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162 Entries
Jennifer Zelovitzky
June 13, 2014
Message from Raegan Katz:
My dearest Lea (and all her many, many admirers),
What´s long known is how you are stunningly gorgeous, killer bod, smartest person I´ve ever known- academically and otherwise, hilarious, thoughtful, talented beyond what should be considered legal!, light hearted and old-souled all combined-
What maybe people don´t know is that you were a teacher long before you became a teacher.
A list would be too exhaustive for me to detail out all the things you brought into my life that I carry with me until today, and will forever.
I carry a piece of you wherever I go. You taught me so much about not judging a book by its cover, and how you would reveal my truth if I didn´t ante up first. You let me bask in the glory that the love of words brought you, and all the images it conveys. But best, you taught me that laughing until your nose flares with emerging snorts is where it´s at. You taught me it´s ok for friendship to ride the full gamut of emotions and know that the thread of knowing is always there. I´m trying to think less of voids, and feel blessed to have been in your sphere. You know I always felt unlucky, but I now know that I´ve hit many jackpots. I carry it with me. To me, you are and were always, magic.
Love always and forever, a forever admirer and fan, Me. ___________________________________________________________________
To me you´re perfect imperfection A laughing bean We danced around in circles And you danced around in light You shone in your transparency And showed through the cracks of underpinnings With squeeze of bricks abroad You winced the razors words cut deep And heart filled with love of flawed I know you in my mirror I have you in my pocket And soul birth child glimmer It ebbed and flowed, yet still remains A special link, a special day Gratitude revealed Thank you for your gifts, my friend Thank you for my gift
Jennifer Zelovitzky
May 17, 2014
Dear Lisa,
When you first passed away, my greatest fear was that I would forget what it felt like to have you here. Your voice, your smile, the feel of your hugs and the sound of your laughter were all things I thought would fade with time. I'm so relieved that 10 years later, they are still as vivid in my memory as they ever were. In fact, I have found that over time I remember 'healthy' Lisa much more often than 'sick Lisa', which is a mixed blessing, because it reminds me of all the potential that was lost when you were taken from us.
Mostly, I think about the relationship that Maddie and Becky missed out on. We were so close in age, your children and mine would have grown up together like siblings. My daughters would have benefitted so much from having you in their lives...they would have learned from you and loved hearing your stories so much. I talk about you with them all the time and keep you very present in their lives so that they feel as though they know you. Little things, like your love of Dairy Queen, your fear of spiders, your ability to truly dance as though no one was watching, and your talent for doing handstands in the pool, which Becky seems to have inherited. The girls, David and I have continued your holiday tradition of donating toys to the needy, and it makes us feel very close to you when we make our annual trip to Toy Mountain to deliver a trunk full of toys.
Of course, it's impossible not to feel a little sorry for myself that I lost the closest person on earth to me. A decade later, and I still have trouble believing that you're not there to call when I have a funny story or need an opinion on something. I hope that you would be proud of the person I've become, because every day I try to live with the sense of integrity and morality that I learned from you (in all fairness, you set the bar kinda high for us mere mortals, but I do try). You would always look at a situation and say "what was that person's intention?" and use that as your guide, rather than the outcome, and that is something I greatly admired about you and think about every day.
Although you thought (and even told me) that I was "crazy" to consider med school, I want you to know that every time I have a tough call shift or a difficult situation at the hospital, I think about your strength and the original reasons why I wanted to help people, and it helps me to give 110% no matter how tired I am.
In the relatively short number of years we had together, you taught me so much, and I will do my best to put it to good use. I miss you, love you, and think about you everyday.
All my love,
Jen
Jennifer Zelovitzky
May 17, 2014
Message from Allison Denver:
Dear Lisa,
Although you are gone I think of you often and love that I still see you in my dreams. I have so many wonderful memories that it's hard to just name a few. I loved our ski trips, dance classes, and sleepovers. I loved that you were there to drive me to university out of town when I was nervous. I loved sharing my heartaches and heart joys with you.
