Let me tell you a little about our special sister.  Missy was 37 when she died on June 6, 1997 of Lymphathic Cancer.  She was a loving mother to 15 year old Anastasia, loving daughter to Earl and loving ex-wife to Dan. 

Missy was a strong person, one who ignored pain and sought the pleasures of life instead.  She loved spring flowers, dancing, and all sorts of activities.  Up until she was in a car accident in 1996, she had no idea that her body was being attacked by Cancer.  Missy fought with all her strength to overcome it but she was unable to win this final battle of her life. 

During Missy's last few months on earth, she kept a journal of sorts on her web page.  It served as a lesson about her disease, her hopes, her dreams and what her life had meant.  DianaDru had to help with this page toward the end as Missy's physical strength was low.  It was a labor of love. 

All of LOTH placed candles on their pages when Missy died in her home laying peacefully on Dan's lap looking out on her garden of spring flowers.  Some LOTH sisters still leave that candle burning on their page in memory of the beautiful soul that once graced our lives with her presence. 

Below you will find memories and memorials to Missy written by those that knew her well.

Special Notification: 8 June, 1997, 10:45 p.m. 

   It is with a very sad and heavy heart that I must report to all of  you that Missy is no  longer with us. Missy is with her heavenly father and is no longer in any pain or enduring the agony of her cancer. Missy left us June 6, 1997. 

Missy, I will miss you. You have made me realize the love for others that though deep inside of me, I was unable to express to my loved ones. You have taught thousands of us to love and  to show our love. You have enabled hundreds if not thousands of us to break down our barriers of silence and to speak out for what we believe. Missy, you have taught us to love and I will never forget you.Thank you Missy, for being you. 

                Open Letter to Missy from Joan; 

                             21 March, 1997 

          Missy I need to thank you so much!! 

  If not for you and your courage, I would never have been able to put into words my feelings about my brother and the loss of my children! You, being able to open yourself to us, has given me the  courage to speak up and reveal my pains, hurts and fears. It has also allowed me to open up and express the Love that I have kept secreted away in fear of losing more of my loved ones. 

Dear wonderful, sweet, brave and courageous Lady thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for showing me the way and guiding me with your wonderous light. You are a ray of hope for all of  us.  

                                 Joanie

I can imagine the pastel beauty of a lunar rainbow 
A pale reflection of the joy you felt as you journied to the light, 
Where you shed the bonds of pain and the fragile earthly shell. 
You will understand that we grieve, even as we smile through our crystal tears. 
For part of us longs to be up there with you and our departed loved ones.. 
We rejoice for your happiness and the splendor of your celestial horizons, 
We are sure the lilt of your happy laugh is as lyrical as any harp. 

How rich we are that your presence and memories will continue to be among us: 
With the blossoms in spring, the first robin.. 
With balmy summer breezes at the beach, and the sweet taste of white peaches.. 
With little children on their way to school in the fall and with the first autumn faeries 
that paint the leaves magical colors.. 
With the iridescent glitter of the first new-fallen snow and the singing of the logs in 
the fireplace whilst a tea kettle merrily whistles in the distance. 

The warmth of your memories continues to soothe and gladden our hearts... 
As we murmur words of encouragement to those that need them, 
As our prayers go out to those in pain.. 
As our deeds might lighten someone else's load,  
As we continue to love one another and ourselves.  

Even in heaven you bring blessings to me and to others.. 
*scuffing toes in the rug shyly but wanting to ask anyways* 
When you have a minute or two pretty please Missy Angel :) 
Welcome my darling Siamese Tasha who just arrived last night..(6-23-97) 
Give my beloved collie Robin a hug and a small windfall apple..(8-16-81) 
Another hug and a large biscuit for my doberman soul-mate, Star..(6-1-88) 
Whisper in their furry ears that I have never stopped loving or missing them. 
With your infinite kindness, I know that if you can do this you will. 

Aloha, sweet Missy of the angel smiles and angel voice... 
Our Earthly World is a better place because of you... 
T'hyla the Silver Lady aka Barb T, Visionary Rainbows 
 

You smiled with us, you laughed and cried with us.  Your arms were ever open to circle the growing number of those who loved you and whom you loved in return.  You were the evergreen tree to those in the winter of despair.  You were the bluebird of happiness to many and though I miss you deeply, I am happy that you able to soar free of pain. 

You had that rare ability to bring out the best in everyone and to hook into the motherlode of human kindness. I thank you for being just who you were and touching my life and so many other lives with your goodness.  

I can almost see you tapping your little foot upon a cloud while looking around to see if any other angels need cheering up. I am sure it won't be long til you are much 
beloved by all the angels too..  Your spirit is with me dear Missy.  I am honored to have known you through your  
journal and thru email...I have been and ever shall by thy friend. 

All my love, 

Barb aka Silver of Visionary Rainbows 

Donna Marsh