In Loving Memory--Mary/Dandiefan

[idreamofcolin]

Thank you so much for posting such a lovely picture Geeamouse.

I was in shock, reading this thread. I didn't know Mary well, but I remember her from the sites - particularly her love for dandie dinmont terriers - and I had a little cry about her passing.

Amidst the grief is a wonder at how close a community we become. We are women scattered across the globe from all walks of life and in many different circumstances. Yet our love of Jane Austen and lust for Colin draw us together and we find we have so much in common. We are truly sisters, and when one hurts, we all feel it.

Mary will always be a part of this group, this family. And I will miss her contributions.

[mena]

geeamouse, thank you for sharing with us your friendship with our dear sister. I didn't know her...
But looks like she was a very kind lady...
And i'm truly sorry for your lost.

[Admin]

Dearest Geeamouse, thank you so much for posting this photo of our dear Mary, you, Steve and Jerod. I read your comments about Mary on another site and I was so hoping you had a picture of Mary's smiling face to share with us. I can really get a sense of Mary's kind and beautiful spirit captured here.

As profoundly as her passing has been felt by those of us who'd never met Mary is, I can only imagine how painful it is for you and I am so sorry for your loss.

[kissedbycolin]

It is simply heartbreaking to know that something so tragic could happen to such a lovely, gentle, special lady. Have been giving it so much thought. She sounded very dear and it truly is losing one of "our own" by losing a fellow Firth Sister.

We share so much of our spirits and our hearts when we share our love and devotion for Colin and things that we hold precious in our hearts. Therefore, it is so very thoughtful and appropriate that the very kind Firth Sister Managers have reserved a place for us to show our love, respect and appreciation for members who are always so very sadly missed.

Thank you for creating this space for us to "remember".
May God bless lovely Mary.

Sincerely,
Kissedbycolin

[Cruijff]

[DCLover]

February 16 2009-March 18 2009




Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad

_{by Christina Rosetti}

[geeamouse]

I attended a very lovely service for Mary last weekend at Shoreline Park in Santa Barbara. There were at least 60 people there ... young and old from all over. Her dog, Caitlin, was there and enjoyed all the company. Lots of her dog friends, Mac User friends, sewing friends, old college friends. I think I was the only "Colin" friend there though. A lot of memories were shared. It was a very nice celebration of Mary's life. I swear I could see her standing in the group smiling wide.

I drove by her house on the way home and prayed that Mary was fast asleep and never knew there was a fire ... It was hard to look at but I know somehow Mary is with us even now. And that makes me smile.

[Cruijff]

Dear GeeaMouse I am so happy for you that you were able to attend the service in Mary's honour!
Thanks for sharing this with us Mary will remain a Firth Sister forever...

[mishluvscf]

What a sad story. Thank you all for sharing your memories and photos.

[Admin]

Thank you so much Geeamouse for sharing with us. I am so happy you were able to attend and be a witness to the out pouring of love and memories of Mary, as well as sharing your own fond memories. And how sweet that her beloved Caitlin was in attendance. I believe Mary was there smiling broadly, surrounded by the love of those who knew her.

As Marina said Mary will forever be a most beloved Firth Sister.

[laynnie]

Everyone who commented has done an excellent job in displayng their sorrow upon her death!!

Yes, may she rest in peace!!!!!!!

[Cruijff]

Miss you, my dear Firth Sister...

[Admin]

I wanted to include of the posts expressing condolences from the General and O/T boards in this memorial thread for Mary. So I have added them below. Bless you Mary.


Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Thread Started on Mar 2, 2009, 3:42am » From: Susan/Drurylane

I am so sorry and sad to report this news. I was just looking on Meryton fan fiction site and this message was on there -
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On February 16, 2009 Mary Ostrand (Dandiefan) died during a fire in her home in Santa Barbara California. The Independent carried the story.

Mary's constant companion, Caitlin her Dandie Dinmont Terrier was found safely in a bedroom.

Mary was the president of the local AKC club, The Channel City Kennel Club, actively tutored students in mathematics and enjoyed her life in California.