Thank you for all the beautiful memories,
Love your cousin Alli
Jennifer Zelovitzky
May 17, 2014
Message from Melissa Byer:
My dearest Lisa,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I can still hear your laughter. See the passion in your eyes when you talked about one of your favorite books. Your grace and beauty as you danced. I try to remember all the good times. And now I have someone new to share my memories of you with, my son, Leo, who was named after you. He has an angel's kiss on his forehead. I think you gave him that. He scrunches up his nose like you did when you were a baby and his eyes twinkle when he he smiles. I hope that he will inherit your kindness, sense of humor and passion. I promise you, Lisa, that I will always tell him stories about you and always keep you alive in our hearts.
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Jennifer Zelovitzky
May 17, 2014
Message from Karen (Denver) Hunt
Growing up i always marvelled at Lisa and her natural ability to excel at the performing arts. i was in awe of her natural beauty, her success as an actress in things like being the Becker's girl, Ripley's believe it or not, her Kool Aid commercial and many more things. I have to say i wanted to be like her and that was not even taking into account all the friends she had and all her accomplishments. When her cancer was hit, I didn't believe it would be fatal. She amazed me with her ability to travel to places like china and climbing it's famous "great wall" during remission. I drew inspiration how she lived a life with humour and grace. Every time I look at photos of all us "cousins" I smile because her smiles were so genuine. I still don't know how she did it, but I am so glad she was my cousin, my family and I miss her and think of her often.
Jennifer Zelovitzky
June 10, 2014
Message from Jackie Taitz:
Ten years, it feels like a lifetime.
So much has happened since then, so many changes.
And yet Li is still as present in my life and in my heart as if it were yesterday.
She is a part of who I am, a part of my foundation.
Her friendship gave me the courage to reach, to explore, to grow.
I loved her then and I love her now.
I miss her still, but she is here.
Always.
Jennifer Zelovitzky
June 10, 2014
Message from Jennifer (Derlis) Maki:
Lisa was an amazing actress, teacher, poet, singer, dancer, and a truly vivid story-teller. A beautiful and vibrant person, inside and out. She was, and still is, an inspiration to all of us. I feel very privileged to have known her. Lisa, you are deeply missed by all who had the gift of having you in their lives.
Jennifer Zelovitzky
June 10, 2014
Message from Ilana Stein:
I met Lisa through a close friend and instantly knew that she was someone I wanted to become friends with. Lisa was incredibly friendly, warm and funny. She instantly clicked with everyone in my group of friends. Even though Lisa and I only knew each other for a few short years she had a great impact on me. We often spoke about teaching, as we were both in the profession, and it was obvious how passionate she was about her career. She worked so hard to prepare creative lessons and the best units for her classes and really went the extra mile for her students. Lisa cared so much about what she did everyday in the classroom. I remember evenings out with group of friends with lots of laughter and discussions about relationships. She was so wise about love and life and just the kind of person who always had a positive attitude about everything. Lisa really touched us with her incredible strength, courage, intelligence and kind soul. She was a beautiful person inside and out! I was so lucky to have known her and learn so much from her. She is greatly missed!
Jennifer Zelovitzky
June 9, 2014
(From Mikey)
Lisa, I am so grateful that I still dream about you. Our conversations are always so incredibly real. In each dream, I am aware that you used to be dead, but somehow there is always a reasonable explanation as to how you were brought back to life. We take walks together and just talk. You are exactly as I prayed I would remember: happy, healthy, beautiful and wise. Even though I often wake up beside myself with grief, there is also immense relief that you are still with me. I would not trade those conversations for anything. Whenever I think of you, it's still your bravery that resonates most. I am such a baby when it comes to my health. My mind immediately goes to terrible places before the doctor eventually tells me "it´s nothing". Then I reflect on how you lived with such debilitating pain for the greater part of four years. I will never understand how you got out of bed every day, put on a smile and carried on your business with the knowledge that you were battling such unrelenting cancer. As much as your soulful poems provide a small glimpse into your thoughts and your determination, I can only imagine how afraid you really were. On your last lucid day, you sat up in your bed and thanked us for everything. I wish I would have said thank you. I could never have realized how much you have actually given me. Rest assured that your legacy will continue to live on with my own family: we talk about you as if you only left us yesterday, your degree and picture hang proudly in our house and I have worn my special necklace every day since you died - Sasha already knows that it´s for Aunty Lisa. One day, Sasha and Naomi will cherish all of the videos, pictures and keepsakes, just like all of us already do.
