and animals who have died and their souls get lifted up by the smoke - like a set of stairs - to heaven."... From my nine year old. "Isn't that WONDERFUL?" (see Caroline) What a beautiful idea. And like a set of stairs those souls can travel down and be with us for the night. Cailyn and Alana discussed this for sometime in a very hopeful manner... and Brian said "Mommy, this is really nice." Alana and Cailyn started playing, laughing, and singing as if they had been joined by a whole bunch of 6 and 7 year olds. It was a beautiful night.

I honestly did not get done everything on my list for November 1. And I am not beating myself up about it. I know what I still need to do and I know who it is honoring. Everything will happen in good time.

I easily made the decision that we will observe November 1st as The Day of the Dead or Dia De Las Muertos or All Saints Day every year. Love, Heart, Home, Nurturing, Healing, Beautiful.

November 1st, The Day of The Dead

I have never observed this day before. But from what I understand, it is a day that families come together to celebrate the lives of their loved ones that have passed. Particularly those who have passed in the past year. A skeleton is a common symbol used in the celebrations. Sometimes families will hold picnics in the graveyards where their loved ones rest. Alters are made and favorite foods of the deceased are brought to the alters or shared at the gatherings. The thought is that if you entice the spirits of your deceased loved ones to join you and you "dance with the dead".

I had a tough time (as I am sure many of us had) grasping the Newtown, CT Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. Shortly after, People magazine came out with a wonderful edition that had all 27 victims pictured on the front.  I first saw this at the grocery store and burst in to tears right there in the check out line. Having 2 children in elementary school, a school that is much like Sandy Hook by description, I couldn't help to compare, and to picture this kind of thing happening to their school and to my children - it could have happened anywhere. I shielded my children from news casts at home and talked about it with them without the gory details. But when I would go to work, I had no control over the TV my patients were watching. Every time a report came on, the tears flowed and I would have to excuse myself from my patient's room. The news and information was coming faster than I could process. Luckily, I was able to fall right in to my therapist's office in January of this year. My goal was to work through this grieving process with something positive coming out of it.  The first step was to learn about these innocent victims pictured on the front of the People magazine - their faces, smiles, and eyes had burned into my soul. I needed to know who they were for they could have been my neighbor, my friend, my child's teacher, my child's principal, my child. I read their profiles and cried. I learned what their favorite color was, their personality, the sports team they were fans of, hobbies, passions,... and what they wanted to do in their life. I made a card for each one with their picture and profile. I was able to put these "in a box". The tears lessened. But I did not want to "forget".  I made a plan for myself that I would celebrate their lives on the Day of the Dead and figure out actions I could "Do" to honor them. October I started this blog - first blog ever. As I revisited each beautiful person whose lives were cut short, I learned how their families have been processing their unimaginable grief. The community has come together in big ways. I was awed by the missions and initiatives that have come from this event and how personal they are. So many have been able to take the passion of a 6 year old and make their dreams reality. These young souls had probably no real concept of "evil" and had probably never experienced real "evil" until moments before they passed. Many of the families have held on to that innocence and have made it blossom. When so many good people come together to do such really solid, creative, positive, loving, things... it is going to seriously put up a dang good battle against "evil". I want to be a part of THAT.

My children are off of school today. So we are going to spend the entire day celebrating the lives of these innocent victims.

Taking in to account the weather in my area, here is my schedule. If you are in my area, I invite you to drop by anytime. Or you can celebrate with us "virtually." ;)

