|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My
glass is run, my life is spent, |
|
|
Many friends have offered their memories of Virginia's wonderful spirit.... |
|
|
There is a new star burning tonight in the heavens and it has received the
name of Virginia. It is an extraordinary star and aptly reflects the
remarkable light that shone forth from the indomitable spirit of the woman
who was known to us by this name. She was a woman who was not afraid to
show her spirit and obvious love for humanity and all that God has
created. The 1994 inaugural speech given by Nelson Mandella comes to mind,
specifically: "We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is
within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our
own Light shine, we unconsciously give Other people permission to do the
same. As we are liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically
liberates others." I cannot think of words that would better describe the
life force of Virginia Dare Mattiza. I knew her through the List, never
having had the privilege of meeting her personally. There were times when
we corresponded frequently. I admired her ability to express her strong
opinions and her courage in being able to share them so unselfishly with
others. Her motivation was always to assist and to serve. I think she was
truly remarkable, interesting, highly intelligent and possessed a sharp
wit that undoubtedly served her well in this life. I used to send her
pictures of my crew and she would write back and tell me that she had
printed them out and had them hanging next to her computer. She
particularly favored my little Cameo, who she likened to her Raleigh when
he was a baby. One time I wrote to her and told her that something she had
said on the List inspired me to start the Journal of Sir Linus. I thought
that the former school teacher in her would appreciate knowing that she
was still teaching and inspiring people. I felt that she must have been a
very good teacher and she seemed quite pleased that I had conveyed this to
her. Unfortunatley, like so many of us, I did not realize the depth and
severity of her health problems. I have been so busy this past year....I
do recall a post where someone wrote in that Virginia was ill and I meant
to jot off a quick note of support, but did not do so. It is with deep
regret that I am once again reminded of the importance of being present
and not putting off what can be done at the momment. I had been thinking
lately of e-mailing her a recent picture of my Bichoneers. I knew she
would appreciate it. Right now I am thinking of her German Shepherd,
Princess, who she often wrote of and referred to as the GSD. Princess had
been deeply loved by Virginia and had gone to the Bridge several years
ago. I imagine that Princess was waiting there for her Momma to come
through the veil and they crossed the Rainbow Bridge together. I know that
Virginia will be there for Raleigh when it is his turn. I was deeply
shocked and saddened to learn last night of her passing. Our three
dimensional world has lost a wonderful soul, but wherever she is, they
have gained a jewel. Farewell, Viriginia, you have touched many lives and
left a legacy that is rich and inspiring. You were generous and exuded the
quality of grace. You will be missed by many and remembered as a person
who celebrated and reveled in the miracle of their own existence.
Hopefully, we will meet again, someday. Most humbly and always at your
service..... |
|
Aamigos, what
a very sad day. Mi Mamacita she ees weeping. Mi corazon ees berry berry
heavy. Ees thees because I have the mats in my fur? No, thees ees because
we have lost our berry good friend, Birgeenia Dare Matizza. She was the
one who could espeak the rill Espanol. She was the one of the berry beeg
opinions. Mamacita was afraid Birgeenia would find out we are liberal
democrats. But thees woman had a corazon (heart) even bigger than her
opinions. Mi amiga, Birgeenia, even sent me the gifts. She sent me a white
fluffy teddy bear with a baseball hat and the name "El Gringo" on eet. Eet
looked like me! Thees was a woman who knew how to love the Bichons!
BIRGEENIA, BIRGEENIA! We love jou! Jou will be berry berry missed here!
El Gringo and Barbara Bird, Tuscon, AZ, USA |
|
 Generous;
compassionate; thoughtful; humble; helpful; humourous; passionate;
attentive...these are some of the descriptive words that come to mind when
I think of Virginia. Her private posts were treasures and were
always sent with much respect and care. She is a lady I wish I could
have known better. Her quick departure back home to God is a
reminder to cherish one another. She is still teaching us.