Until I see you again in a future dream, I look forward to the next time I'm driving in the car, lying in bed, or sitting at my desk when the mere thought of you causes me to well up out of nowhere. The grieving process might be eternally difficult, but it is equally comforting and special.
I love you.
Mikey
Carole & Eric Denver
June 14, 2014
What a wonderful tribute that Lisa's family has put together to honour such a remarkable young woman on this sad 10th anniversary of her passing.
Looking through this amazing journey, we have laughed and we have cried and most of all, we have remembered and will never ever forget her. She is in our thoughts and prayers every day and it has been an honour and a privilege to be her aunt and uncle.
May God bless all of you! All our love, always.
Michelle Kapelus
June 14, 2014
I remember meeting Lisa when I was in grade 9 and had become friends with Jen. A year later, Lisa was in grade 9 and as we performed in school plays together, she was no longer Jen's little sister, but someone I considered a true friend. Lisa was so beautiful and kind and funny. She was talented in so many ways, and modest about all of it. For a while after she passed, I would see a stranger on the street who had a Lisa-like quality about her and think "Oh, there's Lisa!" Then I would be brought back to reality and feel so much sadness. But, perhaps, I should have reflected on these moments as proof that a soul such as Lisa's is eternal.
Linda Cainer
June 14, 2014
Lisa came into my life through a marriage between her grandfather Harold and my mother Judith. I always enjoyed her company through family get togethers and loved talking to her. Most of our conversations were about her teaching and how she enjoyed her students. Passing on knowledge was important and living honourable was important.
She was a beautiful person both inside and out.
I think of Lisa often ...thinking how her family loved her and how an exceptional bond they have between each other.
Linda
June 14, 2014
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June 14, 2014
Robin, Laurie, Lisa and Jackie
June 13, 2014
Li and Amir - (2002)
June 13, 2014
Lisa and Dad
June 13, 2014
With Ami, post-op - (7/2002)
June 13, 2014
Show of solidarity - (9/2002) - Trying on some options with Jen and Mar
June 13, 2014
Wigging out with Amir and Jackie - (2002)
June 13, 2014
Mike's special present for Li - (2002)
June 13, 2014
Mike and Li - (2002)
June 13, 2014
Recovering with Pookie - (8/2002)
June 13, 2014
Bridesmaid Gifts - (11/16/2002) - The day before Jen's wedding
June 13, 2014
With Alli - (2002)
June 13, 2014
Cute Wig - (2002)
June 13, 2014
With Amir - (2002)
June 13, 2014
Sisters - (2002)
June 13, 2014
June 13, 2014
With Ami - (11/17/2002)
June 13, 2014
At Jen and Dave's Wedding - (11/17/2002)
June 13, 2014
Alli and Jon's Wedding - (7/2003)
June 13, 2014
Alli and Jon's Wedding - (7/2003)
June 13, 2014
Alli's Wedding - (7/2003)
June 13, 2014
Dancing at Alli and Jon's Wedding - (7/2003)
June 13, 2014
With Aunty Carole, Mar and Ilana Cainer - (10/23/2003) - Lisa threw a surprise birthday party for our mom.
