Marilyn Ann Schipper

When I was a boy, my mom was my school librarian. As you can imagine, she didn't let me get away with much. There was no such thing as a snow days when your mom was driving through the blizzard anyway. And even the most minor school "incidents" involving yours truly always made it to my mom's ears, usually in the staff room at lunch.

When I moved on to Junior High, I thought I was finally in the clear. No such luck, as I was now under the kind but watchful eye of my mom's good friend, Mrs. Schipper.

Just like mom, she didn't let me get away with anything. Just one example: it was 3 pm, near the end of June, and she followed me onto the bus to let me know that, no, she didn't believe my various idiotic stories and excuses about my long overdue book, and I had just better go find it as soon as I got home. There was just a glint of Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry in her eye that day, so although she wasn't packing a 45 magnum, you can bet I did exactly what I was told, and the book was back on her shelves the very next day.

My ongoing respect for this woman demanded that I continued to call her "Mrs. Schipper" into my 50's - there was no "Marilyn" in my vocabulary, even though she had offered several times over the years.

It was only last July that my parents, Bob and Annette Vasseur, shared the sad news of the passing of her husband Richard, a great man who I and my father both admired. Now, far too soon for the rest of us, there is the added burden of going on without his equally great partner in life.

I am of course happy that she and Richard are now together, at peace. But I cannot deny my sadness for her family, and perhaps most selfishly, for my parents.

It may sound trivial compared to the many lifelong contributions and sacrifices that Mr. and Mrs. Schipper made, for their family, and for their community. But the friendship they shared with my mom and dad was... nothing short of epic.

The amazing annual world-wide vacations of the great eight - the Schippers, Vasseurs, Pughs and Pouriers.

The countless dinner parties to celebrate the birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries.

And of course, the love, support, strength, and laughter - that has been a beacon to me of how all of us should hope and pray to spend the rest of our days.

Based on the happiness provided to my mom and dad, I think the friendship within this special group was as close to perfection you will find this side of heaven, and has greatly inspired me on whom I choose to call my friends.

God speed Mrs. Schipper. Thank yo u so much for demanding more of me during my formative years, and for being such a very special friend for my mom and dad. I know the dinner parties will continue, which shall forever more include a toast to absent best friends.

Love,
Russell