Date sent: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 15:17:41 -0700 (MST)

In Memory of Ginny Dean Holmes

New Info About Ginny's Memorial

This is a message from Shelley White. My email address is shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu if you would like to reply to this message. Please respond if you are interested in attending A Celebration of the Life of Ginny Dean Holmes on Saturday, June 21, 1997/ Summer Solstice. Ginny and her husband Stan planned a celebration in her rememberance before she died of cancer on November 15, 1996. The celebration will involve music, silence, and words of reflection by those who are interested. Ginny's ashes will be spread over Snake Valley which borders Utah and Nevada. Ginny and her friends helped save the Snake Valley from becoming an MX missle launch site. Please let me know if you are planning to attend if you haven't already contacted Stan Holmes. Trace Wiren is coordinating the music and wanted me to send out a message to all peace marchers on the internet to invite anyone who is interested in participating. Stan has reserved rooms at the Border Inn for those who are not interested in camping. If you are interested in a room or have questions, call Stan at (801) 486-3646 or send me an email message at: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu

From Shelly White:
John, thank-you for your support and care with Ginny and Bob at the Peace March reunion. Bob Goff was the person responsible for getting the Peace March through Utah. Just before the reunion, he had surgery for skincancer and had undergone 10 weeks of radiation. Ginny was in the process of chemotherapy for gallbladder and liver cancer. John stayed in the same hotel where we were staying and helped to be sure that Bob and Ginny werefeeling alright to stay in camp. John took Bob back to the hotel several times so that I could stay in camp longer. Bob in recovering each week and should have his energy back by Spring.

I am not sure whether everyone on this list will recieve this message or not because I have never tried to send mail to a group list. Will a few of you please write back to me if you received this message? My email address is shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu. I know that John Windle has receive email messages from Ginny and her husband Stan over the past few months. Some of the rest of you may have received information as well. I am writing to notify as many peace marchers as possible that Ginny's spirit left her body on Friday, November 15, the tenth anniversary of the peace march. I had the privilege of attending Ginny's cremation with Stan's family last Wednesday where Stan performed a ceremony and created a beautiful altar for Ginny. Her ashes will be scattered at a Celebration of Life gathering on the Summer Solstice in Snake Valley, Utah (one of the many valleys Ginny and her friends saved from becoming a MX nuclear missle site). I will include an update in the next Silver Thread so that those of you who are interested can plan to attend. I miss her but my memories of her are precious and her spirit is healing. When I said goodbye to my sweet sister Ginny, her eyes were heavy from the morphine (which helped relieve the pain from the cancer). As I left her bedroom, she put her palms together with her fingers pointing toward me, lifted her head, opened her eyes, and said "Namaste." In the Peace March tradition, friends and family members will gather for a tree-planting in Ginny's honor next Wednesday, November 27th.

Shelley White
shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu

From D.W. Youngs:
For some days now I have struggled to find the words as I read and reread the sad letter of the passing of Ginny. Today I gave up the struggle and bathed myself in Ginny's smile.
Thanks for letting me know.
D. W. Youngs
Walk in Beauty, e-mail: walker@portal.ca Web Page: Walking the Dream http://www-personal.umich.edu/~airyn/walker/index.html
Dreamed of Ginny last night. Saw her across the street, ran over for a long warm hug, wondered if we'd ever see each other again. She

told me I'm working too hard. Which I am. Always take advice from dreams and spirits. James Knight Mt. Washington, ca USA - Saturday, February 22, 1997 at 11:18:15 (PST)

Date sent: Sat, 1 Mar 1997 09:28:59 -0700 (MST)
To: drol@earthlink.net
From: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu (Kathryn.Bond.Stockton)
Subject: More messages regarding Ginny Dean Holmes from Shelley White

Can you include these messages in Ginny's memorial?

From: Marc Polonsky <marcwordsmith@sfo.com>
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Ginny
Shelley, I received your message about Ginny, so I'm certain that the
rest of the mailing list received it too. I'm sure you'll be hearing
from many or most of them.
Thank you for passing on the the news. I'm a little bit shocked. I knew
Ginny was very ill, but I didn't realize how close she was to the end
when we all saw her in Iowa. God(dess) bless her. I'm glad she had you
there with her, a loving presence (among others) during her time of
passing. I am very sad that I will never see her again. She was
wonderful. Thank you again for letting us all know, so we can hold her
more closely in our hearts too, and think of her. I am so sorry though,
for the loss. I'm sorry for my own loss of Ginny, and I never even saw
her between '86 and '96. So I can only imagine what it must be like for
you and Stan and others. But I also understand that this is a natural
thing.... I'm glad it happened on November 15. That makes me feel as if,
in the way she departed, her spirit was affirming her connection to her
peace march family. I hope so. I want to feel connected to Ginny. She is
a beautiful soul. And you too, Shelley.
Take care and thanks again.
Love,
Marc (Polonsky)

From: NZ Hang Gliding & Paragliding Assn Inc <nzhgpa@inhb.co.nz>

To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Ginny
Shelley,
Thank you so much for letting me of Ginny's passing. Her death brought h
once again, in a bittersweet way, what an amazing bond we all shared in
1986. I was stunned to read of Ginny's death. I remember seeing her at the
reunion, where I marvelled once again at her kindness. Whenever I think of
Ginny I think of kindness.
When someone from the march dies, it is as though one of my family has d
It really affects me. Right now I feel a sense of isolation too; it's a long
way from me here to you and the others in the United States.
Shelley, I know you and Ginny were close friends during the march. My
thoughts are with you too as you grieve. My body will not be present at the
events planned to honour Ginny, but I want you to know my spirit will be.
Kia Kaha (Be Strong)
Geoff Mercer
Aotearoa (New Zealand)

From: elizcl@umich.edu
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.eduSubject: Ginny
Shelley,
Thanks for the e-mail about Ginny. Take care of yourself.
Elizabeth Clare

From: Bill O'Neill <boneill@cape.com>To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: message rec'd
Shelley --
Got your mass e-mail. Thanks for letting folks know.
My thoughts are with Stan, you and all the other good folks who
had the honor to know Ginny well. On the march she and I were only
acquanitances, and I wish I had had the chance to know her better --
her amazing spirit was so evident.
Be well -- Bill O'Neill

From: Debra Davis <davis08@village.ios.com>
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Ginny
Dear Shelley,
Thank you for letting us know that Ginny left us. It would be difficult for
Don and me to travel west by the 27th or event to the Celebration of Life
gathering, but it sounds like the most appropriate way to celebrate Ginny's
life and work.
I know that you will be there. Carry our love with you, Namaste, Debra and Don

From: PJSchulman@aol.com
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Cc: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Ginny Dean
Shelly, (and/or Kathryn),
Thank you for your letter. I very much appreciate being included in this
important family news.
This Wednesday, I will also plant a tree in honor/memory of Ginny. I must
say that it is hard for me to think of Ginny without also thinking of you
Shelly. The two of you (and often three with Monica) were such a beutiful
presence on the walk, a fine example of sisterhood. Your fine voices, your
gentle presence, your diplomacy, courtesy and dignity.
If there is one word that comes to mind when I think of Ginny, it is
kindness. I do not have saint stories or anything so miraculous. I can only
tell you that I always felt welcomed and cared about whenever Ginny was
present. It was obvious that her care was something she gave easily and
unconditionally as a starting point for everyone she met.
I am grateful to have shared her path on our precious journey.
There was talk here and there at the reunion: could marchers' cancers have
been a result of exposure from test sites our fallout dust in the desert etc.
Could her death have come as a result of how she put her life on the path?
It certainly is possible.
It also amazes me, however how denial affects me. As I began reading this
letter, I got that shaky feeling. Then your announcement of her death came,
still so unbelievable to me. How can this be?
As I am greeted with this news of the departure of a beloved clanswoman,
something echoes in my heart. I can not give it adaquate expression, but I
will tell you the presence of Utah mountains, and the mountains at the
Nuclear Test Site and Ginny's proud stance are very much with me right now.
...Doug wrote that "the echoes of our care will last forever."
Thank you and God bless you Shelly. I hope that you will have occaision to
see the tree that I will plant in honor of Ginny.