0730 - a cup of tea with my husband - to honor Krystle Campbell (Boston bombing victim)
0800 - sneak out to store to buy things I need for today including a Starbuck's coffee in memory of Lauren Rousseau (full time substitute teacher)
0900 - blueberry pancakes with my kids - in memory of Lu Lingzi (Boston bombing victim)
0930 - throughout the day, I will discuss with my family the fact that the Dolphins won in overtime 22-20 over the Bengals last night - in memory of Mrs. Mary Sherlach (school psychologist) and the fact that the Red Sox won the World Series - in memory of Nancy Lanza (mom)
1000 - NY Giants logo on back of my hand - in honor of Jack Pinto (age 6)
Take family for a walk outdoors even if it is raining - in honor of Mrs. Anne Murphy (special resources teacher)
1100 - plant chrysanthemums and bulbs in memory of Allison Wyatt (age 6) and Madeline Hsu (age 6)
1130 - take shower and get dressed- Wear purple ravens shirt for Josephine Gay (age 7). Green ribbon - for Jesse Lewis (age 6). Pink ribbon in hair for Grace McDonnell (age 7).
1200 - set up my daughter art and craft area in basement - to also honor Emilie Parker (age 6)
1300 - Lunch of Tacos in memory of Noah Pozner (age 6)
1400 - Monopoly game in celebration of Martin Richard (age 8 - Boston bombing victim)
Afternoon - Music with singing and dancing in celebration of  Ana Grace Marquez-Greene (age6)
Beatles in memory of Benjamin Wheeler (age 6)
Home by Phillip Phillips in celebration of Charlotte Bacon (age 6)
1700 - sign my daughter up for extra curricular of her choice to honor Caroline Previdi (age 6)
sign up to volunteer at same extra curricular in memory of Dawn Hochsprung (Principal)
Print out WWDD bracelets to take orders for Daniel Barden (age 7)
1800 - bike ride in honor of Chase Kowalski (age 7)
Chalk on sidewalk of a butterfly for Dylan Hockley (age 6) and a big peace sign
Make plans to set up dog run in honor of Catherine Hubbard (age 6)
1900 - Make fire which will be named "Avie" for Avielle Richman (age 6)
At fire will be cowboy boots in memory of Jessica Rekos (age 6) and our purple flamingo in honor of Victoria Soto (teacher)
1930 - grill hamburgers over the fire for James Mattioli (age 6)
Say grace in honor of Olivia Engel (age 6)
Write letter to special resources teacher in celebration of Rachel D'Avino (behavioral therapist)


When December 14, 2013 rolls around, and the one year anniversary of Sandy Hook is brought back up in the media.... maybe I won't feel so helpless.

Martin Richard, age 8

picture from ABC news

 

Information from Huffington post via the Dorchester Reporter, Boston globe, people.

 

...Martin's father Bill Richard took the podium and delivered stirring remarks about his son. Richard, who wore a button on his suit lapel emblazoned with peace symbol, spoke for more than 10 minutes.  Bill recalled that as the family watched the marathon runners pass by, Martin had asked his mother how old you had to be to run in the race. Martin, his dad said confidently, would have definitely run Boston some day. In fact, Martin did run in a marathon-related road race along Boylston Street on the Saturday before the bombing— and Bill recalled watching his son sprinting towards the finish line, passing older kids. Martin was an outstanding and curious student who loved astronomy, math and solving complex problems at Neighborhood House Charter School. He was well-known for assisting younger students and settling disputes, loved playing and winning at Monopoly, and was a car enthusiast. Martin was also a gifted athlete, who was already lean and muscular at age 8 and a standout on the playing fields of Dorchester, where he participated in soccer, baseball, street hockey and flag football leagues. Even in inclement weather, Martin favored spending time outside shooting hoops to watching TV.

Martin Richard was a huge fan of hockey, especially his beloved Boston Bruins. Even though he was not yet a skater, Martin dreamed of someday being a hockey goalie. He loved the chants that would erupt from the stands at the Boston Garden and, on Sunday morning, Bill Richard led the St. Ann crowd in what may have been a first at the Catholic parish: A chant of "Mar-tin!, Mar-tin!" rang out for about 20 seconds.