June 13, 2014
Mike's Bar Mitzvah - (5/30/1993)
June 13, 2014
Mike's Bar Mitzvah - (5/30/1993)
June 13, 2014
Mike's Bar Mitzvah - (5/30/1993)
June 13, 2014
Visiting Dad's place in Whitevale - (1998)
June 13, 2014
Mar's bday - (10/23/2000)
June 13, 2014
Katie's apartment at Western - (9/2000)
June 13, 2014
On the set of Young and the Restless
June 13, 2014
On the set of Young and Restless
June 13, 2014
Lisa and Larry
June 13, 2014
Robin, Lisa and Jackie New Years Eve - (1996)
June 13, 2014
Robin and Lisa at Serendipity 3 NYC
June 13, 2014
June 13, 2014
Lisa, Robin and Jackie
June 13, 2014
Lisa and Robin
June 13, 2014
Robin and Lisa in NYC
June 13, 2014
Lisa, Jackie and Raegan
June 13, 2014
Jackie and Lisa
June 10, 2014
The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf - (2001) - An original play that Lisa co-wrote and directed with her Grade 6 class at Mabin School. She's sitting near the 3 of hearts
June 10, 2014
Niagara Falls with Stephanie and Jen
June 7, 2014
In Niagara Falls with Jen Derlis
June 7, 2014
A night out with friends
June 7, 2014
Lisa and Jen - (1981)
May 23, 2014
(1999) - Lisa, Jon, Alli and Karen
May 23, 2014
Maid of Honour - (11/17/2002)
May 17, 2014
Li and Jen - (7/2002)
May 17, 2014
Zach interviewing Jen and Lisa - (11/17/2002)
May 17, 2014
Lisa's 25th birthday - (9/10/2000)
May 17, 2014
Maid of Honour Speech - (11/17/2002)
May 17, 2014
Robin, Li, Nicky, Amir,Jackie and Laurie - (7/2002)
May 17, 2014
Jen, Mike and Lisa - (1/2001) - We were about to go see "Mamma Mia"
May 17, 2014
A day at Edwards Gardens - (7/2002)
May 17, 2014
Lisa's 8th birthday - (9/10/1984) - Robin Berholz and Karen help her celebrate
May 17, 2014
Jen and Li - (11/17/2002)
May 17, 2014
With Dad - (11/17/2002)
May 17, 2014
Lisa with Jackie, Laurie and Robin - (11/17/2002)
May 17, 2014
Summer Lady - (1992) - Lisa in a performance of The Snow Queen at Markham Theatre
May 17, 2014
Lisa's 13th birthday - (9/10/1988)
May 17, 2014
Lisa with baby Katie - (9/1981) - Lisa had just turned 6
May 17, 2014
Hanging out in Lisa's room - (7/2002)
May 17, 2014
Lisa at the Vid Kids launch party - (1985)
May 17, 2014
Lisa's grade 1 school picture - (1981)
May 17, 2014
Lisa the Magician - (1982) - Performing at a family birthday party
May 17, 2014
Lisa and Maddie - (6/9/2004)
May 17, 2014
Lisa and Maddie - (4/27/2004)
May 17, 2014
McDonald's Commercial with Ernie Whitt - (1986) - Fun note: it was on the set of this commercial that Lisa did her Scarlett O'Hara impression for the director and was cast in her famous Kool Aid commercial!
May 17, 2014
Lisa, Mom and Katie - (11/17/2002)
May 17, 2014
Las Vegas - (8/1997)
May 17, 2014
Amir and Lisa - (12/2001)
May 17, 2014
Dance recital - (1981)
May 17, 2014
Mike, Lisa and Jen - (3/2001) - Lisa came out to Vancouver to help us settle in
May 17, 2014
You are my sunshine - (1981) - Lisa at her dance recital
May 17, 2014
Reading Maeve Binchy - (12/2002)
May 17, 2014
Cancun Mexico, 1998 - (12/1998)
May 17, 2014
POGO party at Castle Loma - (12/2001)
May 17, 2014
Lisa and Pookie - (1988)
May 17, 2014
The original selfie - (1994)
May 17, 2014
Lisa's 3rd Birthday - (9/10/1978) - Custom sign made by Zadie Harold
May 17, 2014
Lisa's 6th Birthday - (9/10/1981) - Mikey is wondering whether he can have cake
May 17, 2014
Lisa with our puppy Mickey - (1988) - Mickey passed away about 2 weeks after we brought him home, and his 'replacement' was Pookie, who lived to be 18 years old
May 17, 2014
Lisa's 23rd birthday - (9/10/1998) - At The Pickle Barrel
May 17, 2014
Harold and Judith Spiegelman's wedding - (1978) - Jen, Lisa, Marlene and Mer
May 17, 2014
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