She came to us from a nearby parish where she had also been DRE. She re-organized the Sunday school, which had been a mess, instituted the first VBS the parish had offered in decades (a major hit.) and became my friend. She was also the former administrative assistant for a very conservative bishop. He is also is a correspondent and friend. After we discovered that circle, and our shared passion for respecting the faith of the children, we were fast friends, and worked well together.
We learned early on that we disagreed, I would have happily attended a Eucharist she celebrated, she thought women should not be priests. I count lesbian and gay clerics among my closest friends, and cheerfully join them in picketing ABp Akinola. She could not understand the idea that I would fight that fight. She was a devout Evangelical, I am an affirming catholic. Yet, we understood that we were both people of faith, and that was enough
She passed from life through death into eternal life last night. A life very well lived, a loving husband, children and grand babies of whom she was very proud, praying for her, all mourning her passing. She was an extraordinary Episcopalian lady I shall join her family in missing for the rest of my days.
Eternal rest grant to her oh lord, grant that she pass from life through death to eternal light without fear. May the choir of angels sing for her and may she know rest with Mary, and all the mothers in heaven.
Amen
Please pray for Maryanne Ellingstat at rest in eternal light 18 November 2007.
Time enough for essays later, this day is for prayer and remembrance.
JimB
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- JimB
- I am an Anglo-catholic Episcoplain layman, a lay contemplative, a musician, and a completely doting grandfather. New slogan for the election cycle: Vote for Cthulhu -- don't settle for the lesser evil!
3 comments:
May Maryanne rest in peace and rise in glory. Thanks for this moving tribute to her life. You remind me of the best of what it means to be an Episcopalian.
This was a great tribute to Maryann. She was a lovely person and we were lucky to have her at our church.
We shall all miss her very much. I only wish that she were involved with our son's growing up years. She had much to offer. I regret that our grandchildren won't be able to be educated by her. It is a loss for all of us. May she rest in peace!
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