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Ariel Berry Obituary
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Lisa LeBlanc-Berry
October 20, 2009
It is October, the month of your 18th birthday. I miss you much more now than ever before. Your grave is decorated with a pumpkin and your favorite toys and an autumn bouquet of flowers, and two pinwheels that your sister placed on your grave spin happily each time I visit you, as if you were saying, "Hi Mom!" I still have all of your collections, DVDs, and CDs and each day, I look at a magnificent painting Simonette did of you after you died, "The Moon Girl." It is as if in a dream, and it reflects your peaceful inner beauty that enriched our lives. I love you past heaven, Mom
Simonette Berry
March 29, 2009
Three months ago today we lost you, little girl. I wasn't ready to let you go. It was so quick. I miss you so, so much. You are in my heart, and I see you everywhere in the springtime, hear you every time I turn on the radio, feel you every time I'm alone. I pray that you are happy wherever you are, somewhere over the rainbow I hope. I hope you know how much I love you. I miss talking to you, dancing with you, watching the disney channel, hugging, crawling in the warm bed with you to watch you sleep. You were so peaceful. Please come visit me. This world is so strange without you next to me. Be happy wherever you are. I love you times infinity!
--your sister
Paul Lennon
March 17, 2009
Dear Lisa,
this is Paul Lennon, a long time friend of Jason through his Quixotic defense of the powerless. I believe I only said Hello very briefly to you when we dropped Ariel off the day I came to New Orleans to work on Vows of Silence video. Today, St. Patrick's Day, 2009, I wanted to express to you a bit more formally my heartfelt condolences for the loss of the girl you loved and cared for so much.
Paul
Katherine Gooch
March 16, 2009
Ariel was a true gift and a blessing to our family, and i am grateful to her parents for bringing her into our lives.
It's true, she was a little angel, but with a halo that was a wee bit tilted, as my mother used to describe her grandfather, Uncle Ed. She certainly did have a mind of her own, and i have fond memories of having phone chats with her mom, and hearing in the background "GET OFF THE PHONE!" ;o)
There was so very much to learn from Ariel. She was a teacher of life's lessons, an artist, possessed wisdom beyond her years, and had the true gift of "feeling the music". She was also a warm and wonderful hostess, and "held court" with humor and generosity. And let us not forget that no one could do a better tushie waggle.
I believe that everyone whose lives she touched, indeed became a better person for having known her.
My friends here in Miami all well know how very proud i was of her (i tended to brag a bit), and how honored i am to have been her Godmother.
My one regret is living so far away, and not having had near enough of her good company.
She was a love fest.
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Lisa LeBlanc-Berry
January 30, 2009
I want to thank everyone who has written in with condolences about Ariel. The loss due to her passing is profound, for she was a profound little angel, always comforting others and spreading love. She filled my days with joy and laughter. She had a great sense of humor, and she loved to sing and dance with a microphone in hand. After Ariel stopped going to St. Michael's seven years ago, I stayed at home and devoted my life to taking care of Ariel full time and these were the best years of my life. The words of comfort from family and friends are a constant source of comfort for me. God bless you Angel Ariel, my heart! Mommy loves and misses you terribly.
Stephen Rubino
January 14, 2009
A profound loss of bright star. Helen and I send our very best wishes to you and all of your loved ones.
Steve & Helen Rubino
Mary Sonnier
January 12, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
barry bohn
January 11, 2009
Dearest Lisa, Simonette, Aunt Evelyn, Michelle, Linda, Eddie and families,
Claire and I are sorry we could not attend the services for Ariel.
We both will miss her and our grandchildren Gabriel and Dianne Marie still ask about her.
Our prayers go out to all of you and especially to her.
Claire and barry
Lafayette, La.
Glenn Favreau
January 9, 2009
My most heart-felt sympathy to my good friend.
Mary and Dana Dalton
January 7, 2009
Dear Jason and family,
May God bless you all and comfort you in this time of your terrible loss. We pray for the eternal rest of Ariel, your own sweet angel, now in the arms of her Creator. Our sincerest condolences,
Chute Family
January 6, 2009
To Jason and family,
The ineffability of words strikes a hollow sound in our hearts for you all today. Please accept the humble prayers of the Chute family in Boston for repose of Ariel's soul.
We also pray that the Good Lord hold you even closer to his heart during this special time.
God bless you all,
Pax et Bonum!
