From Van
This phase of Barbara’s Excellent Adventure came to an end just after midnight, a few minutes into Saturday, April 23, 2011. She died peacefully, surrounded by me, her three children, (Dr.) Angie Chen, Laurel Leone, and Jeff Sawastuk. As the end approached, we sat in vigil in the candle-lit living room, scented with fragrance of mock orange from the garden and with some of her favorite music softly playing. Her sister Portia arrived shortly after her passing.
During the final weeks of her illness, Barbara became more and more purely what she most was: a being of wonder, affirmation, gratitude, and love.
A memorial celebration of Barbara’s life is being planned for a future date. When available, information will be posted here. Her ashes will be interred in the family cemetery plot in Austin, Minnesota, where in due course I will join her.
Go with love and peace.
ReplyDeleteBarbara & Steve
It is such a profound and joyful privilege to have both of you in our lives.
ReplyDeleteWith a great deal of love, Carol and Hal
Van,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to you and your family. Barbara was such a beautiful person inside and out. She was so truly blessed to have such a wonderful family by her side through her journey.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you,
Jennifer and Don Ragno
What a beautiful and comfortable room. I hope to be so lucky when my time comes... My thoughts are with your family.
ReplyDelete-Annabelle
Love and peace to you all. Sending hugs from Minnesota.
ReplyDelete~Jodie Briant
I shall miss her so much..it was a privilege to work side by side in our office...and she was so much more than that for me. I am also thankful for the brief time with Van and Elizabeth yesterday afternoon as they packed up many of Barbara's cherished treasures in her office, and shared the memories behind them.
ReplyDeleteAlissa
I saw my parents and my sister right after they died. I would not have expected to see Barbara in a similar state on her own blog.
ReplyDeleteI will miss her.
To all the Van Slykes:
ReplyDeleteOur heartfelt condolences at this time. She was a lady who will be sorely missed
Terry, Gail, Tony, Tim, Susie, John, Dena,
Alan, Alicia, and Kelly
Barbara's spirit was always so bright -- my life was richer because of her being a part of it.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts go out to the entire family.
Lisa Hotchkiss
Although I only know Elizabeth, Jesse, & Joe, I am saddened, but yet inspired, by Barbara and her story of courage, faith & love. May God be with you all at this time. Sending our love & prayers Cheryl & Gary Gauthier
ReplyDeleteI was so blessed to have visited with Barbara recently, and it was such a quiet pleasure to listen to music together. I have never witnessed such a atmosphere of love, peace, music, and beauty that surrounded her and it was truly inspirational. Thank you Van, for sharing her spirit with us. Much love, Kelly
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all and sending my love.
ReplyDeleteEmily
To all of the Van Slyke's,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts go out to all of you.
From the first time Barbara taught me how to play guitar to all of her great advice growing up, she has always been an inspiration to me.
Greg Fralick
Our love goes out to you and your family, Van. Barbara was a wonderful woman with a particularly beautiful smile. We will keep you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteBeth and Butch Colyear
Van,
ReplyDeleteJeanne and I grieve with you along with so many more. Our love and condolences go out to you, Betsy, Peter and John and all the family. Barbara lives on in my heart and soul. Who I am in the deepest part of my being has been shaped by her and what we shared. Glenn Olf
Our hearts go out to the Van Slyke family. We are saddened, but grateful to her and to you for the amazing generosity of allowing us to share this part of her Excellent Adventure. She was a teacher to me and a dear friend.
ReplyDeleteBea and Paul Kolodziej
Van and Family,
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you. Barbara's presence will be missed. I believe she's left a path of dignity, compassion, a twinkle of the eye and good common sense behind! I am glad I've had the opportunity to spend time with her; laugh with her and enjoy her beautiful smile and gracious ways.
Melissa Kaplan Grudin
To her family, my sincerest condolences.
ReplyDeleteShe was such a wonderful person who helped me out dearly, who appreciated the wonder around her. She will be sorely missed. Her life made in the indelible print on my being. Her life was a spiritual journey. She taught by example, listening, and out of silent came wisdom.
Sincerely Thomas Cvelbar
No mirror ever became iron again;
No bread ever became wheat;
No ripened grape ever became sour fruit.
Mature yourself and be secure from a change for the worse.
Become the light.
Rumi