A woman who was taken from her family too soon. :(

I waited until the last minute, wanting to thank everyone that posted here, came to Erin's service, called, and helped the children and I during this time. Thank-you all so very, very much. Erin and I often jokingly argued over the inherent goodness of our fellow man, and after this trial, I am happy to say that she was completely right, and I was woefully wrong.
I do not feel I have anything profound to say as so many others have. Erin was my beloved wife, best friend, mother of our children, one who never judged me, and always forgave my faults, and drove me to recognize my gifts.  She was a beacon of light in all of our lives., 
I will miss her, and cherish the memory of our too-short time together all of the remaining days of my life.
I must stop here, the pain is still too sharp.  
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you ever so much for coming to my party, Erin. You made my life complete. Goodbye, my Love, until we meet again.

Erin always had a confidence and joy of life that attracted people to her (She was one of those "Sparkley" people she always liked to talk about). She seemed to know early on her purpose in life  and was unwavering in pursuit of fulfilling her purpose. She always saw the good in others and was full of encouragement for us to see our own gifts and use them. I am blessed that I could call her my sister and grateful to her for seeing my strenghts and pointing them out. Erin would not want us to mourn for her because she is fulfilling her purpose given to her by God. It is impossible however, for those of us who knew her well not to mourn for our loss of her. I will most miss her emails of encouragement (to always pursue our purpose in life with Joy) and her unconditional love. I cant help but think of Erin as a bright light. While here on Earth, her light touched all those around her. Now that she has ascended, her light will be cast further than we can possibly imagine.

Erin was a very reliable person, a can-do. Very positive person with a smile all the time. I enjoyed working and mentoring her. May she rest in peace.

Heaven receive your Angel...R.I.P Erin...

Erin,  boy honey  it's been a long time...I have heard that you were a wonderful wife and mother...  Boy  my heart broke when I heard the news....  It has been so long since  I have seen any of you kids.. Boy you all make me feel  old,  I have often thought of all of you over the years, Its not every day that you can say I was and always will be proud to say you were a part of our family....I have often thought of all 3 of you and wondered how you all were... You all were very special to me.. Erin I will miss your smile and cute little laugh....  I only wish that over the years we would have all stayed in touch.... But that's how life goes some times.....
Lani, cara, ian ,  I am so sorry for the loss of such a sweet and wonderful young lady.....  She is smiling down on us and smiling because she no longer is  
suffering... She is walking and talking with some awesome people..... Just remember she is always with you in everything you do...
To Erins husband and children...I am so sorry for you your loss , she was a wonderful person.....  She too is always with all of you....... 
To the whole family I am so,so, sorry for your loss.... I too will miss you Erin honey.....  Just remember she is in a wonderful, awesome place  HEAVEN
Peace and Love to all of you

Erin,  wow honey its been too long.....I have heard that you were a great mother and wife....  Boy do I feel old....I wish that through the years we all could have stayed in touch,  but that's how life goes....I too have missed your cute smiling face,  your cute little laugh...It was great being able to say all of you were a part of our family. I over the years have often thought of all of you, I wasn't around all the time but you 3 kids were all special to me..  I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person...  Erin always new how to make me feel better but I  know that you are in great hands now and walking and talking with some truly awesome people.. Lani, Cara,  Ian  and Ted,




  I am truly sorry for your loss and Just remember that she is always with you in everything you do .......... 
 To Erin's husband and children  your wife and mother was a wonderful caring  soul , with a great heart I am so very sorry for your loss.  I wish the very best for the whole family... Remember she is in a truly wonderful place  Heaven............

This the the link to the video played at the service. You will need to copy and paste it into your browser. It is "unlisted" on Youtube so you must have the link to find it. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9naKY06H6zs&feature=youtu.be

Erin had attributes so profoundly beautiful our limited word-symbol language lacks the capacity to convey them. To say Erin was a wonderful person, sister, daughter, mother and wife, is like saying the surface of the sun is hot. Our language fails us in defining the magnitude of her personality characteristics. We can define the temperature of the sun as 9900F yet words like kind, loving, and compassionate do not have the strength to convey her essence.