Martin's name was invoked throughout the hour-and-a-half liturgy, which was led by Fr. Sean Connor, the pastor at St. Ann's who has been ministering to the Richard family since their ordeal began. Fr. Connor, a former police officer who is known for his sense of humor during Mass, set the tone early— telling the Mass-goers that there would be no collection at the Mass, but that "singing is required and being happy is required."


***
Kind hearted with an infectious smile. Third grader who the girls had a crush on. He was nice to the girls. A great great kid. Bicycled, basketball, hockey. "No more hurting people. Peace."


http://richardfamilyfund.org/

http://www.thenhcs.org/    Martin Richard's school. Direct payment to his memorial fund.

On November 1st, our family will play Monopoly together in Martin's memory.

Lu Lingzi, age 23

picture from NY times daily

 

 

Information from Huffington post,

 

 

BOSTON — Lu Lingzi was passionate about the piano, a daughter who always made her father laugh and a standout statistics student. [She aced qualifying exams.] Friends and family on Monday night vowed not to forget the light in their lives that was extinguished too soon... "We will keep running to finish the race for you and we will try to realize your unfinished dream." said her roommate. Hundreds of people packed a hall at Boston University to say goodbye to Lu, a 23-year-old graduate student. Jing told the crowd how when she met Lu in April 2012 they discovered they were both from the northern part of China, both piano lovers and both without boyfriends. "We believed we were long-lost sisters and could not wait to begin our adventure in Boston," she said. "I was so grateful that I had such a lovely sister in my life, but I had no idea that this friendship would only last one year."
Speakers recalled a bubbly young woman who loved dogs and blueberry pancakes and who was also a driven student. ..."She was the family's Shirley Temple, if you will, the little elf and a little jolly girl, bringing everyone in the family ceaseless laughter," said Lu Jun, who spoke in his native tongue and was followed by an English interpreter.

"She's gone but our memories of her are very much alive," her father said. "An ancient Chinese saying says every child is actually a little Buddha that helps their parents mature and grow up."...

https://www.bu.edu/alumni-forms/forms/lu-lingzi-fund/

On November 1st, I will eat blueberry pancakes in memory of Lu Lingzi.

Friends, families and fellow students pack Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013 for a memorial service in memory of Boston University graduate student Lu Lingzi, who was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)


A member of the audience sheds tears during Lu Lingzi's eulogy, delivered by her father, Lu June at Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

Zheng Minhui a classmate of Lu Lingzi, speaks of Lingzi during her memorial service at Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

Lucy Torres of Stoneham, Mass., the executive secretary for Boston University's Dean of Students, accepts flowers from well-wishers arriving to Lu Lingzi's memorial service at Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

Jing Li Lu Lingzi's roommate, speaks of Lingzi during her memorial service at Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday evening, April 22, 2013. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

The Deputy General Consul for the People's Republic of China, New York, Zhong Ruiming delivers a message on behalf of the Consulate General of he People's Republic of China, New York, during Lu Lingzi's memorial service at Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

Rev. Robert Allan Hill, the dean of the Marsh Chapel at Boston University, greets those gathered for Lu Lingzi's memorial service st Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. Lingzi's father, Lu Jun, gave the eulogy toward the end of the service, which featured musical selections and remembrances from faculty and students. (AP Photo/Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

Friends, families and fellow students packed Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013 for a memorial service in memory of Boston University graduate student Lu Lingzi, who was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. Lingzi's father, Lu Jun gave the eulogy toward the end of the service, which featured musical selections and remembrances from faculty and students. (AP Photo/Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

Stuffed animals, flowers and tissues adorn the entryway table of Metcalf Hall as attendees streamed past to take their seats for Lu Lingzi's memorial service in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday evening, April 22, 2013. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. Lingzi's father, Lu Jun gave the eulogy toward the end of the service, which featured musical selections and remembrances from faculty and students. (AP Photo/Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