From: Antonio Montes <71031.1162@CompuServe.COM>
To: Shelley White <shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu>
Subject: Ginny
Dear Shelley,
Thank you for sending that message. I didn't know Ginny very well, but r
smile was a familiar sight. When I think of her my impression is of music and
light, and ten years after the march I can still clearly remember her kind
face.
Peace to you,
Kim Dougherty

From: Kevin Deame <rosebud@igc.apc.org>
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Ginny message
Dear Shelly,
I don't have much to say except thank you. You did a great job of gettig
the info out. No simple task, I'm sure. I just read it and I'm blown away.
The best written email I've ever received.
I won't be able to attend, but please accept and pass along all the loved
afection from peace loving peoples in northeastern Connecticut and New
England. (that's a LOT of people!)
Thanks again and send my best to Bob. I have to say that I generaly have
mixed feelings about my email, but in this case I can see the benefits.
Please let me know if there is anything we can do out this way.
Kevin Deame

From: Sonia L Cota-robles <sonia@U.Arizona.EDU>
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Dear Shelley:
I got your message on the e-mail. I did not know you or Ginny
well but you are both clear in my mind's eye, both together, and I am very
sorry to hear of her passing. The loss of any peace worker is sad but I
remember Ginny as very full of life and it is particularly sad to lose a
splendid woman in her prime.
I wish the best to you and to her family. When we loss those
close to us, I can only think that the universe is reminding us how
precious each day is. I know Ginny will live forever in your memory and
mine and all peace marchers.
Love, Sonia Cota-Robles

From: Roman E Livak <romanlivak@juno.com>
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Fwd: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Dear Shelley,
Thank you for taking the time to notify all of us of Ginny's passing.
She has been in my thoughts since the reunion, where I was touched by the
effort it must have taken for her (and her supporters) to be there, in
fragile body and joyous spirit. I had not seen Ginny since the March,
and did not know she was fighting cancer until the reunion. I was moved
to tears seeing her on the stage with Wild Wimmin, thank you for your
help and support which allowed all of us to see her once more.
Your message was very much appreciated.
Hope you are well -- thanks again.
Love,
Guthrie

From: Derek W Youngs <walker@portal.ca>
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Cc: "Kathryn.Bond.Stockton" <kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu>,
johnwindle@aol.comLindy.Flynn
Subject: Family news
For some days now I have struggled to find the words as I read and reread
the sad letter of the passing of Ginny. Today I gave up the struggle and
bathed myself in Ginny's smile.
Thanks for letting me know.
D. W. Youngs
Walk in Beauty,
D. Walker Youngs
e-mail: walker@portal.ca
Web Page: Walking the Dream
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~airyn/walker/index.html

From: SPO <"pol@warwick.net"@warwick.net>
To: "Kathryn.Bond.Stockton" <kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu>,
shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Dear Shelly,
I'm so sad.
Thank you for sharing the news about Ginny's passing, and doing so in
your clear and beautiful way. It was news I didn't want nor expect to
hear, but you made it easier for me to handle. I've been out of touch
with most everyone since the reunion--my impression was that Ginny would
outlive everyone--I can't believe I was so naive.
As Ginny's sister (sic), my thoughts are with you, I'm sure it's hard.
Love,
Gordon

From: cv_41@OMALP1.OMERESA.OHIO.GOV
To: shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Thanks Shelley, we got your message, thanks for keeping us informed, our
hearts are heavy with the news of Ginny's death. Love, JD & ann stillwater

From: StHolmes3@aol.com
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Shelley's response ... response...
Shelley,
Thank you so much for being such a dear friend to Ginny and me.
Ginny told me about the great sorrow you suffered years ago. The beauty
is that despite great sadness, you went on to become such a loving, cheery,
wonderful person.
Ginny loved you like a sister ... a kindred spirit. And in that
connection, you and I will always be family.
Love,
Stan

From: BillJen@aol.com
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Thanks for the message,so that we may send our prayers out to the
universe......peace and love..................Bill