As Erin practiced her loving service to others she gained experience, wisdom, grace, insight and soul density. Her service to others was sometimes sublimely subtle. It was common for her to help you through a life problem. Erin never preached. She was much too gifted for that. Through just talking and being her casual lovely self she would plant a seed of love in your mind at just the right time.  Sometimes her delicate help went unnoticed at first, then a thing she said in passing returned like a boomerang in your memory, an epiphany. It was her intent to be an instrument of God, always looking for an opportunity o help. 

If you knew Erin as I did you know she was a magnet for really good, genuine, loving people. She had an internal glow that was bright enough to light up a room with her laugh or smile. We, her loved ones and friends know she made the world a better place by her presence alone.  The light Erin shared with everyone around her remains and will continue to grow. Fortunate are we, those who really knew Erin.

Here is a candle that I provide, and although it does not replace our Sunshine that has been lost, it will help guide us through our troubles and grief.

Losing Erin is like losing the sun; the warmth and radiance that had been given as a gift, a wonderful gift, is slowly slipping away, out of our grasp. As every day passes, it gets colder and colder. Darker. But whether we mourn or not, she is gone.
But be comforted, for Erin is in the best place she could be, with the Lord, our God, at peace and looking down on us. We grieve for the loss of our sunshine, our beautiful flower that has  grown in our hearts, but she is waiting for us, and sometime, some day, we will meet again.

I can hardly believe I'm writing a memoir on Erin right now.  I will miss her greatly.  She had such a great character and heart!  Her smile and laugh were just a couple of her great attributes.  
I know Erin from working with her several years back and a few times helped watch Drake while she and John had a date night.  She was one of those people who are easy to talk too and wore her heart on her sleeve.  I loved to hear her talk about her family who she clearly loved very much.  My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted…"

Matthew 5:4

Just a brief intersection: Being new to Cinti, I only recently had a 1/2 hr chat with Erin. We talked about family, kids, crafts, animals, magnets, and more. I felt we clicked and wondered if we would become friends over time. I planned to ask her to lunch once my weeks settled down. Will we ever learn to put life before work??

One thing I mentioned in our chat was my grey dot magnet at work kept getting moved by someone else. Next thing I know, there is a beautiful 3 flower magnet by my name. It really moved me that she would do that for someone she hardly knew.  When I told her it brought a smile to my face and will be a daily reminder to keep chipper, she simply said "that's why I do it".  Wow. Thank you, all who made her just who she was and will be in our memories! I hardly knew her but that brief intersection, and was blessed. 

"It's only just begun", Erin's life chapter 2. She is now in a wonderful new world amazed at every color, sight, and sound, with that quiet grin and peaceful aura bringing a rainbow with her every step.

Drake and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Mrs. Oduyoye

We are truly sorry for your loss.  Our condolences and prayers are with Erin's family.  Brianne, our thoughts are with you.

We never understand why they are taken so young. My deepest sympathies in your loss. She's in God's hands now. What a great place to be!

My thoughts and prayers are with Erin's family and friends.  May God bless you all.  Julie Pratel (Cara's friend)

My thoughts and prayers are with Erin's family.  I have very wonderful memories of Erin as a student at Missouri Valley College.

Erin was beautiful, inside & out.  She was a kind, giving & loving soul and a strong, intelligent woman.  Our hearts are breaking for her family to have lost her way too soon.  Sending thoughts for peace & comfort to you today & in the days to come.

Lani, you and your family are in my prayers.

I've had the great pleasure of working with Erin for the past 7 years.  I kind of figured us as the live version of Sam the Sheepdog and Ralph the wolf - one of us would follow the other in on the highway and walk up to our in/out board -clock in and carry on our work day.

Most of what I have to say has been said already - Erin had an infectious smile, a beautiful talented mind, great work ethics and a glowing (glittering) soul full of life and passion.  

Erin's life, though cut short, is one worth celebrating the fact that we were so blessed to have her as part of our life.

My sympathy is with her family and friends may the memories comfort you during this trying time. Erin will truly be missed.

