Katz still thinking of you and missing your smile. Love you! Pagel

Just couldn’t post on your birthday yesterday. Miss you like always. 
Love Pagel

Thinking of Lisa today, and sending love to everyone:).

I just uploaded a photo of an ornament that I painted when Lisa and I visited a "paint your own pottery" shop in Leavenworth KS back in 2010. I hang it on my Christmas tree every year and think of her. I remember her wide smile, her sense of fun and openness to friendship, and how she embraced life. I think of her fondly and wanted to reach out to Thomas and all her family and friends to say- she remains in my heartfelt thoughts. Much love :)

It doesn't seem possible that it has been ten years now -- but I look at the beautiful pictures of all your nieces and nephews, and read about their lives, and I realize how very grown-up they are -- and how time has passed when we weren't looking. Their adventures into the adult world remind me of the way you embraced life and new things, and your bravery and spirit! They all carry some part of you, some memory of you, with them into the world -- and the world is a better place because of this.  
 

I think of Lisa often when I see purple pansies, when I remember to be bold going into new experiences (while also reaching out to others and sharing in the vulnerability of it)...and I am thankful that this website sends regular emails reminding us of the day that Lisa was born into this world, and the day that her being left it. Today, in remembering Lisa, I find myself thinking about how the fall brings with it the simultaneous experiences of death and harvest. Remembering Lisa, I celebrate the abundance of her life while also remembering how quickly life passes. I am grateful for her spirit and that she continues to teach me season after season. Thank you, Lisa!

Reading Beth’s tribute...I laughed aloud, because I too had purple toes in honor of Lisa! A small but happy memory not forgotten easily by those of us who knew and loved Lisa. My time with Lisa was also at Ft. Leavenworth. A special memory I have is when we had REALLY big hail and Thomas and Lisa invited my 7 year old daughter to come see it! They had stashed the HUGE hail in their freezer! My daughter still has a coin purse she bought at Lisa’s yard sale,and I still have a serving piece I bought as well. I gave Lisa a pottery bunny,and each year when I take mine out..I think of Lisa. I write of all these random memories to let all of Lisa’s loved ones know..she made an impact, she is not forgotten. With Love, Michelle

I have been thinking of Lisa all week! Her birthday is the same day my son was due that year. He came 2 weeks early, and Lisa was the first person outside of my family to hold him.

Lisa's light lives on in my life when I am in times of embracing new experiences, and definitely when navigating hard ones. When I feel shy about making new friends, I remember what a good friend she was and how glad I am that we formed a fast friendship while living at Fort Leavenworth.

In springtime I remember getting our toenails painted together, with her sister, Susie, and when Lisa decided that her cancer needed a special color, too. She chose purple, right? Sometimes the details are lost in the years, but the love is not. I loved having purple toes.

With much love for you, Lisa, always!
your friend,
Beth

This is a day late, but I'm late with a lot of things these days. And my typing has gone to hell. But spending the last hour or so reading this site, and looking at the photos and videos, has brought back so many happy memories.
  Lisa is indeed gone, but clearly not forgotten. And you will be loved as long as we live.
   With that love, Dad (and Mom)

(And looks like I caught all the typos.)

There is a saying that goes like this “Be the things that you loved most about the people that are gone”. So some of the things our family wants to be are thoughtful and inquisitive — qualities that always come to mind when we think of you Lisa. Missing you — Hope, Peter, Kayla and John.

Hard to belive it has been eight years. Still missing you.

One more year, still missing your smile.

