This is a post that I didn't want to write - we all knew Shaz had been fighting cancer for years but even so, when Doug rang me to say she'd passed away, it was still a huge shock. I can't quite believe that we'll never read another post of hers on WOYWW, hers was one of the names that I looked forward to seeing on the list.
From the moment I invited Shaz and Doug to come and stay for the first Crop in Burbage, I knew we were going to be friends. They were straightforward, hard working and very very funny, Gordon and I enjoyed their company immensely. They dived in and helped set up, wash up and clear up the hall that day - we just had a ball.
I know Shaz was part of many groups but the WOYWWers especially took her to their hearts - support, friendship, the Queen of Enabling and the And Finally which ended her posts on a laugh, even when she was obviously nearing the end.
I'll leave you with a couple of photos from over the past few years:
Farewell Shaz, I can promise that you will NEVER be forgotten, it was an utter privilege to know you.
Rest in Peace, my dear friend.
LLJ xxxx
26 comments:
It is quite a shock, knowing her name won't be in the list and her cheering comments won't be at my blogposts anymore... thank you for this blogpost and the photos Jan, Shaz will not be forgotten!
Thank you Jan x
Hello Jan, a lovely tribute to a Shaz and Doug. It is so hard to take in that she won't be posting, enabling, making us giggle or offering words of encouragement anymore. She will be forever in our hearts and thoughts. Anne xxx
What sad news Jan, but thank you for letting us know. Shaz has been on my mind such a lot over the last couple of weeks, and I will miss her so much on the desks - she was a kind, open hearted, welcoming person, and the true Queen of enabling.
Love and hugs to you my dear Jan on this sad day,
Diana xx
So sorry to hear that Jan. It’s so hard to lose a friend. Big hugs to you. Thanks for posting.
Love Lynne
Such a beautiful post about a very special lady. She found a way into all our hearts and will be missed by so many people. The world really is a sadder place. I hope Doug knows how much we love him too and that he has friends all over the world sending him love to help him get through this difficult time.
Hugs,
Annie x
That is a lovely tribute to a very special lady. She will be so missed by all of our WOYWW friends but also by so, so many more. She touched so many lives with her warmth, love and humour. Special thoughts and love to Doug and the family and a big hug to you and Gordon for the loss of your dear friend. xx
Oh Jan, my heart is crying with you! I didn't know this wonderful person, but I feel it was a really friend. Best friend.
So I say Goodbye to her. My deepest sympathy to you, and to the family of Shaz.
Eva from Austria
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a terrific tribute to a wonderful, talented, and loving soul. Blessings to you and to all her family and friends ~ Love, Karen
Beautiful tribute Jan. She will be sorely missed by so many. Rest in Peace Shaz.
Beautiful Shaz. Lovely post Jan.
We are all going to miss Shaz from the WOYWW posts and both her and Doug from the crops - this is a beautiful tribute to a lovely lady and one we really didn't want to read. Thanks Jan for putting into words what we all tried to say. xx
One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t get to meet Shaz in person. We chatted via email and blog comments, and her personality just shone through her words. I would like to contribute to anything in her memory, so let me know if there is a specific charity. Hugs to all the WOYWW community. Ali xx
Shaz would laugh, as I just typed a long comment, only for it to disappear! We chatted over email and blog comments for what seems like many years, but I sadly never got to meet her. She will be hugely missed from the WOYWW list. Hugs to everyone. If there is a specific charity to contribute to, then I would like to donate in her memory. Ali xx
I know how much Shaz meant to you and Gordon. How you took her and Doug into your hearts and they took you into theirs. True and everlasting friendship which I am sure will remain in your hearts forever.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute, Wednesday is going to be hard for so many, but true deskers will carry on and hold the wonderful Queen of Enabling, Friend and Happiness Spreader in their hearts for all time.
Bless you Jan xx
It’s nearly 3am as type this comment, I first hopped out of bed to pray for those who loved Shaz, to find an email from wonderful Jo to say you’d posted.
Thank you so much precious Lunch Lady Jan, a fab post ... and yes I’ve seen Doug and Shaz pitch in at one of those crops so wonderfull to have met nearly all of you, no Julia or Helen and few others, but loved seeing the photos of that visit. I’ll never forget that time with Shaz and the enormous bag of goodies she’d brought with her for me! Little old me from Oz.
Her loving, loyal, generous heart was never hidden, so extremely accepting and loving! it was through Maggie Silvercrafter that Shaz and I met through WOYWW over ten years ago now.
Love your dearly Shaz, and yes, you will be sorely missed. Always ... thanks so much, Jan! ❤️❤️🙏🙏❤️❤️
love Shaz in Oz.x
Hi Jan, such very sad news. I didn't get to meet her but she always left the kindest comments on my blog . She was very talented, inspirational and fun . (((((hug))))) so sorry .
sue xx
Oh Jan. What a shock. I haven't been amongst you for awhile but I always enjoyed chatting to Shaz when I did and I know how much she meant to you. She was a lovely lady and you've written a beautiful tribute to her. She will be greatly missed. Sending you gentle hugs. Love Lisa xx
Oh no! I've been checking since last Wednesday for updates. Certainly not this one!
I had not met her in person, but she friended me on Instagram! So warm and giving, even there!
I join you in heartfelt sadness and sorrow!
Kathryn
Such sad news to read Jan, what a lovely tribute to Shaz. The very first person to welcome me to the WoywW group with warm words and a hug.. She will be greatly missed by us all. Keeping Doug, family, friends and loved ones in our thoughts.
Hugs Tracey xx
Felt so sad when I read this news. I am lucky to have known Shaz, albeit only through WOYWW.
She will be missed, but never forgotten. Sue
I was not privileged to meet Shaz, but we had a few emails together of late regarding one recent medical problem that my daughter had also suffered from. Although I haven’t been part of WOYWW that long (two years), there is a friendship and a readiness to help that is wonderful. Shaz recently suggested a book and I bought it, I shall think of her whenever I read it.
Lovely tribute Jan xx
Thank You Jan for all the great photos. You were blessed to meet her and Doug and develop a great friendship I am sorry for your loss. May your great memories give you a good Peace and some laughter. Forever in our hearts.
A lovely tribute to Shaz and Doug, Jan! I've only just found out this morning, so I'm still thinking, inexplicably, that I must have misunderstood it, or I only imagined reading it - that it can't be true - a classic case of denial. I know this is not first time we've lost a WOYWW-er - but it's always shocking and unimaginable. I hope Doug is holding up ok. xx
Beautiful
BJ
Post a Comment