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shantell Dec 18, 2005

I received an email this morning via Ebay from Laura's mother asking me if I had received the package of fabric I had purchased from Laura just prior to her passing.  In fact, according to her mother she mailed it the day before.

I just wanted to let you know that I replied to her email expressing my personal condolences.  I also shared with her that I had learned of her daughters passing from one of the teddy bear forums and that many kind and wonderful comments had been expressed about her daughter.  In addition to my own expressions of sorrow I sent the combined condolences from "Intercals Teddy Talk members."  I hope that was okay with all of you.  I just wanted her to know that we had her family in our thoughts and prayers and that her daughter was cared for in the teddy community even by those that only knew of her by her lovely bears.

So...if I've overstepped by boundaries...I apologize.

Shantell

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 18, 2005

Gosh, what an amazing and wonderful gift you've given Laura's mother, who must be deeply suffering right now, especially given the season.

I think only a heartless ogre could possibly consider this an overstepping of boundaries.  It's kind-heartedness, and a wish to heal, at its best.  And, in my humble opinion, the kind of thing the world could use a little more of, with everyone spreading it around.

Thanks for being just a plain good, feeling person!  I think everyone else here will quickly agree.

:hug:

kbonsall Dec 18, 2005

I think it was wonderful of you to let her mother know... your post almost brought me to tears... I didnt know her personally but I had emailed her about her fabric just a month or so ago and I was an admirer of her bears also... very sad, so very young 

Shantell, thank you, for letting her mother know  :hug:

Helena Dec 18, 2005

Oh gosh.. that brought a lump to my throat. What a kind thing to do, and I really hope it brings some comfort to Laura's mother. Well done, Shantell.

:hug:

Winney Dec 18, 2005

THanks Shantell, that was very nice of you to think of her mom aaand us too. I di not know the lady and teddy maker ..can someone here give us a summary about her ?...Winney

Deb Dec 18, 2005

THanks Shantell, that was very nice of you to think of her mom aaand us too. I di not know the lady and teddy maker ..can someone here give us a summary about her ?...Winney

Yes please.  Was this a Teddy Talker?

shantell Dec 18, 2005

I'm sorry ladies I don't know her personally.  My only experience has been through  Ebay and purchasing fabrics from her 3 or 4 times over the last 6 months or so.  She was just very friendly in her emails and always sent a nice little note with her packages.  She even emailed me the day she sent the last one telling me she had included some samples (which are big enough for a small 3 - 4 inch bear) because I'd been such a great customer.  I got very teary reading her moms short little message and then replying...very sad.

I believe it was Jared who has posted a message that she had passed away about 2 weeks ago I think.  Perhaps someone else knows her and could give more information.

Shantell

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 18, 2005

Thank you, Shantell, for giving Laura's mom condolences from TTers.  I didn't know her, but she had quite a following and was so young.  Her death was unexpected from what I can tell.  I certainly appreciate what you did.

Judi Dec 18, 2005

No ogres here Shantell.  That was very thoughtful of you.      

I know what her family is going through.  It's a profound loss and her family will be doing a lot of soul searching.  A very big mistake that many people think of when there is a death is to avoid the family.  WRONG.  The family needs kinds words.....any kind words.  Last year when I lost my sister, nephew, and brother-in-law there some of my husbands family members who treated me like I had the palgue....they never said a word to me.  I was/am so hurt by this.

You did a very good thing Shantell.  Your kindness is appreciated far more than you realize.  BLESS YOU!

DebbieD Dec 19, 2005

  Judi, I think they were ignoring you because they didn't know how to deal with the situation.   So many of us aren't taught how to process a death in the family.  I know I sure wasn't taught anything by my family how to go through the process.  And I think as a culture, Americans really don't "do" death. 