The Chute Family
Erica Stanley
January 6, 2009
Dear Berry-Laforet Family:
I haven't met any of you personally and didn't know Ariel either. However, when I heard of this sad news I wanted to express my deepest sympathy because as a mother I don't even want to imagine how heart-rendering it must be to lose a child. After reading her biography I am really touched by what a beautiful life she had and how blessed everyone was who knew her.
My prayers and sympathy are with you at this difficult time.
Lauren Ulf
January 6, 2009
I ran into Simonette yesterday and heard about Ariel. I want to express my deep sorrow for your loss. Mr. Berry, yours was one of my favorite classes at Tulane and I have always appreciated you and your family's hospitality. I am thinking of you all.
Judith Rivera
January 6, 2009
Dear Mr. Berry:
I had the pleasure of meeting you during the screening of your film Vows of Silence at GU. I learned of your beloved daughter’s passing through Mr. J. Paul Lennon, and wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you and comfort you in your grieving pain.
Sincerely,
Juan J. Vaca
January 6, 2009
Dear Jason, Melanie, Lisa and Simonette,
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers for you and your family at this painful time. The thought of your beloved Ariel being at peace and happy in the hands of Our Heavenly Father might be a rich source of spiritual comfort for you all.
May Gad bless you always.
Juan, Migdy and Angelis.
ELLIOT CAPPIE
January 6, 2009
SORRRY FOR YOUER LOST DONT KNOW BUT I WANT TO ST MICHAEL ALOG TIME AGOI ILLL PRAY FOR YOU YOUER FRIND
ELLIOT CAPPIE
Ruth Lasseter
January 5, 2009
Dear Friends -- I understand your loss! Your sweet child is wrapped in the love of God and awaits you very near, just as if she had stepped into the next room. But the loss is yours. How can it be otherwise? Love may be eternal and we may be destined for eternity -- but how hard for us still in time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. God bless you and comfort you as only He can do.
Paul Lennon
January 5, 2009
Jason and Melanie,
fond memories of spending time with the family in New Orleans for the filming of Vows of Silence
Thanks for your hospitality on that occasion when I had the grace to meet Ariel when Jason picked me up at the airport.
This lovely child has been in my prayers;
in her passing and New Life may she console those she left behind,
Love,
Paul Lennon, REGAIN, INC.
Todd & Jen Mouton
January 4, 2009
To everyone who loved and was loved by Ariel we send our deepest sympathies and all our love. We were so sorry to get the news. Please take good care of yourselves, you are precious. Love,
Greg Broussard
January 3, 2009
Dearest Lisa, Simonette, Aunt Evelyn, Michelle, Linda, Eddie and families,
I am so very sorry that I was not able to attend Ariel's funeral. You are all very much on my mind these past few days. I send my heartfelt condolences to each of you.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers!!
Ariel always had a great big hug for me whenever I saw her. One of my prized possessions is a cereal bowl that Ariel made for me. She decorated it with pictures that she had picked out herself! Of course when she gave it to me it was accompanied by a big hug!!
Lot's of love to you all!!!
Cousin Greg
January 3, 2009
To sweet Ariel the hummingird from her friend the Wizard fly with the Angels and your grandfather.
Amy Werner
January 3, 2009
In the many years since I last saw Ariel, I've thought ofen of the talent she had even as a very young child to spontaneoulsly provide just the right word or gesture to bring those around her to a place of joy. Did having a hole in her heart as a baby somehow make her acutely sensitive to the spaces that needed filling in other people's hearts? I know she filled mine with love every day I spent with her. She did it at naptime in the rocking chair by looking up at me with those bright blue eyes, lit up with a tiny sparkle of mischief from the knowledge that she should have been sleeping instead of charming; at playtime with her sweet baby voice beckoning me to "Come play;" and always at just the right time, always just when I needed it, with a hug and a nestling of her little head against my neck. I will always love and miss Ariel. My sincere sympathies are with you.
Amy (D'Antonio), Eddie, Nicolas & Nathan Werner
Michelle S. LeBlanc
January 3, 2009
ODE TO ARIEL LAFORET BERRY
Written on the night of her passing December 29, 2008
By her devoted Aunt, Michelle LeBlanc Fine
In honor of her Ariel’s mom, Lisa LeBlanc Berry who gave her perpetual love
Tonight,
a hummingbird took flight.
She flew to new found heights
Above the clouds
into a distant night.
Her heart
could not restart
its dialogue with life
despite her
Desperate strife
Each and every moment of her life
How dear she is
and was to all,
she reached out to catch each spirit
on its journey to a downward fall.
She knew much more
than we knew
and THAT
was the marvel of it all.
