Precious Sister...not a day goes by that I don't think about you and all the good times...and the bad times...that we had. You were such a huge part of my life for 40+ years that a little part of my heart will always feel your loss. Keep 'em laughing up there...and watch for me 'cause you might have to dig a hole to pull me through!

So many times in the past year I have thought of our dear Ciss, with love, and with regret that I was so utterly tongue-tied when the time came for a last good-bye. I know she will take me to task, and deservedly so, on the Other Side. She was a magical person, lived a magical life (that doesn't mean All Good!), and continues to inspire. Death has so little power after all!

It's been a year ago from today since you crossed over and not a day has gone by I haven't thought about you.

Cissy, I keep expecting to see you as I drive around the neighborhood. I miss you and tink of you so often! The world was a better place with you in it. Love you and miss you.

You would be very proud and happy and satisfied and honored to know how much you have been and are loved. Your Memorial "Party" Tribute was just perfect. Flowers on every table just in the way you would have given them to each of us. Incredible turnout. You'd be pleased.

Happy Birthday. Sorry I could not make your party. Maybe next year.

Happy Birthday Auntie Cissi. I celebrated your life last night with many (many) shots of Jameson. I am paying for it today. :') All the leftover food from your celebration last night went to the homeless, which seemed like something you would have wanted. I love you and miss you.

Happy Birthday, Precious Sister. You would have loved your party. Sean's New England clam chowder was just up your alley...and delicious! I believe that Carlos actually took the left-over food to the protestors down at City Hall...you would've been there, we were all sure!

Sissy, running around with you was like riding in an ice cream truck with no bumpers, helping you hand out goodies and not caring about the dents and scratches we picked up. Thank you for that.

Oh, baby I just want to give a last shout-out from Manuel, Steve, Joe, Ronnie and all the others who you helped before they crossed over during those dark days, & all the dogs, too: Red Dog, Pepe, Spike and Roland. We all loved you so much, go in peace.

Not only did I light a candle, I lit a cigarette in your honor with the lighter that you sent me for my birthday. I will always miss your "No Holds Barred" honesty. Told it like it is. I love you Auntie Cissi.

You touched so many lives, Cissi. I heard you left through a random internet posting by a non-mutual friend. Amazing what a small world we live in. I'll always remember you for your kind heart and kinder words. Thank you for sharing your sunshine!

Cissi and I were friends for over 50 years in Austin and beyond... I enjoyed her mentorship, our happy days of coffee after school, and our philosophical moments. I love her dearly and she'll always be a bright light in my life. Love and miss you, Sister...Annie

Sis, your journey was one of giving, and giving so generously. To me you gave the honor and priviledge of friendship to the end. What Earth has lost,Heaven has gained-an Angel with an "Attitude

Here she is, our soul sister, one of the righteous.
I, not as good, clung to the Irish,
learned what I could, always awed
that the truth could ring so LOUD!

-- Charlotte Pittman Dethloff

Char (Pittman) Dethloff sent 2 fotos to me that I will post here, and extra copies for folks at the memorial.
Char also sent a poetic remembrance and I'll have to use another slot to share it, too long to fit here...

Cissy,
You left a big impact on my heart and I will miss you and always remember your sweet smile and lively personalit that could only be described as Cissy,
Sweet generous Lovable Cissy!!

You are terribly missed at Western Trails Apts. as well as at Central Market, Westgate. I met you at the beginning of my life in Austin and ended up living in the same senior housing in Austin when your life came to an end.. It is hard to believe that you are gone.

Lucinda here - You always told the truth. You helped me when I was at my most fragile. Saving me from myself. You were always so proud of my achieving happiness in my life, and freely complimented me as if I had done it by myself. You are so deeply loved my friend. Save a place for me.

Rest easy, Cissy; now you no longer need to rack your brain with what to give and make for others. We'll miss you, and we'll miss your laughter.

I will always remember my first meeting with Sissy as the property manager of Western Trails Apt. She called my office phone and asked for help to get her scooter unstuck. She thought she could take it off-roading but didn't get to far. Will miss your smiling face and laughter.

Dear "Aunt" Cissi- I think of you every day, your wild woman ways, how hard you loved everyone, how freely you gave of yourself, how much the world opened up to you because you were open to it. One of a kind, broken mold, all that. Your being proud of me made me proud of myself.

Cissi, you are missed. The times were good, and we had much fun.  Peace, Terry

Ah my sister Eileen, so many memories - so many good times and bad - so many really GREAT stories!
I toast to you, your life, your legacy and most of all your friendship.
loveyou, Cookie

People say the "best stories" about Cissi can't be told. They're thinking of bawdy, bold, brash times when Ciss made her indelible impressions! But really, she was a pathfinder. Outspoken, tuff, independent when women were still chattel, she broke outta the mold & got away clean.

To all the good times we had, the love you gave to my family and me. I'll miss your craziness and fervence for life most. I know you and my mom will be tearing it up wherever y'all are as always. Much love and remembrances, Renee DuBose

I used to have some fun times with Cissy, but lately I would just run into her at the grocery store... it was like the circus had come to town, people were drawn to her, she was a wonderful entertainer, she got a lot of free stuff given to her by the employees. She was a hoot.

Jo Ann here. My favorite memory of Cissy is in the midst of a big march downtown to oppose the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Cissy barrelled down Congress in her automated wheelchair in full and glorious and flagrant rebellion. Wonderful.

Cissi & Gigi as she called my wife were the best of buddies when they were together. Christmass eve we came to visit with all the grand children they all gave her a hug and kiss, she looked at me and said" you too Irish"We will miss you,look after us all,Love Gigi and Sean

I keep seeing you, Billy and Arthur back together again which makes me smile, but missing you makes me sad. If we all play it forward trying to be more like you the world would be a better place. You understood "it is better to give than to receive" better than anyone I know.

Can't forget sitting with you on a log at the campground of Texas International Pop Festival in 1969, Ken Kesey's bus behind us, Lake Lewisville in front of us. And both of us buck naked. What a great weekend!

Well, Sister...it's so hard to imagine you NOT being there to sit and talk to, to just be silent with, to laugh and be bawdy; just having you near for the brief times. My only solace is that you are there with Mary Gail, Steve, and Arthur and are watching our backs! Love you so!

You taught us that obstacles are mere impositions, that one can rise above them and go beyond the call of duty with grace, poise, and dignity. You had the uncanny ability to take a crumb and turn it into a loaf.
You will always and forever be missed.

I'll miss our lunchtime discussions. Wherever you go next, I know that you're having a good time and making damn sure everyone around you is smiling. I love you and will miss you very much Auntie Cissi.