Condolence From: Linda C Golding
Condolence: "...how we spend our day is, of course, how we spend our lives."
(Annie Dillard)
On Sunday, I was privileged to celebrate the life of a dear friend, a friend who died way too soon. We hadn't had nearly enough time with her to lose her so young.
I'm convinced that Myra was at the celebration, there through all of us who cared so much for and about her. And not least through her writing, which had the entire roomful of friends and family smiling, and completely enthralled.
Myra spent all her days well, whether she was writing ad copy for work, or antiquing with her dearest "Raysie", or finally, pursuing her Master's Degree in Creative Writing - something she had long lusted after. Due to graduate in May of this year, and knowing time was running out, last Saturday her professors and classmates came to visit and presented her with the coveted diploma. Myra - you did it! - and brilliantly so. Your writing will stand as testament to all that you were.
I last saw Myra a little over three weeks ago, along with two other lifelong friends, part of a longtime "gang", who regularly met at the infamous Rode's to catch up, to confide in one another, to keep in touch. On this particular day, Myra sat in perfect yoga position, quietly holding court, chatting, gossiping and, in her own way, saying goodbye to us. Nothing was said, but we all knew it.
To paraphrase Bobby Dylan, "you're a success if you get up in the morning, and get to bed at night, and in between you do what you want to do." Myra, by any measure, you were a resounding success. You imparted so much to so many...we will remember you always. All love to you, dear, dear friend.
Tuesday March 18, 2014
Condolence From: Arthur P. Johnson
Condolence: I first met Myra when she came to The Franklin Mint's copy department, and we struck up a friendship immediately, which will come as no surprise to any of her loved ones. From the start, she struck me as incredibly sensitive and compassionate, alert to any sadness or hurt in her friends, and anxious to help. She was fun to be with, because she had an optimistic tempermental and a wicked sense of humor. She was to prove a devoted friend to my wife and me for decades to come. Throughout these years, She continued to impress me with her zest for life, her wish to grow and experience life's deeper joys, and her courage to face down her fears in pursuit of her dreams. We were so happy to be at her wedding and share in what I suspect may have been the happiest moment of her life, uniting with a man who has never failed to return her love and rejoice in having found such a beautiful human being. I remember nearly falling off my chair upon being Tweeted by Myra -- not by nature a tech-geek like me, but determined to learn and enjoy social media. It made me so happy to learn that one of Myra's last life experiences was to receive her Master's Degree, because she was all about growing and learning, and never, ever stopped. I know she was among the very wisest of all our friends, never blinded by shallow stuff, always seeing into the essence of any matter, giving valuable advice when asked, although never intruding. My only regret is that we didn't live closer to Myra and Ray, because she was such fun company, such a true friend and so good to have on hand as a compass and guide. Never was life more unfair as to depart this wonderful person so young -- and I'm comforted only by knowing that Myra seemed fulfilled and happy when last we met, having seized her opportunities, embraced her joys and taken what every day handed her as a chance to learn more. We'll always love you, Myra.
Thursday March 13, 2014
Condolence From: Melissa Mader
Condolence: Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ray and family.Myra was an amazing women who was a grandmother to Eric and will be missed greatly.Finally at peace but never forgotten.Love,Melissa and Eric
Thursday March 13, 2014
Condolence From: Christina Maxwell
Condolence: First off, my deepest condolences to Myra's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I truly hope you find the peace you are looking for.
I was Myra's classmate in Seminar I last fall, and I have to say, it was an honor to just be in her presence. The way she would so eloquently speak to each of us, truly listening to our thoughts and opinions and engaging the class through conversation was memorable. She was always positive and delightful to be around. I think I speak for everyone in the class when I say Myra was a creative and spiritual inspiration in the confines of our classroom and beyond.
I am so glad to hear Myra was able to complete her MA in Writing degree over the weekend. Like her spirit, her words will never leave us.
God bless you all,
Christina Maxwell
Wednesday March 12, 2014