Shira Stern, center, of Marlboro, N.J., a chaplain for Disaster and Spiritual Care with the Amercian Red Cross, collects boxes of tissues to distribute among the attendees of Lu Lingzi's memorial service at Metcalf Hall in Boston University's George Sherman Student Union on Monday, April 22, 2013. At left is Carole Beauchamp, of Grand Blanc, Mich., a disaster mental health volunteer with the American Red Cross. At right is Lucy Torres, of Stoneham, Mass., the executive secretary for Boston University's Dean of Students, Kenneth Elmore. Lingzi was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/Boston Globe, Dina Rudick, Pool)

FILE - This combination of undated photos shows, from left, Martin Richard, 8, Krystle Campbell, 29, and Lingzi Lu, a Boston University graduate student. Richard, Campbell and Lu were killed in the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday, April 15, 2013, in Boston. (AP Photo/File)

The Boston Red Sox stand during tribute to Boston Marathon bombing victims, including Chinese student Lingzi Lu, before a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Boston, Saturday, April 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

In this Wednesday, April 17, 2013 photo, Chinese hold pictures of Lu Lingzi, a Boston University graduate student from China who was killed Monday in the Boston Marathon explosions, as they hold candles to mourn for her in Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning province. Lu was a graduate student studying mathematics and statistics and scheduled to receive her graduate degree in 2015. (AP Photo)

A woman reflects in front of a makeshift memorial honoring Boston University student Lingzi Lu, who was killed in the Boston Marathon explosions, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Boston. The city continues to cope following Monday's explosions near the finish line of the marathon, which claimed three lives. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

A photograph of Boston University student Lingzi Lu, who was killed in the Boston Marathon explosions, sits on a table as a student writes a message on a board outside the school's Marsh Chapel before a vigil, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Boston. The city continues to cope following Monday's explosions near the finish line of the marathon, which claimed three lives. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

This undated photo provided by Meixu Lu shows Lingzi Lu in Boston. Boston University confirmed Wednesday, April 17, 2013, that Lingzi Lu, who was studying mathematics and statistics at the school and was due to receive her graduate degree in 2015, was among the people killed in the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday, April 15, 2013, in Boston. (AP Photo/Meixu Lu)

 



Krystle Campbell, age 29

picture from couriermail

Information from Huffington post, yahoo news

Campbell's father, William A. Campbell Jr., told Yahoo News, "My daughter was the most lovable girl. She helped everybody...

 Hordon Health member - Krystle could easily have been described as the salt of the earth, but her complexity demands more."

Krystle Campbell went every year to the Boston Marathon finish line to watch the runners. Wonderful, sweet, kind, friendly, always smiling. She was a restaurant manager. Great sense of humor. Made others feel special. Took care of grandmother - cup of tea, lots of laughs, hugs and a kiss.

http://www.tbf.org/giving/make-a-gift/krystle-campbell-memorial-fund

On November 1st, I will have a cup of tea with my family in memory of Krystle.

Madeline Hsu, age 6

picture from People magazine

 

 

 



Information from obituary, People, LATimes, 

 

                       

Madeline Hsu was a shy and quiet 6-year-old — but she would light up around dogs..."She was just an absolute doll," Dryer, a neighbor said. "She seemed very shy, but she was just so sweet." - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?pid=161726087#sthash.7HJlozTe.dpuf

 

Maddy and Caroline were at the same bus stop as a new kindergartner who was scared to go to school. Every morning they would take his hand and help comfort him to get on the bus. At the end of the day, they would meet their Moms and the kindergartner's golden retriever who Maddy loved.

 

Her outfits matched her personality: sunny floral dresses. “She was a sweet, unique, bright, sparkling, determined little girl,” her family said in a statement about the first-grader. “She was an avid reader who loved running and dancing. She was a born leader.”

https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

Madeline Hsu's family has remained extremely private through their grieving. It was difficult to find a place to donate. Above is a general donation through United Way to be directed to the Sandy Hook School community. Below is a memorial fund that was in the Huffington Post January 2013.