This is what our grandson Alex posted to Facebook in memory of his aunt Sauci, and I just had to share it here.
Alex Bobenrieth is feeling sad.
Yesterday at 12:22 PM ·
(Disclaimer: this is going to get emotional. You have been warned)
Dear Aunt Sauci (even though your real name is Lisa)
A post like this has been long-coming, and it's finally here.
It saddens me to think of the fact that 7 years and two days ago, you passed from this world. You were one of my closest confidantes and friends. I still remember things when I was younger; dancing together with Dad on the living room carpet. Putting my cold feet on your back and giggling when you would jump and exclaim in surprise and then chuckle along with me. Baking cookies together. You always accepted me for who I was and never gave me any reason to think otherwise.
I still remember how mom and grandma would tell me how I started calling you "Sauci." I couldn't pronounce 'Lisa' when I was younger, started calling you Sauci and the name stuck.
While your death affected my whole family, it affected me in a particular way that I thought I would bring to light. Even as your earthly body lies in a cemetery in Minnesota near the parents of your spouse, I sit here at home, thinking. But not crying. I didn’t cry at your funeral or at your celebration of life. That disturbed me. Did the autism that I was diagnosed with at three years old have something to do with this? What did it mean? Did that mean that I was a monster? Something that could not feel emotion, something that should be locked away, and forgotten? I have struggled with that idea on-and-off these past years, only recently having abolished those terrible thoughts.
6 years is a long time, and so much has happened in that time. When you left this earth I was just entering 5th grade. I was scared, lonely, and most of all, I was angry. Middle school helped somewhat, but it focused more on the social aspect of things. Inside I was still in pain, although it didn’t really come up too much. I guess I just got distracted by the day-to-day stuff of life. Good thing too all things considered. Who knows what could have happened if I had obsessed over your death in the months and years that followed the abominable event? But I know you wouldn’t want me to think too much about that so I won’t. I have accomplished so much these past seven years. I graduated from middle school with phenomenal grades, already having changed so much. But high school was a greater challenge still. It was an unfamiliar environment, but somehow I rose to the challenge and managed to break my limits. Now I am a couple of weeks into senior year. Sure, things aren’t easy, but what fun is that? I am taking advanced classes and having such a fun time. I am, for the first time in years, truly happy. The only thing I can think of that darkens this bright reality is the fact that I cannot share it with you. It breaks my heart all over again to think that you will never be able to see me graduate from high school, and then college, to attend my wedding, hold my firstborn child in your arms, to see me succeed in life. Now, I must make a confession.
To be honest, it wasn’t your death that hurt me the most. It wasn’t seeing your corpse in the casket at your funeral, wearing LIPSTICK of all things. I cannot remember a single time in my life where I have seen you wear lipstick and it looked wrong. It wasn’t seeing and hearing all the crying people at your funeral. It wasn’t seeing your husband’s broken face, red with the strain of trying not to cry and failing oh so terribly. No, it was something before all that. Let me backtrack a bit. When I first heard you had cancer, I didn’t think much of it. Getting sick was part of life. I got sick, my family and friends got sick, but they always got better. You would be no different. Even when you were a bit more fatigued most of the time from the strain of fighting your gallbladder cancer in the early stages, I saw no reason for alarm. Then, when I heard the news that the cancer was almost gone, I didn’t think twice, and was just happy that it was over and that we could move on.
But then the cancer came back with a vengeance. What hurt me was seeing a woman that for so long had been one of the strongest and most amazing people I knew get beaten down so brutally by cancer that she could barely walk, and at times, speak. And I couldn’t do a damn thing about it. I have always taken pride in being able to help people. But being faced with a situation out of my expertise where the best thing for me to do was sit back and wait was the cruelest thing that the man upstairs could have done. I felt so damn helpless and useless, and I hated it. Having to watch over the course of weeks and months as cancer slowly tore you apart from the inside out was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Nothing comes close to comparing. You would throw up almost everything you ingested, and were only drinking water for the taste and for the pleasant sensation. I began to think that you wouldn’t make it. Looking back at this makes me realize something. True fear/dread requires hope, the belief that things can still become better. That is what makes the pain all the worse, when the hope is destroyed.
Thankfully, I haven’t been consumed by this pain. You and the other people in my life both indirectly and directly taught me how to cope with it. I am grateful that I have such great friends and loved ones surrounding me today. Because of them, I don’t need to worry about being consumed by grief and pain. That doesn’t mean I won’t forget you, just that it won’t hurt as bad. I thought I would write you this so that I could move on, and learn from this experience. Your death taught me a valuable lesson about pain. It was a hard lesson, but with age came understanding. Those who try to erase pain only exacerbate it. Those who redirect it or lessen it, those are the ones who can live healthily with it. I hope I can help other people learn this lesson. I guess the reason I derive pleasure from making other people smile is because it helps me come to terms with my own pain. