I'd like to take a few moments to reflect upon Angie and how I'll always remember her. I realize that I haven't known her as long as most of you, but I know I can speak for all of us here in saying that she was a very special person in our lives and she made a lasting impression on all who knew her.
As I reflect, I see a happy, smiling face, a caring, loving, always concerned person who unselfishly gave of herself so others would feel better.

I see her bopping to music, singing to her cassette tapes, looking through her million and one pictures and saying, "boy, I'm so behind on my letter writing, I've just got to write to so and so". I see a shoe box full of valentines given to her by the children she taught and who loved her so dearly. I see her room in disarray and hear her saying "I'll have to organize and clean it one of these days". I see her at the ironing board for hours; she just had to iron everything before she'd wear it. I see her head just barely peaking above the bar at the Maple Tree where she bartended. I see her picking up an empty glass and smelling it to see if to was clean before she'd use it. I see her dressed in high-tops, bobby-socks, cut-off sweat pants and a big sweatshirt.

I reflect upon the hilarious situations and crazy predicaments we'd manage to get int. Looking at you now, I know each one of you has hundreds of tales to tell about your times with Angie. Living with Angie was always an adventure. You never knew what she'd say or do next but you always knew it would be unique.

I can see us sitting on the couch on a Saturday morning eating cold pizza and talking about softball, water skiing, her friends and her family who meant so much to her. I always admired her spunk, ambition, and easy going, caring, attitude.

There wasn't a place we'd go where she didn't know someone. I remember going somewhere with her and dozens of friends would come running up to say Hi and fill her in on the latest news. Angie had a never ending string of friends who saw her for the true, unique and genuine person she was.

Angie did her best to make this world a more pleasant place and I believe, without question, she succeeded.

She was an extremely sensitive girl who often times carried far too many burdens. She had a difficult time coping and understanding the world's harshness and cruelty. But even through this, she maintained her compassion and love of people. Angie's philosophy was a stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet. She had the ability to adapt and fit in no matter where she was.

We'll never know the reasons why she left us but I can only hope she is at peace. I fell deeply honored and grateful that I had the opportunity to know her so well. She touched our lives so deeply and she gave us so much. There will be a big empty space in our lives that she used to fill. She was our "Little Angie";Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend.

All I can say is, Angela we loved you, and even though you are not with us in body, you'll live forever in our hearts and memories.

Love,

Valerie