Shantell, I think you certainly did the right thing!  Even though its a very, very sad period in her family's life, I'm sure all the kind words said about Laura will be a help     Such a sad loss.....

plushkinbear Dec 19, 2005

Shantell, you did everything right. I didn't know Laura in person but saw here picture and beautiful bears just a few weeks ago. I noticed her open-hearted smile and kind eyes. She was like an American Hollywood star. 
And a week later some Tt talker, I think Jared it was, post that she died.

...........Shantell, thank you for letting her mother know that Laura is still in our hearts and thoughts.  :pray:
Julia

Gail Dec 19, 2005

I knew Laura when she lived in Ontario and attended the Teddy Bears On Vacation shows in Toronto. She was an incredible artist and a wonderful person. My last memory of her was at the TBOV Christmas show when she won first prize for her stunning castle complete with all the figures one would find in a castle right down to the horses. Everything was in miniature and of course made by her including the castle which was huge.. She was also dressed for the display and in fact the dress she wore was the one she had on on  the North Country site where Nancy had posted her first picture of Laura announcing her passing. Nancy also had an online condolence page where we could go in and leave comments. She will be putting all of the comments on a disc and will send it to Laura's family.  I am so glad that the comments from the TT list will also be sent to the family and want to thank Shantell for doing this and being so thoughtful.
Hugs
Gail :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Jare Hares & Bears Dec 19, 2005

Yes I posted the information on her passing. The information had been pasted on to me by the yahoo teddy group that I belong too.

Shantell you did the right thing. Thanks
It is nice to know that there are people out there thinking of you and praying for you in your time of need. A very comforting thought.

Winney Dec 19, 2005

Oh I am so glad to read this information. I have been looking all over the internet trying to find out something about Laura.

Reason being..my heart tells me she must have been a wonderful person, I wanted to "know" her , to see a photo of her. to know why she died...so in my prayers for her and her family I have this sort of " picture" of a real person, not just a name,  a person who shares with us at least several things in common, bears and creativeness and  more.

And....I thought what if she was somewhat of an unknown bear maker.... like some of us...would we be remembered or known ? How would it be if I happen to die right now....will I be remembered in the bear world ? If I never came into the greater light as a bear artist where other artists and collectors would know me...well, then only a few people would know about me ...perhaps.

I am so happy that Nancy has posted something about Laura. I will go there now..hope you all understand what I am trying to say...we are all connected, in love with bears and much more .....Hugs, Winney

rufnut Dec 20, 2005

Well done Shantell, you have done the right thing.  :hug:

Winney Dec 20, 2005

Gail...I cant find the page about Laura on Nancys site... do you know where it is?...Winney

thumperantiques Dec 20, 2005

Hi Winney,
     The on-line condolence page for Laura does not appear to be there any longer.  It was put up on the weekend after her death, for artist to sign.  I knew Laura from perticipating in the two Auction Parades that were organized for Ebay, but never had the pleasure of meeting her personally.  The only information released was that Laura's death was a tragic accident.  There was also a link to send dontations in memoriam to the Canadian Mental Health Association on the North Country teddy site.  Hope this helps.

                                                              Hugs,

                                                              Brenda

jazzyrags Dec 20, 2005

Shantell Thank you from me .No mother wants to out live her child

I Love Teddies Dec 20, 2005

Shantell,

Thanks for doing that.  I hope it helps the family in their grieving. 

I'm not familiar with Laura or her work, but everyone seems to like her and it sounds like a big loss, both for her family and friends and the bear community.  My thoughts are with her family and friends.

Marie_ Dec 21, 2005

THanks Shantell.... that was very nice of you to let her mother
know.   
I don't know  Laura in person but I know her face by the picture
at North Country Bears site and I saw her bears at online shows
at there. She has very beautiful face and I admire her teddy bear
works.   :pray: 
My prayers and thoughts are with her and her family.
Marie

Winney Dec 21, 2005

I wote to Nancy,links at her site..... and asked her about the page...she e-mailed me and gave me a link to it so I could add my thoughts in ...maybe you can do the same thing...Winney