Donations can be sent to the Madeleine Hsu Memorial Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 26 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470

On November 1st, I will plant flowers for the beautiful little girl, Maddy Hsu.



Benjamin Wheeler, age 6

picture from People magazine

 

Information from Huffington post, obituary, Ben's Lighthouse fund,

 

 

 

...Ben was an irrepressibly bright and spirited boy whose love of fun and excitement at the wonders of life and the world could rarely be contained. His rush to experience life was headlong, creative and immediate. He was a devoted fan of his older brother, Nate, and the two of them together filled the house with the noise of four children. He loved the local soccer program, often running across the field long after it was actually necessary, but always smiling and laughing as he moved the ball nearly always at full tilt. He was becoming a strong swimmer and loved his lessons. Eager to learn, he couldn't wait to get to school to see his teacher and his growing group of new first grade friends. Ben was also a member of Tiger Scout Den 6 which met at the Sandy Hook Volunteer Firehouse. Earlier in December, Ben performed at his piano recital and sitting still long enough to play one piece was an accomplishment he reveled in. He loved The Beatles, lighthouses, and the number 7 train to Sunnyside, Queens. In a conversation with [his mother] before school on Friday, he said, "I still want to be an architect, but I also want to be a paleontologist, because that's what Nate is going to be and I want to do everything Nate does." - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspxpid=161791261#sthash.atJu8HL5.dpufly 

 

Ben Wheeler was an irrepressible young boy who dreamed of being an architect, a paleantologist and a lighthouse keeper all at once. In public settings like school or church, people always knew when Ben was around. There was nothing on his dial between one and eleven; nothing moved quickly enough for him and the joy he showed in his headlong rush through life was contagious. Quick to smile, quick to laugh, eyes sparkling always with his love of everything (and a good deal of mischief) he was an energetic spirit who filled lives with a delightful noise...


http://benslighthousefund.org/


On November 1st, I will play some Beatles in memory of Ben.

Rachel D'Avino, age 29

picture from People magazine

 

Information from Huffington post, Connecticut community foundation, memorial page, obituary

Rachel was born on July 17, 1983, a 2001 graduate of Nonnewaug High School, Rachel went on to receive her bachelor's degree from the University of Hartford, her master's degree from Post University, and was working towards her doctorate degree from University of St. Joseph of Hartford.

Rachel completed her final requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her presence and tremendous smile brightened any room she entered. Rachel loved animals, cooking, baking, photography and karate. She was an adoring big sister who cherished her two younger siblings like they were her own children.

Her passion, however, was her occupation as a behavioral therapist working with children within the autism spectrum. She had worked in various positions throughout her career providing behavioral therapy to children, with hopes of helping them develop into happy and healthy adults. She integrated these children into her daily life, often taking them into her home, hosting holidays and crafting parties for them. She taught them and treated them like family. Her maternal nature, understanding, and sense of patience with the learning disabled were truly gifts she possessed. Ultimately, it is these gifts that would have given Rachel a level of understanding and forgiveness during this time of crisis that many others wouldn't have.

Rachel's boyfriend had just asked her parents for their blessing to marry. He had planned on proposing on Christmas Eve.

 

http://www.usj.edu/news/in-honor.html

 

http://www.conncf.org/cart/viewProduct.cfm?productID=2029

 

http://rachelmariedavino.com/

 

On November 1st, I will send a letter of thanks to the specialist that worked with my son throughout elementary school.



Anne Marie Murphy, age 52

picture from People magazine

 

Information from Huffington post, obituary,

 

 

 She was born July 25, 1960 in Mount Kisco, NY, the daughter of Dr. Hugh and Alice McGowan of Katonah and graduated from St. Mary's School in Katonah, John F. Kennedy H.S. in Somers, NY and Southern CT State University with an MS degree in Education. Anne was employed by the Newtown Board of Education as a Teacher at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. She will be remembered for her love of the Arts, walks in the outdoors and most importantly: her family. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?pid=161791026#sthash.wiyigZaC.dpuf

 

 

School aide, art teacher, special education teacher. She was one of 7 and had 4 children herself. Loved art and painted a mural. Every Memorial day she would return to Katonah, NY to watch her Dad march in the parade. Her final act was to embrace Dylan Hockley and other students. Dylan loved his teacher so much he kept a picture of her on his refrigerator.

