As you probably already know, Steve Gilliard died yesterday at the age of 41. It is my sad duty to inform you that fellow Kossack station wagon also died early Saturday morning, with her sister and husband at her side.
Her husband sent me an e-mail this morning asking me to let the community know of her death. According to his note, she died after a two-day downturn, and was spared a lot of pain and suffering. He is making funeral arrangements for her, but I don't know if they will be public or not. I'll pass on anything I hear.
More below the fold.
I didn't know Steve, but his presence was certainly one I felt in the blogosphere, and many of the people I hold in high regard thought of him as a mentor and a friend. I knew station wagon better, and we'll all certainly miss her company here at Daily Kos and elsewhere. Let us be in prayer* for these people, their families and friends:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive.
Monday morning update: station wagon's husband reports being "overwhelmed" by the outpouring on her behalf. He asked me to share the following information:
Margaret "Meg" O'Donnell-Buikema, 47, died Sat, June 2, 2007 at her home. She was a graduate of Okemos High School(1972) and, graduated with high honors from Mich State University, College of Education (1992).
Visitation, Mon June 4, 5-8PM at Yntema Funeral Home, Zeeland , MI. Memorial service to follow visitation (8:00-845PM).
Catholic Mass, Wed June 6, 11AM, St Peters Church, Eaton Rapids, MI
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or, Amer Cancer Society.
Online registry is available at: www.yntemafh.com for those unable to attend.