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Liliane McCarthy Obituary
Liliane Marie McCarthy, passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2019, surrounded by her loved ones. Liliane was a teacher at Ernie Pile Middle School. She loved her students, traveling, animals, and gardening. She is survived by her daughter Jessica Vest and will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Her Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church on April 26th at 9 a.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Liliane McCarthy
Sponsored by The Friends of Liliane.
Kathleen Fogarty, Virginia Beach, VA
April 19, 2022
I still can hardly believe my dear friend is perhaps in Tir na Nog, or hopefully somewhere pleasant with lots of hosta plants in the cool shady areas, and a front porch swing for visiting and thinking. Liliane had an intensity for living and loving, and a searing honesty about all things. Her intelligence and artistry shone, and to be able to be her friend was a treasure. I learned so much with her and from her, and I know all of you who knew Liliane were graced by her.
shomari williams
June 14, 2019
I met Liliane once when I visited New Mexico and she made an impact. She was crazy full of life and energy. I wish to offer my condolences to Jess and the rest of her family I am so sorry for your loss.
Michael Finneran
June 2, 2019
R.I.P Liliane.
Vicki Holden
May 27, 2019
I was completely struck with sadness and regret upon finding out that Liliane had died. Thinking of her recently, I looked online to double check her address. Instead, I was shocked to find her obituary. Although Liliane and I became closer friends only shortly before she moved to New Mexico, there was a bond there. She was just a kind and accepting person, an empathetic person. Because of things she had been through in her own life and relationships, she was easy to talk to and not judgmental. She deserved a lot of happiness in her life, and hopefully she found that. I went with her and Jessica on an initial trip to New Mexico to finalize her decision to move from Virginia. We had such a fun adventure, including hiking, white-water rafting, and girl talk. I always planned to go and visit them again someday, but as so often happens in life, I waited too long. The thought of never seeing her pretty, expressive face again, that sometimes satirical smile, or never again having a conversation and experiencing her quick, dry wit fills me with regret and sadness. The world needs more people like Liliane in it, and it is so heartbreaking that she did not live much, much longer.
Astrid Heinrich-Lamb
May 20, 2019
Since we do not know of any other memorial to Liliane at this time, Richard and I would like to initiate a permanent memorial to Liliane at this site. Anyone who wishes to contribute, please contact Richard Horwege by phone at (757) 533-5580.
Liliane's passing came unexpectedly to all of us who knew her while she lived in Virginia. I knew Liliane and Jay when, in the late seventies and early eighties, we were in the undergraduate and graduate programs in English at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. During that time, Liliane and I stuck to an exercise schedule by swimming laps in the ODU pool several times per week. During conversations in the sauna beforehand, we compared each other's family backgrounds, our relationships with significant others, our experiences with various professors, and her short infatuation with the Baha'i faith. We also went to plays and folk concerts at ODU together. Liliane was a role model for me of sorts in that she had the copy of a favorite poem propped up on her desk as she was in the process of committing it to memory at any given time. One was The Love Song of J. Alfred Proofrock by T.S. Eliot, Let us go then, you and I, when the evening is spread out against the sky like a patient etherized upon the table.
There were many other things that I admired about Liliane: Obviously, we shared a love of the English language and for literature. I was impressed by the way she financed her studies by working at night as a receptionist at the Psychiatric Hospital in Norfolk and as a teaching assistant at ODU, her love for her animals, among them horses and a cat and a dog, and above all, her love for Jessica, her and Jay's daughter.
We remained friends after graduate school, but eventually saw each other only occasionally at Waterside, where we picnicked and our children danced to the music. I also knew of Liliane's stint teaching English in Saudi Arabia. I believe we met one last time in 2007 at the Naro Cinema where she had taken her daughter--and I my son--to see Elizabeth: The Golden Age. This must have been shortly before her move to New Mexico, about which I heard from our mutual friend Richard. Although Liliane and I had lost touch over the years, and our children may not remember each other, I was comforted by the belief that she had finally been able to fashion a life for herself that reflected her personality, her expertise, and her passions. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Liliane, and send my condolences to Jessica and others who may read this.
Kathy Keeney
May 17, 2019
Lilianne had a charming life in New Mexico, she seemed to have found a place to live her best self. We worked together at PortFolio Magazine in the very early years. Lilianne was a loving mother, she definitely earned her wings raising a beautiful daughter Jessica. God Bless you friend, rest peacefully.
Robyn Browder
May 15, 2019
I worked with Liliane at TCC and at Donning Publishers. I visited her when she moved from virginia to New Mexico -- we shared several loves , including horses. I will miss her, but I am so glad to have been a part of her life. Ride on, Liliane -- I'm sure there are horses in heaven.
Barb Bolton
May 14, 2019
Liliane and I worked together at The Donning Company Publishers in the 1980s. Liliane was such a delightful person to work with. So smart! This is such a loss for the world. Rest in Peace. Our deepest condolences Jessica.
Bill Candler
May 1, 2019
Liliane worked with me for years at Port Folio Magazine. She was a fine editor and a lovely, caring person. So shocking to learn of her loss. We were friends as well and I have missed her since those days and regret that the chance to see her again someday has passed. Condolences to Jessica. Used to love to see little Jessica and little Skye Zentz singing on stage at Ramblin Conrad's in Norfolk.
May 1, 2019
I am broken-hearted to read this. A mutual friend just told me. Liliane was so beautiful, smart and funny. A wonderful person in every way. Jessica, you are in my prayers. With love, Ridgely Ingersoll
Kathleen Fogarty
April 30, 2019
Liliane was a very dear friend in the days when Jessica and my daughter were young girls growing up in Colonial Place in Norfolk. She was a brilliant woman, in so many ways. I feel very sad about her passing. Blessings to Jessica and to Liliane's family.
Richard Horwege
April 29, 2019
I am very sad to hear of Liliane's Death. She was a longtime friend. I am keeping her and Jessica in thoughts of love and light. Richard Horwege
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