Laurenda Joyce Arcos

When I woke up this morning something compelled me to search for Laurenda Butler...Rinny. And, of course that search immediately led me to the notice of her passing. I was so sad to learn this news, yet at the same time overjoyed to read the wonderful tribute to her. I was hesitant to write a post, but then I thought it important for you to know that there are people out there in the universe, like me, who have been greatly impacted by your wife, your mother...your grandmother. Rinny was my first `girlfriend.´ It was our entire sophomore year at Fayetteville- Manlius and we were inseparable. Like any 16 year old, I was initially attracted by how cute she was, but then overwhelmed by her charm, her love of life, the way she cared about other people and of course her amazingly infectious laugh. I was so proud of her when she decided to try out for the school play...the rock opera `Tommy´, where she won a part as a dancer. She was wonderful and I was at very performance. I was equally proud when she came to my high school baseball games. She never missed one. Our family moved to Chicago the summer before our junior year and the last time I saw or spoke to Rinny was several months later when I visited Syracuse. We kept in touch with phone calls and letters, but we knew that we were too young for anything more. Over the last 50 years, I´ve often thought of Rinny. I spoken of her and I hoped that she was safe and happy. I am overjoyed to read that she met Juan and led such a wonderful, love filled life. So how did she ` greatly impact´ my life ?...simple...she was always the `template´ for who I wanted my life partner to be. I finally met that person at age 39 and we have been happily married since. My wife is so similar to the Rinny that I knew and remember. I´ve told her about Rinny, and I´ve also told her that I believe the because of the type of person that Rinny was...she is responsible for us being together. Sharing this is the greatest tribute that I can give to Rinny. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you and I can assure that Rinny will continue to impact your lives every single day.

Juan- Dave and I were just sharing memories of our life in Syracuse NY - recalling how you and Rinny were such good friends to us, 2 newlyweds who moved away from home for the first time. So I decided to search for you two and found this ... I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful person and over the last 36 years we´ve thought of your kindness. I´m sorry I didn´t do this search earlier Prayers for your strength during this most difficult time. With love. Dave and Mariann Mannion

Rinny was such a wonderful person! These pictures are from our 45th high school reunion in 2019. Rinny and Juan were 2 of the people I most looked forward to seeing at our reunions. She will be missed very much and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

So sorry for your loss. I only know Rinny during her high school years. She was a lot of fun!

Here are some beautiful photos of young Rinny that Michael scanned. We will definitely share more and feel free to share your own!