 

 

http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/anne_marie_murphy 

 

On November 1st, I will take a walk in the outdoors with my family in her Mrs. Murphy's memory.



Lauren Rousseau, age 30

picture from People magazine

 

 

Information from Huffington post, People, obituary, ctpost,

 

Lauren was known for her exuberance, her love of family and of children, her friendliness, kindness and loyalty, and her ever-present smile. "If she didn't have a smile on her face, she was trying to make someone else feel like smiling," a longtime friend said. Lauren was a graduate of Danbury High School, where her greatest joys were singing and dancing in the yearly musical and teaching in the school-based nursery school. She graduated from the University of Connecticut at Storrs in 2004 with a degree in English and psychology, and she earned a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport. She did her yearlong teaching internship at Robert Avenue School, some of it in the same classroom where she had been a first-grader. She did her student teaching at John Pettibone School in New Milford, and later worked as a substitute teacher in Danbury, New Milford and Newtown. She was hired as a permanent substitute teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary only weeks before her death. From her college years on she worked in catering at Fox Hill Inn in Brookfield, and the past few years she also worked at the Starbucks coffee shop in Danbury. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?pid=161797784#sthash.fQeBessS.dpuf

 

Friends describe her as an angel. Always wanted to be a teacher since she was little. Loved the students..."her kids".  Had a cat named Laila. Liked to take the train to Manhattan to see Broadway shows. Last year of her life was the happiest.

 

http://www.bridgeport.edu/finaid/graduate/scholarships/lauren-rousseau-memorial-scholarship/

 

On November 1st, I will drink a Starbucks coffee in Lauren Rousseau's memory.



Mary Sherlach, age 56

picture from People magazine

 

 

Information from People, Huffington post, CNN,

 

 

Sherlach, 56, was an expert in psychology, having earned her undergraduate degree in that subject at SUNY Cortland and a master's degree at Southern Connecticut State University. Before becoming a school psychologist, she worked as a rehabilitation assistant at a psychiatric facility, at a group home for disabled adults and as a community mental health placement specialist. Her experience in education included stints in the Redding, North Haven and New Haven public school systems before landing at Sandy Hook Elementary in 1994. During her time in Newtown, Sherlach kept busy as a member of numerous groups such as the district conflict resolution committee, safe school climate committee, crisis intervention team and student instructional team. From her Facebook page:

"My husband Bill and I have been married 31 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, ages 25 and 28," she said. One a chorus teacher, the other getting her PhD in chemistry.

Sherlach listed her interests as gardening, reading and going to the theater. She and her husband lived in Trumbull, Connecticut, and "enjoy traveling and spending time at our lake home" in upstate New York's Finger Lakes region. 

 

She was looking towards retirement and she loved to sit on her front porch on her white wicker loveseat. She was a great neighbor. She was also a Miami Dolphins fan.

http://www.fccfoundation.org/cm/Sandy%20Hook%20School.html

 

On November 1st, I will know how the Dolphins did the night before... and on November 11, I will watch and root for the Dolphins in the Monday Night Football game in memory of Mary Sherlach.