~Terry Tribe Johnson, Ontario, Canada |
|
 A couple of years ago,
Virginia made time to come and visit us (photo right) one weekend with Raleigh,
after spending time with her son Royle in Pensacola, that she always
talked so fondly about. She brought me a Hibiscus plant, that just
recently went into full bloom. I was just thinking about her this morning
as I looked at the beautiful red flowers, thinking that I needed to email
her and tell her how beautiful they were again this year. She was so committed to Raleigh. Grinding up the food,
freezing them, doing several months in advance, he was definitely well
loved and taken care of by her. I am glad that he is used to going to her
daughter Gina's house, with her fluff, so that the transition for him
won't be so traumatic, it's still familiar surroundings but I'm sure he is
feeling the loss of his "mama", who doted on him in every way. I pray that
he adjusts well. I wish I would have known that she was ill. My
prayers go out to her family. |
|
 Virginia was a lady who
cared deeply about life and about Raleigh in particular. I am sad she is
gone. - Renee Cox, Buffy the bichon & Sysco the shihtzu, British
Columbia, CANADA |
|
 Virginia was such a good friend to so many of us. I shared numerous emails with her and I loved her humor. She was a straight shooter. I talked to her at great length one morning on the phone, from Australia. We laughed a lot. She was fun, and a great gal. I wanted to visit with her. It was disappointing that we didn't get to meet at Gaille's Bash last year. What Gena Thomas said is so true, 'life is short, enjoy every minute'. Blessings Laurie, Mr. Right and Ms. Candy Wong "Raleigh we send you Bichon licks and tailwags, and enjoy your new life, you will still be loved". Melbourne Australia |
|
|
|
|
 Virginia was always the
first one to email me privately when I had a problem or wanted to talk
about something. Her daughter lives very near me and they both recommended
the same groomer to me for my Zoe and Crash. I regret that I haven't been
active with the list much lately and I regret that I haven't spoken to her
in so long. This list is special, even when we don't always post, we still
get to know people in different ways. Virginia will be missed by those of
us on the list, her family and poor Raleigh. I'm glad he is with her
daughter and her bichon Zoe. - DeAnna, Zoe, Crash
and Piper (the Papillion) |
|
|
I got shocked when I heard about Virginia's passing. Virginia and I
didn't agree always on some topics but she sent me pictures of her flying
a plane and I knew that Virginia had so many virtues and so many life
experiences to share. I am so glad that Raleigh has a nice home with her
daughter now. Virginia cared so very much about her little Raleigh. -
Marianne, Frida and Mindy in Orebro, Sweden |
|
| Please send my sincere
sympathy to Virginia's family on too. I know only to well what it feels
like. There is nothing anyone can say to make you feel better but please
know we all here in Rangiora are thinking of them - Trisha from New
Zealand |
|
|
|
|
| Virginia had strong
views - was happy to express them :-) and was devoted to her 2 and 4
legged family. She will be sorely missed by the many friends she made
here. - Derek A Briggs - Eastbourne- Sussex- England |
|
 Wasn't it Virginia Dare that
made all those tuna and salmon cookies for the Southeastern Bash at
Gaile's in TN? It ended up that she couldn't come but she sent the cookies
on anyway. She had a heart of gold and will be truly missed. -
Joyce Edmonds, Alabama |
|
| I also wanted to pay
tribute to Virginia's willingness to be there to answer a question....and
offer support personally. I was in a bad way a couple years ago ...... and
she was very supportive. Also, every time I add a little pinch of
MSM to Sammy's food...I always think of her. I do like to think she
is also romping at the bridge with all our buddies. Enjoy this day! -
Bonnie & Sammy MOE Stamford, CT |
|
|
I was so shocked & saddened
to learn of Virginia's homegoing. Her thoughtfulness I will always
remember. Yes, Joyce(Edmonds) she was the one who sent tuna cookies to
Gaile's bash last year in Tn. when she could not bring them herself. She
was always so willing to help whomever whenever she could . We love you
Virginia, we miss you. We will see you later. :o) Tony & Barb. Zupancic in
Lexington, Ky. with Happy our bichon. "Love never gives up, never loses
faith, is always hopeful, and endures." 1 Corinthians 13:7 |
|
 I am saddened to hear of
the loss of Virginia Dare Mattiza. She helped me so much when I first
joined the list! Always replying with a quick answer and so kind! I'm sure
her family will cherish her little Raleigh. - Rosemarie &
Ringo Niles, OH |
|
 I remember her talking about
her GSD who died from "awful bone cancer". She obviously loved that dog
and her sweet Raleigh very much. Virginia sounded off to me about the
water bottle in Gracie's kennel (before she knew it wasn't her only water
source). And she was irritated with the idea of debarking. I can't
remember how many times I read her description of Raleigh's "raw meaty
bones". And I'll never forget her advice about using the glucosamine. She
always answered our calls for prayers and helped out with info whenever
she had it to offer.
|
|
| I'm really really so sorry
about Virginia. I think everybody on this list will miss her alot. I know
I will. - Pat Regensburg, Florida |
|
 I was heartbroken when I
read about Virginia too. After reading so many of her posts to the BF-L I
feel as though I have lost a good friend. - Patty Gemoll Haley and
Hannah Wind Lake, WI |
|
| I am so sad to hear that
we've lost Virginia. She was incredibly supportive and helpful to me when
my old 19 year old cat was ill and sent to the bridge early this past
spring. She wrote many long e-mails to me and cheered me up many times. I
can't believe she's gone. She will certainly be missed. Goodbye Virginia.