For Erin's young family and all those she left behind, Gary and I extend our deepest sympathies as you continue this seemingly impossible journey.  
"Precious Lord, take my hand."

Our heart breaks for all of you at this time of loss.  We are so sorry.  Erin was a wonderful woman and mother as evidenced by her children.  Please know that if you need anything at all, we are here for you.

Dear Ones,
Although we only had the pleasure of meeting Erin on a few occasions, she was a kind soul and one I felt connected to. I am so sorry for your deep and sorrowful loss. It is my hope that with time the pain will lesson while her spirit remains full of color in each our hearts. 

"The soul takes flight into a world that is invisible. And there arriving is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise." -Unknown 

May you each take comfort in these words and know that your loved ones wish you peace and kindness. 

With love, 
Debra, Scott & Griffin Wren (daughter of Gordon Baker, Grand-Niece of Mildred)

We met Erin through our sons, who are friends. But sadly, we did not get to know each other really well. My husband and I were honored to be invited to several Halloween parties and we always had a great time. I have always felt that I would have enjoyed getting to know Erin better, but circumstances and time just did not allow it. She was a very warm and loving person. She has raised a wonderful son and I am very happy that he is a friend of my son. It is so sad that someone so nice goes away so young. Our deepest sympathies.

I miss will you Erin we had are good time  as child  all will be they in my heart I love you

I am so sorry and send my condolences to the loved ones of Erin Lea Blaney. I met Erin so many years ago and from what I can remember, she was a lovely and sweet woman, caring wife and loving mother. I cry when I think of her children whom have lost their mother much too soon. May her spirit and her love for them always reside within their hearts.

Lani......I am so very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine Blomer

I only had the pleasure of being in Erin's company a few times. She made such an impact on me. I listened to her and wished I could be around her more often because of her beautiful and inspirational spirit. She will be here for all those that have known her. 
LISTEN and be comforted!!!

Erin had a smile that would light up the room. She always could make you feel good just by being around her. She will be greatly missed. Thanks Erin for all the great memories. They will be forever cherished. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 
Love David & Angie Deisch

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Erin was one of my roommates in college and I'm sad to say we lost contact after I graduated. Tiffany and I talked fondly about her every time we got together. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Dear Lani,

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the beautiful experience you had with Erin as she left her physical body and returned to the Non-physical. May you continue to find these feelings of peace and acceptance in the days ahead.

Dear Ted,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed your story of Erin in college and can see her working ever so carefully on her cat skeleton!  May that memory and others bring you comfort and peace.

John my heart and prayers go out to you and the children. She was a beautiful person. I guess Billy Joel is right....only the good do die young. She will forever remain in all of our hearts....


Losing a good friend, especially a long-time friend, is beyond words, email or a simple blog. And, what makes it worse is that good friends are not "made." They grow and evolve over shared time together. Our evolution has been long and extends beyond flesh.   I don't see memories with Erin as things of the past or ending. They ARE us.  From the back yard bomb fires, car donuts in the field, 20 minute mascara applications per eye, forced shopping(I hate it), cases of aqua net applied, walls painted to say good luck, quiet chats, wiping each other's tears, relationships come and gone, trips between states, camping at Boone park with the secret chili, Halloween parties, our children playing together at Disney, many awkward truthful opinions,  many many  laughs,  visions of a porch stoop together in old age, I am committed to keeping her alive within me and my family. We will still talk – just a different way.  I am not saying goodbye – just see you later. I have a feeling Erin will direct me to a porch someday..and we'll catch-up once again!

To Erin's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you morn the loss of such a wonderful woman.  I knew her back in the day at Missouri valley college.  Such a wonderful energetic spirit she was.  Always kind and caring as well. I am sad to hear this news and feel blessed to have known her.   My deepest sympathies.