From: khunter@mailstop.com
To: "Kathryn.Bond.Stockton" <kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu>
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Wow, what a shock. I thank you, Kathryn, for informing me about Ginny.
I hardly knew her, but to see her made me smile. I suppose it was
appropriate for her to die on the 10 year anniversary. I look upon that
day as the end of one of my greatest achievements, and maybe Ginny felt
that way as well.
I don't know what else to say, except may peace be with all of us.
love,
kim hunter

From: Sam Wolfe <sxw5@po.CWRU.Edu>
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Cc: sxw5@po.CWRU.Edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Reply to message from "kathryn.stockton"@m.cc.utah.edu of Sat, 23 Nov
Yes, thanks for telling us. With sadness, love and peace. Be well!
Sam Wolfe sxw5@po.cwru.edu

From: Woodsassoc@aol.com
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
thank you for your beautiful message. i did not know Ginny well, however,i
felt touched by her and her love. as I just typed that message sun flooded my
office - a perfect metaphor for her life. namaste to you and your family.
peace and love,
Denise Woods

From: "Greater Los Angeles council on Deafness, Inc" <glad@fishnet.net>
To: "Kathryn.Bond.Stockton" <kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu>
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Dear Shelley,
Thank you so much for your beautiful e-mail. I am truly sorry at loosing
such a beautiful person on our planet. Ginny will surely be missed by not
only her close friends and family but by all of her peace march family as
well. Please do let me know the details of the memorial service. It was so
great to see her at the reunion. Thank you so much for letting me know.
Coleen Ashly

From: JohnWindle@aol.com
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Dear Shelley:
Thank you for your sweet letter and yes, I have heard regularly from Ginny
and Stan along the way. Here's a copy of the letter I wrote to Ginny after
she left - I am so so glad we were able to be together one last time in Iowa,
to hug and hold each other, to say we loved each other, to cry together and
know it was alright between us again. Truly we are blessed to have known her
and I feel especially blessed to have been loved by her. Thank you Shelley
for all your love and support of Ginny and Bob through such difficult times -
you are a saint! My warmest love to you and a long and happy life with you
your partner.
Please don't hesitate to ask if there is anything I can do to help - it
will be a privilege
Peace and love always
John
Dearest Ginny:
It was a blessing to have known you and loved you and to have been loved by
you. Thank you. I do not mourn for you as I know your spirit lives on and
that you will be back and that we will meet again. I am sad for myself that I
will not see you again, and I grieve for dear Stan and your close and loving
friends and family all of whom will miss you dreadfully. But I am happy you
are free of the pain of this lifetime and I know that the work you have done
this time will be rewarded thousandsfold - and from that, we will all be
rewarded too. May all the Gods and Godesses shower blessings on you and on
all those who loved you - and may the spirit of faith, hope, and charity
you brought to us all be with us and remain with us always. Thank you
Ginny, for everything.
John

From: FSORDA@dames.com
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Shelly, my heart goes out to you and all of you in Ginny's closest circle.
Tracy Bartlett called me last week with the news leaving me with a sunken
heart. Heal with love....Bob Alei
From: Bea Novobilski <nbea@juno.com>
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: returned email
Hello Shelly,
Yes, I received your email regarding Ginny. You had asked that some of
us let you know if the mail was coming through. Actually I received all
of Stan's mailings about Ginny, as I was on their mail list. I know that
you were very close to Ginny until the very last moments. I can only
imagine how difficult it must have been for you. For me, Ginny was a
superior example of how to go into the beyond with grace and dignity. I
truly applauded her refusal to have the feeding tube, It must have taken
a great deal of courage
If it is at all possible, I will be at the summer solstice Celebration of
Life. I will contact you later for more information re: the possibility
of camping.. In peace, Bea.

From: BallCW@aol.com
To: kathryn.stockton@m.cc.utah.edu
Subject: Re: Ginny Dean (Holmes) from shelley.white@m.cc.utah.edu
Dear Shelley,
Received your message today, and I am saddened by the passing of Ginny. Don't know what else to say, your note said it all. Just wanted to e-mail back to you as you requested. My thoughts are with Ginny,
Peace,
Chris Ball