Mary's love of Colin Firth and Jane Austen Fan Fiction brought her into our world. Mary was a kind soul who was incredibly supportive of the Authors at The Meryton Literary Society and other sites she frequented. She religiously commented on the stories she was reading, always encouraging the authors of the stories to continue their efforts and write more

I'm not sure why this was not on there before this but I am sure you would like to know.
Sorry if this does not make complete sense as I am in shock and so sad, Mary has been a member for such a long time and she will be sadly missed

Susan
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #1 on Mar 2, 2009, 3:52am » From: Larita

I never knew Mary but I would like to say that I am so sorry for her loss and send my condolensces to those who knew her.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #2 on Mar 2, 2009, 4:33am » From CAF10


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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #4 on Mar 2, 2009, 6:18am » From: Roberta

Although I did not know this lady, personally, she was
a Firth Sister, & we are Family.

We only recently expressed our good wishes, in celebration
of her Birthday, at a time when she was already gone.

To those who knew her, on a personal level, & to her family,
I pray that your memories of her will be of comfort to you,
in the days to come.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Roberta
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #5 on Mar 2, 2009, 7:23am » From: Firthfire

What sad and tragic news!

Last year, when I offered to share my copy of "Murdered by Mumia" with another Firth Sister, Mary was the first one I heard from. In a very sweet gesture, she said she only wanted me to send her the book if there were no other requests, which there were.

My deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #6 on Mar 2, 2009, 12:51pm » From: Firthmad

That is indeed very sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #7 on Mar 2, 2009, 1:38pm » From: Martha

Although I did not have the pleasure to know her, I would like to give my deepest condolences to her family and friends.
I hope she is fine wherever she may be now.
Rest in peace Mary.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #8 on Mar 2, 2009, 3:30pm » From: Merginlyslycupid

Yes, sad news indeed in loosing one our Dear Sisters...I hardly knew her also, but sincere condolences to her family, and as her contribution's to the FS board will be sadly missed plus her other interests. Rest in peace Dear Mary.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #9 on Mar 2, 2009, 11:40pm » From: Shazzadut

“All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated...As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come: so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness....No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” John Donne

Condolences to all her family and friends.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #1 on Mar 2, 2009, 3:12am » From Tobylachat

Shocking news! FS wished her a happy birthday on Feb. 24, '09.
I also remember her from Hyacinth Gardens. I'm so terribly sorry.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #6 on Mar 2, 2009, 12:22pm » From: Lily

What a terrible and tragic accident!
I am so sorry.
My heartfelt condolences to all those who knew and miss Mary!
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #8 on Mar 2, 2009, 2:37pm » From: Tess

Oh my goodness. I had tears in my eyes reading this. Mary and I had emailed back and forth a few times, mostly about dogs and Santa Barbara. What a kind woman! What a loss!

I googled the news story. It is tragic. Apparently her fire alarm battery was missing and she was found in the burning home by the fire department when a neighbor called in the blaze at 3 AM. I hope Mary slept and knew nothing, and am so glad her dog is safe.

I agree Anitadonne. I am stunned too. Rest in Peace, Mary!
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #10 on Mar 5, 2009, 1:10pm » From: Bjdfan

This makes me so sad. My heart goes out to Dandiefan's family. I hesitated to post this yesterday because I didn't want to detract from the loss of dandiefan but I feel very strongly.....this was such a senseless loss - I plead for all of you to please check that you have working fire alarms (and carbon monoxide detectors) in your house. Test them periodically and replace the batteries often (we do it twice a year at the same time we change the clocks for daylight savings time). This simple task may save your life or the lives of your loved ones. Don't put it off.

We will miss you dandiefan.
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Re: Sad News - Mary/Dandiefan
« Reply #11 on Mar 19, 2009, 1:29pm » From: Berta

I am shocked. Mary was truly a kind woman and I know she loved her dog. Mary and Caitlin were synonymous. After reading the shocking news about Mary the first thing I thought was OMG her dog. I'm glad her dog did survive but that poor baby is going to miss her mommy and not know what happened. It brings tears to my eyes. Mary you will be missed.
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[Cruijff]

Dear Mary....it has been over 4 months now!
I hope you are fine, wherever you are now.
Will never forget you, dear Dandiefan!

[Cruijff]

It's about 7 months....still miss you dear Mary/Dandiefan! I still think it strange not to see you posting now and then..

I Thought Of You Today

I thought of you today,
But that is nothing new.
I thought of you yesterday
And will tomorrow, too.

I think of you in silence
And make no outward show.
For what it meant to lose you
Only those who love you know.

Remembering you is easy,
I do it everyday.
It's the heartache of losing a friend (even virtual)
That will never go away.