Dear Ian,
We are so very sorry for your loss.  Please know that you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. 
May your loving sister rest in peace.
With love,
Raphael & Brandi Hurier

I count my life blessed because Erin was a part of it.  She made my years at Missouri Valley College so filled with new energy and experiences.  Erin was the best roommate and friend I could have every asked for.  It devastates me that we lost touch over the years, but I know how very blessed I was to have known her.  She wore dusty rose (pink) for me in my wedding, even though I know she wasn't too excited about the color.  Taught me all about Crazy Loud Music and shared her family with me.  Thank you for being my friend, Erin.

Erin, You were an amazing woman and will be deeply missed. Cara, my heart goes out to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this extremely sad time. Even though I can't be there, know that you all are in my heart and I will be thinking of you.
Sarah Daniels

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. 
   My thoughts are centered around  your family and my heart is weeping with you.

Erin was magical. She always filled the air with her confidence, creativity and willingness to help. I still believe she was an angel sent by God and we were lucky to be around her during her short life. 
I still feel Erin's presence...I cry and smile at the same time...I believe God needs Erin to continue her job in Heaven.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you John and your children. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.  Erin was a special woman and I was so glad to have known her.

Our deepest sympathies to John and his family.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you.  The Sharp Family

May the Resurrection of Our Lord help all of us who grieve at this most difficult time.

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think words can ever express that enough. I am also sorry I won't be able to make the ceremony, but my thoughts will be with you. My hopes and wishes are with you and your family in this, your time of need. 
Jason Schneder

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Erin, I will miss you so very much at our family events.  All of your father's children are wonderful but you were the first connection with his children that I felt.  You accepted me without question.  It meant so much to me as a new family member.  When Ted and I decided to take on foster children, you and your siblings treated them like family with no reservations.  It was just outstanding and you all made me so very proud and happy to know and love you.  You knew by instinct when someone needed a kind word.  And OH!! did you ever have kind and wonderful things to say.  One note in particular makes me cry every time I read it.  How I will miss you.  You always had joy in your heart and a smile on your face.  I look forward to seeing your smiling face again when we meet on the other side in glory.  May you enjoy your journey through the universe and then to God himself.  Your other mother, Ginny

My sister-in-law has gone before me,
in sorrow do I cry.
She has begun the journey,
And left me, bye and bye.


I cry for me;
rejoice for her-
as life begins again.

With memories and loving friends
I'll take my comfort then.

Merry meet. Merry part. 
And merry meet again bright soul.
Blessed Be.

I've worked with Erin in same group for over two years.  She was very intelligent and capable, and yet so humble and kind.   She was always willing to be helpful, and her help was always so detailed and thorough.    She had great integrity, and was not afraid to speak up.   She was such a great colleague and dear friend.   I'll miss you so much!

Our father was a daylily breeder for a great many years during our childhood. Daylilies are beautiful, hardy plants that blooms during the summer months and can have a variety of colors and charactertistics. Dad introduced several new varieties, one of which he named "Erin Lea" and is pictured on this guest book. I always thought that this flower particularly suited Erin, and I was admittedly a little jealous. 

I wrote the poem below with my love and impressions of my sister Erin in terms of this flower. 

Our daily lives will certainly be the poorer without her here and her lively sense of humor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Erin Lea

Summer's child standing tall
Resilient and stubborn

Yellow petals smiling sunlight
Sparkling and warm

Ruffled edges laughing joy
Giving and beautiful

Blessed be the garden with Erin Lea
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Ted's cousin Diane Fead: Know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family and Erin's husband and young children. We wish you strength and sustenance during this time. Please know that our love is with you.

I am sorry truly sorry for the loss of your wife. May her soul be at peace.

Our father bred daylilies throughout a large portion of our childhood. Daylilies are hardy, beautiful plants that bloom in the summer and come in a vast variety of colors and shapes. He introduced a few new varieties, one of which he named "Erin Lea" after my sister. I always thought that this one was so fitting for her, and I was admittedly a little jealous. Below is a poem I wrote with my love and impressions of my sister Erin in the context of this flower.  Our lives will be the poorer without her to brighten our days with her passionate nature and lively sense of humor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summer's child standing tall
Resilient and stubborn

Yellow petals smiling sunlight
Sparkling and warm

Ruffled edges laughing joy
Giving and beautiful

Blessed be the garden with Erin Lea
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           ROOM 1338