Victoria Soto, age 27

picture from People magazine

 

 

Information from Huffington post, obituary, NY Times, Wikipedia, Eastern Connecticut State University,

 

 

 Born In Bridgeport on November 4 1985, she was a lifelong Stratford resident. Vicki was a graduate of Stratford High School Class of 2003, and Eastern Connecticut State University, where she graduated with high honors, earning degrees in both Education and History. She was currently attending Southern Connecticut State University, to complete her Master's Degree. Vicki was in her fifth year of teaching at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Teaching was her passion, following in the footsteps of her beloved Aunt Debbie, and her dream since she was three years old. Molding young minds was her priority, but being the "fun" teacher, was what she was all about. The children she taught at Sandy Hook Elementary were a huge part of her life. Vicki was equally passionate about her family, which was the most important part of her life, especially her siblings, sisters, Jillian whom she loved unconditionally, and Carlee in whom she instilled the importance of higher education and her brother Carlos Matthew who looked up to his big sister with pride. She was not only a role model to her sisters and brother, but to everyone she met. She was an amazing young woman, who died a hero. Some of her favorite things include: Flamingo's, of which you can never have to many, (whenever we saw one, we thought of her), the New York Yankees #11, ... Vicki also leaves behind her loving dog Roxie, who waited for her to come home everyday, and is still waiting, lost without her. Her extended family was also a huge part of her life. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?pid=161773156#sthash.Gr5QD4Ds.dpuf

 

      

...Ms. Soto was remembered as a young woman with long brown hair, captivating blue eyes and “an infectious laugh,” one who had a passion for gathering her extended family together whenever she could and making relatives laugh with sometimes zany impulsive gestures.  They recalled how Ms. Soto, on a whim, insisted that all of her cousins and siblings buy cheap sunglasses before a trip to a Six Flags amusement park, how she woke her lovesick college roommate with “Kiss the Girl” from the Disney film “The Little Mermaid.”... and seemed to live for Christmas and the chance to ornament a tree that she insisted on choosing, and to be surrounded by her family.  She was the funniest, goofiest person.... always up for anything.When she hugged you,” she said, “she put her whole heart and soul into every hug she gave.” Ms. Soto’s aunt, Debbie Cronk, a teacher who was her professional inspiration, remembered how exuberant Ms. Soto was when she called five years ago to say she had secured a job at Sandy Hook Elementary. But Ms. Cronk also remembered her mischievous side, how as a little girl Ms. Soto loved feeding the ducks near her grandmother’s house, though not as much as eating the bread herself. Ms. Schiavone, her best friend, recalled Ms. Soto’s devotion to the profession — spending every evening working on lesson plans and designing poster boards — and the extra mile she went for her students. 

 

 

http://www.easternct.edu/advancement/victoria_soto.html

 

 

On November 1st, we shall have a purple flamingo in attendance at the fire in memory of Vickie Soto.

 



Nancy Lanza, age 52

picture from People magazine

 

 

Information from Huffington post, People magazine, NYDaily News, NPR

 

Grew up in Kingston NH. Married her sweetheart in 1981. Became a stockbroker and her husband was an executive. Family moved to Newtown CT. and the Lanzas had 2 sons. Over time became a broken family leading to a divorce in 2009. With the divorce settlement, Nancy wouldn't need to work again. Oldest son had graduated college, moved to NY and held a respectable job. Youngest son had a learning disability, was very socially awkward, and emotionally disturbed. Nancy fought with school system and finally took youngest out and homeschooled him. Youngest received his GED but never had a job and lived at home with his mother. Nancy was described as warm, open, gregarious, friendly, and generous. Liked Craft Beer, frequenting a bar/restaurant called My Place. Her other hobbies were playing Bunco with the neighborhood ladies, gardening, target shooting, game hunting, and gun collecting. She and her youngest would often go to the shooting range together. Since the divorce, Nancy's friends had noted two fears had developed in Nancy's life: the direction the country was going because of the economy, and the fear that she was losing her youngest son - that she was not connecting with him. Nancy never got out of bed Friday morning.

 

My Place has dedicated a bar stool in Nancy Lanza's name.

 

www.nami.org

 

http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-referral-resources/#Hotline

 

 

On November 1st, I will discuss the Red Sox World Series Win with my children in memory of Nancy.