Our sweet and beguiling spirit,
she was the comfort in the storm.
With a wink of her eye she always
held OUT to us
her gentle, caring arm
“YOU O.K….it O.K.”
She’d say
Despite HER suffering
Each and every day
Oh sweet Ariel,
we see you already
in the moonlight shinning on my garden…I heard the crickets welcome you tonight…a ROSE grew so GOLDEN …it surprised my heart and sight.
You are here ..
we know forever..
your laughter rings out across the lawn..We listen
and We hear your words of comfort..ALWAYS
There
for those fore longed.
Sweet Ariel.
How dare they let you leave
in so bold a pain.
You cries and whispers broke our hearts my dear..
but your wisdom with us
will thus remain
What a sweet hand you gave to US each time we needed hope..
and you, with despair
carved on you r grave..
you
Did not take in life but only gave…
Oh what a great maiden you are\what a beauty.
How dare life take away you life so young.
You are the essence of the dreams of Jung.
“Heard songs are sweet and those unheard are sweeter…”
You are the unheard wisdom or our lives
A song yet sang.
You understood before the day beGAN
Each
And every
Moment
Of
Our plAN.
Your innate wisdom
Sweet Ariel
Does not merit
This untimely burial
We fight it
And bend in sorrow
At the knocking
Of tomorrow
The day for you to
Be with us
And leave us
Comes
In the same
Sobbing breath
Your mother’s love
Embraced you till the last
Unwavering, she showered you with
Such devotion, unsurpassed
Then at the end
She loved you so
She held your hands
And let you go
She whispered stories
In your ear
And let you know
Not now to fear
You watched her eyes
She smiled at you
And with her strength
Away
You flew
We
Are here
You
Are not alone
YOU
US
The butterflies
and hummingbirds
will on
our shoulders lite
to sing
the songs of Ariel
tonight
I… do hear you now
Your sweetest tone
So clearly
Each beat
We will meet
When all the heavens
turn golden and purple n
And you sit between the ivory canes
Of two grandfathers as they
Float away
To another day
In the eternal clouds
You
NOW
Uniquely
Know…
Our angel
Adieu
Our sweetest angel
We will hold you dear to our hearts
Forever.
You commandeered our lives thorough
Stormy weather.
Always finding the port
You would say…
“Now now….we are all together”
My sweet..
We will meet
Upon the boundles shore
of wit and more
in your kindness and mirth
we will dance with you upon the earth
with our barefeet
and follow you
as you lead the beat
to your heavenly
retreat
Some say Ariel Laforet Berry was born with Down Syndrome.
We say she was born with UP Syndrome.
On the arms of her father she was taken to many a public gathering, her sweet sister Simonette did the booty dance, made marvels of words games and put on a pageantry of costumes with her
However, it was her Mom, Lisa who shown light a beacon of light throughout Ariel life.
Forever joyous despite her years of suffering, Ariel was not predicted to live past five years old. Each year was her last birthday and then 6, 7, 8, 9, and then 17 years went by with each birthday celebration the last.
The complete devotion her mother Lisa showed to Ariel is known by all that saw them. Lisa fought against all odds , against all predictions of what doctors said. She would go to the next doctor to find the right answer ….Ariel could live longer.
Lisa’s tender perseverance was known by Ariel till the end.
IN the last moments of her little life in the hospital, Lisa had revived her for the third time form heart failure and in the darkness of the hospital room…Ariel, spoke with raspy breath and said…
“MOM…thanks for saving my LIFE”
This is so much was Ariel is about.
We will always love her so.
Jen Hebert Geist
January 2, 2009
Dear Lisa, Jason and Simonette:
I am deeply sorry to learn of your loss. How wonderful that Ariel touched so many lives in such a powerful way. She indeed was a special angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julie and Jeff Anderson
January 2, 2009
Dear Jason and Melanie: Jeff and I are saddened to hear of your loss. Reading the obituary and the postings in this guest book reveal a beautiful and strong-spirited girl who was much loved and provided a bright light for many. Our thoughts are with you today, and in the days to come as you move forward in a new way.
Mary and H.V. Nagendra
January 2, 2009
Lisa and Family:
Caring for a child with special needs deserves special blessings. Yours is a blessed family for lovingly caring for Ariel during her short time she lived amongst us. Ariel returned the favor by loving life the way you taught her. Your family appreciated her capabilities and provided every opportunity for her to live. You must be proud of your achievements and that of Ariel's. Your family will remain in our prayers and thoughts. You have served us as role models for caring for our children. Please accept our sincere and heart felt condolences (to you and your family).