Erin left us on Saturday March 23. Her physical body remained with us till Tuesday March 26 but her spirit went to a beautiful, light-filled place of joy and love three days before. 
I was sitting at her bedside in the middle of that sleepless Saturday night  holding her left hand in my left  and  rubbing her arm with my right.  I was praying for some comfort and  understanding as my faith in The Big Picture was a little shaky in that sad  dark  room .  I began to be aware of this incredible energy, vibration, really, emanating from her into me. My hands and arms were warm and tingling and I could hear her spirit speaking clearly, saying  “I'm here and I'm ready….let me go”. I was overcome with  a deep  sense of peace and acceptance and never since that moment have I questioned the fact that this was the way it had to be. Erin knew she had a more pressing mission to begin  and  her mortal family had to be left behind  in order for it to commence.  I have no doubt that her going ahead will result in an increased  awareness and insight among her circle of  earth family and friends.  She had an uncanny  ability to tap into the cosmic stream of consciousness and recognize the spiritual essence of the people around her. She possessed an abiding and profound  confidence in the eternal nature of our journey.   She can, if we're open to it….help us with ours.

During this time of Room 1338 a dear friend sent me a text saying “Erin is enveloping all of you with her beautiful spirit.”  IT IS SO.

                                        LANI BLANEY,    Erin's lucky mother

My dear friend, I will hold you close in my heart forever, and will miss your smile and the sound of your laughter. Thoughts and prayers to your family during these next few days and weeks ahead. What a wonderful Angel the Lord has received!

My heart goes out to all of you.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, 
Kae Crenshaw

I had met Erin years ago, but didn't really know her.  But I am a close friend of her Father's.  Knowing that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I know she was a wonderful person.  My sympathy to the family she left behind.

My sister has gone before me.
In sorrow do I cry.
She has begun the journey
and left me bye and bye.


I cry for me;
rejoice for her-
as life begins again.

With memories 
and loving friends,
I'll take my comfort then.

Merry Meet. Merry Part. 
And Merry Meet Again bright soul.
Blessed Be.

Erin's Cat

This is a story I have often heard told and one that provides insight into Erin Lea Blaney. As background I will say that as a very small child she showed a strong interest in exploring all aspects of life. It is  especially notable her fascination for "creepy crawlers"; bugs, spiders, ants, caterpillars, worms, etc. As she grew older she could be found dissecting dead animals. So when she went to Missouri Valley College and had a class that involved dissecting an animal she was thrilled. She chose or was assigned a (dead) cat that she no doubt named and executed the assigned dissection to perfection. But that was not challenging enough for Erin.  She talked to her professor about preparing two organs that were not assigned. The first was to carefully remove the skin much as a taxidermist and to further prepare it for preservation. The second and even more challenging was to clean the bones of all flesh, bleach them and reconstruct the skeleton with wire and glue like you might see in a museum display. It took a long time but not so long for one who was pursuing her vision. The end result was described as fantastic but I cannot say because I never saw it. Her professor must have thought so because he asked if she would be willing to put it on display at the college. Some have said Erin's Cat is still on display at her college.  Erin's vision of what and  how to do something came from within often exceeded expectations of others.

Ted, my sincere condolences to you and your family..I pray God is helping you through all of this  and lifting up your spirit to help others in your family cope, I will be praying for you and yours..

God Bless you..  ..Sandy G.

Erin was serious and focused about her work.  She made the cutest, most whimsical, most adorable little magnets!  She was a sweet lady.  Your family is in my prayers

Erin was a genuinely kind person.  She was sensitive to what was going on around her and was always willing to help out.  I can hear her voice and see her smile.  She will be greatly missed.

Love Me But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road, 
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Love me but let me go

For this is a journey we all must take
And all must go alone
It is all part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends you know
And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds
Love me-but let me go.

Erin was a delightful, ebullient spirit. She was a caring helpmeet to family and of a giving nature to friends and acquaintances. Her absence is already felt by me and my family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Erin Lea Blaney

24 septembre 1972 – 26 mars 2013

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