Energy of Life: Saying Farewell to Denisonians and our Beloved Jane

So many farewells, taking the time for calling out on the blog these beautiful lives, people, energies. It does feel heaven opens up and energy in the universe allows for people to pass and we've had a few. A few to name, remember, celebrate, and thank for being in our life on Newark-Granville Road. 

William Osborne-WO was infamous, WO was beloved, WO's legacy shines bright in June when the Denison Singers Reunion happens. There is a scholarship, a library/reading/meeting room in Eisner, a restored organ in Swasey, and so many memories for so many Denisonians including this author. I was a music major at Denison not becuase of skill or talent, just interest in the environment, the desire to learn. I took Music Around the World and was part of the Concert Choir under his leadership. Thank you WO for being you and being what Jeffrey Masten stated:  "an extraordinary force for the arts at Denison during his tenure from 1961-2003 and kept on giving materially back to the college, through scholarships for performing-arts students and the restoration of the chapel organ, not to mention the mostly-annual reunion concerts with his devoted Denison Singers family."FB post JM. I'll share the obituary when it is available, plans for a memorial in June during Singers Reunion!

Jack Kirby- Denison professor. One class, all I took was one class and it was special. It was quintessential liberal arts- discussing, learning, reacting to history through literature. I know the stories of so many that are so grateful for his support and the communities he created. He was a beloved Denisonian. His energy, commitment and care mattered and made a difference.   https://www.newarkadvocate.com/obituaries/pwoo1327256 

Joanne Bartlett: Beautiful alumna: https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/joanne-passano-bartlett/ https://www.mwfuneralhome.com/obituaries/joanne-bartlett-2/#!/TributeWall I didn't know Joanne, but know many who did and valued all she did and will continue to do for education. Rest in peace, good job faithful servant- servant leadership exemptlified. DenisonGrateful for you.

Marcia Whythes Denison Grandmother: I didn't interact much with Marica but each time she left an impression and delighted me. She raised a lovely family and leaves a legacy. I love the line in this article, she knew a few things about making a difference: https://www.punahou.edu/donor-stories-detail?pk=1114700 Thinking of this special Denison family in this time of transition.

 

And the one that will leave a void for so many in our lives on Newark-Granville Road, 

Jane Heller Beloved Denisonian, Granvillian, Artist and so much more:

https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/jane-carstensen-heller/  https://www.mcpeekhoekstra.com/obituaries/jane-heller  I love the line in the obituary that says- "Jane lived life in color" it was true! The Northern Lights last week in Ohio- for our dear Jane, so aprapros they were here when she took this journey.

It probably isn't appropriate for me to have a favorite Denisonian, a favorite alum- but Jane was one of mine. Our paths crossed as Denisonians over the decades, figure eights intersecting with reunions, service/volunteer boards and then on Newark-Granville Road. When I was working at Denison she was the Annual Fund Grandparent Chair- how amazing is that! At the Works she was the founder of the art gallery with Marcia and I had the honor to support her work curating and showing. She was a friend to all and close to my friends and we benefited from dinners, drinks and many gatherings together. Her daughter, a key partner in my work at The Works! My day was made when I was with Jane. She inspires and inspired me, her legacy is profound and concrete, colorful and joyful.

 When the word spread of her passing, a friend group started sharing art, so I share one of our Jane Heller's and photos that make me smile, including a beloved picture of us, captured at a Reunion.Her energy was color, but more than that it was all the colors- warmth, cheer, interest, love, life, light, moods, depth. Jane you made the world beautiful, you made us all happy and we felt your love. You are and were beautiful, thank you for all you did for so many and did it with spunk, color and love.