Lavinia Linnen

Lavinia’s Eulogy, February 2, 2009

“Lavinia Linnen” -- this beautiful alliterative name was synonymous with Angel for my family and me.  She was truly a Godsend in my family’s hour of need.  She cared for my brother Sammy at a time when my mother was no longer able to.  Sammy was severely developmentally delayed and epileptic.  Lavinia rescued my family at a critical and stressful time; I truly owe her much gratitude because you see I was just a baby then and she stepped in and allowed my mother to take of me, and my other brother Henry, and at the same time feel assured that Sammy was also well cared for. 

She had so much love in her heart.  She always told me how much she loved me and how dear I was to her.  It’s not often in life that someone just loves you unconditionally—someone besides your mom or dad.  Never was there a more hardworking, generous, giving, truly Christian woman.  She showed an innate patience working with children that most folks gain only over many years of experience.  She was so wise.  She knew never to criticize a child, but only to praise the good and give lots of hugs and love.   I think she knew more than most psychologists!

My brother Henry was saddened to learn of her passing and he wrote me this:  “She was more loving and understanding to the kids she cared for than many parents are able to be with their own children.  When we would drop Sam off after having him visit back home for a day, he would run to her and hug her and you could tell that they both missed each other.  She had an endless supply of love.  Someone should build a kids’ home and name it after her.”

After my parents’ passing, I reconnected with Lavinia and we chatted a lot about the old days.  She patiently answered many old questions and helped me resolve some difficult feelings I had harbored over the years.  So much pure love shone from her heart; she helped me move ahead in a positive direction.

Dear Sweet Lavinia, now that you are in the arms of God, I know you are surrounded by many loving children. You were our blessed Angel on earth and now you will always be our Angel from above.  Thank you.