With tears, Georgia and the babies......Napoleon and Josephine |
|
 Such shocking sad news
about Virginia. I was one of the new members she wrote a welcome note when
I first joined, she wrote me that she had lived in Portland, and we agreed
she and Raleigh would visit us when she came back this way. I think she
had a very large heart... and will leave a very big hole. - Marie for Ric,
Blaine, Pippi and Poppi in Portland, Oregon |
|
| Words cannot express the shock
and grief that I felt this afternoon when I read the message of Virginia's
passing. I kept thinking there must be some mistake, but alas, it must be
true. Just yesterday I thought of writing her to encourage her to come to
Gaile's Bash this year as she had planned to come last year but work had
prevented her coming. Even then she had made arrangements to have her tuna
cookies transported to the Bash for all the fluffs to share. I will always
regret that we did not get that opportunity to meet in person. Virginia
was one of the first ones to welcome me to the BFL when I first joined a
little over a year ago and one of the first ones to come to my aid when I
started looking in to a raw diet for Emmy and Baby. She will certainly be
sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers for her family and for precious
little Raleigh who will miss her more than anyone else. Wishing all a
wonderful Bichon day Love, - Judy, Baby and sweet Emmy In Wild
Wonderful West Virginia |
|
| It is with great sadness I
have heard of the passing of a friend Virginia befriended me on this list
When she knew I was passionate not only about my bichons but also my
yorkies . she sent me the most beautiful book on Yorkies It is something I
will cherish and have for always to remember her. My thoughts are to her
family friends and her little companions - Gerri Greig Tejada
Ferntreee Gully Victoria Australia |
|
| Please pass on my
sincere sympathy to Virginia's family. Its sad when a member passes on. -
Carolyn from Auckland New Zealand |
|
| You are feeling ever so
dear to me today specifically because of Virginia's death. - Patti Harada
in Tucson |
|
How sad I am to here of Virginia's passing. my thoughts and prayers go to her family, and friends. I will miss her wisdom, and advice. AnnE and Gang in NZ |
|
| Warm
welcomes....encouragement....hope.....humor.....wisdom....love....friendship....advice....
empathy....great compassion....fierce patriotism.....strongly held
opinions....and a deep, boundless affection for her family and her beloved
Raleigh....and ALL our fluffs as well. These are only a few of the many
things this wonderful woman shared with others. I will miss her more than
I can say. Virginia contributed more to my life than she knew, and I'm
sure many others can say the same. We were blessed to have known her and
called her "friend". Fair winds and following seas, Virginia. I'll never
forget you. - Pamme Davis Oviedo, FL |
|
| I am soooo sad to learn of
Virginia's passing. Just like many others.... she was one of the first to
ever email me when I first joined this group. And she was always the first
to email when I had a question. Now reading all of the other posts about
how generous and kind she was... How in the world did the woman do it????
Bless her heart! We all must remember to not be sad though... just think
of how much fun she's having up there w/all them critters that are waiting
for the rest of us! :) Teresa in Indy |
|
| I am very sorry to hear
about Virginia....she was quite a lady. We will miss her. - Marilyn
Lentini, Eustis FL |
|
|
|
|
| I was saddened to
hear about Virginia... she will surely be missed, as she was a great
poster :) (((hugs))) Very Waggily, Tiffani Hallan, Texas |
|
| I, too, was greeted
warmly and personally by her when I first joined the list. She seemed to
have a way of making a connection with everyone - in my case, that her son
had formerly lived in my area of the world, so she knew just where I was.
Virginia was always one of the first to respond with personal advice when
I asked a question of List members, including sending me her recipe for
Tuna Biscuits about three seconds after I requested it. She will continue
to be an inspiration as I remember her, and challenge myself to be as
encouraging and enthusiastic as she was, and to always do the right thing
without hesitation. - Patti Sontra & Molly Everett, WA |
|
| Virginia exemplified
'spunky' lady! Her intelligent, well-read views on multiple issues of life
was always a joy to behold. We shared an intrigue of people
and had many private conversations
about human traits and those we welcomed into our lives. We
both hoped she would be well enough to attend our Bash this year . . .
now she can enjoy being here without pain! - 'Joyous' Gaile Avent,
Symphony Hill, TN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When Gary and I were having our initial troubles
with the condo association, Virginia gave me a piece of advice..."don't
let them see how angry you are -- you know your legal standing and you
will win this battle. You are a strong person -- I see it from your
postings." Robin and Puffy in New Jersey |
|
|
For Virginia, A cluster of beautiful memories
sprayed with a million tears. Kate and Casper from The U'K |
|
|
A couple of years ago my husband, son, and I were thinking of moving to
Austin, Texas. I had emailed the list to ask if there was anyone
familiar with the area, Virginia responsed back to me. She was so
helpful. She offered me motherly advice about the cost of living and the
changes for my son. She also gave me good advice about the changes
for my Corky. She was even willing to help us find a place to live
if we decided to move. With the information she provided we were
able to make the right decision for our family and stay here in Iowa.
She always gave me support and advice on things having to do with my fluff
baby Corky. Especially last year when he bit the maintanence man and
I was totally freaked out that my baby would be taken away. She
helped calm my fears and everything turned out fine. Virigina, we
miss you and God bless you! Pat, Corky, and Sadie, Iowa, USA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ggg | |