Frankie Kelly
January 2, 2009
Dear Sim, Lisa, Jason, Evelyn, and Michelle,
You allowed me to become a part of your family and to know Ariel in a special way. As others have commented, Ariel's smile and affection were cherished by me, and I shall remember her singing, her passion for Disney, her birthday celebrations, and her undying love for family. I am with you today and always!
Frankie
Mona and Mal Villarrubia
January 2, 2009
Dear Jason and Melanie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann and Ken Burnett
January 2, 2009
May our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers rest with you at this painful time of loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Deanna Leonti
January 2, 2009
Deepest Sympathy for the loss of your "Loved One". The Love for Ariel and Ariel Love for you continues it is never lost.
Vivian Filosa
January 2, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to your family. We pray that God will grant you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
(Gwen's Mom)
Kathleen Streva
January 2, 2009
Dear Lisa and family,
We are all so sorry to hear of the loss of Ariel. Although her life was short it was filled with love and laughter. She brought a smile to each and everyone who met her. Her memory will be long lived in everyones heart and now she is an angel watching down on all. So sorry as we can not be with you for her service but you will all be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Kathleen and Pat and our families.
Dave DeGraauw
January 1, 2009
I was profoundly saddened to learn of little Ariel's passing... I asked the normal "Why, Lord?" questions we always do ....Then I realized: The Good Lord only "lent us" Ariel these past 17 years....He was merely “sharing” His miraculous creation with us! ………. ANYONE who spent even 5 minutes in Ariel’s presence can realize WHY God wanted her back in Heaven with Him and the Angels! My heart is with you Lisa, Nanaan and the whole family.
Kareshona Larkins
January 1, 2009
I will miss little Ariel.She was so precious to my mom(whom I met her through),my sister and I.I know I can speak for us all when I say "We will miss our little tea and pizza parties".I will miss my little heavenly sent sister.
Mary Broussard
January 1, 2009
Lisa, Simonette, and Jason,
When I think of dancing, I will always think of Ariel. Nobody did it better and had more fun doing it. She always greeted me like a long lost friend and she definitely gave the best hugs. And her smile was the real deal. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy for your great loss are with you.
Love,
Mary Broussard
lyn taylor
January 1, 2009
We received Melanie's call and have had you in our thoughts ever since.
We will see you at Mater D.
Dr Steve and Lyn Taylor
Mary Beth Hebert
January 1, 2009
Lisa, Jason, and Simonette: I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all, as well as your families. I know the world is a poorer place without your Ariel.
judy Fried
January 1, 2009
It's been many years since I had the pleasure to know Ariel at Temple Sinai Preschool, but she still holds special memories to me. Ariel truly was everything that was so beautifully written about her. She brought joy to our school that I will never forget! My thoughts are with you,
Judy Fried
ray mouton
January 1, 2009
My prayers are with Lisa, Jason, Evelyn, Mary Frances, Michelle, Linda, and Eddie as well as Ariel's other loved ones in family and friends. When I heard that this angel who touched earth for a time had returned, I remembered once having the delightful experience of hearing her commentary as she watched "Lady and the Tramp." She was goodness through and through. May her gentleness continue touch all who knew her.
Olga Dugas
January 1, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the Berry Family and especially Mary Frances.
Laura Mallaley
January 1, 2009
I send my love to the Berry family in this difficult time. Ariel was a very special girl and she will be missed by the many whose lives she touched. Your family is in my prayers and in my heart!
alisha larkins
January 1, 2009
Ariel was truley an angel buddie to me.I want the family to know that I felt honored to be trusted with her during the times we shared togethered.I truley loved her, miss her and cherish our moments together.I pray that God will be the family strength.
Parrain
January 1, 2009
Ariel brought pure joy to all who knew her. We will cherish her laughter, her slyly proud wink of an eye, her whistle, her singing, her concerned pats on our backs, her unreserved love, our too soon ended sojourn, always. Our ever angel, she is with the angels now.
Shaybreyone Butler
January 1, 2009
May God Bless You and Keep you Protected. My love is sent to the Berry family
Jon Kukla
January 1, 2009
Jason and family,
We learned just this morning of Ariel's death. Please know that you and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jon
Daniels Family
January 1, 2009
With heavy hearts we offer our condolences on your precious loss. May all your loving memories bring you comfort. And please take solace in the promises of "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." who promises to "swallow up death forever."
(2 Cor 1:3,4; Ps 25:9)
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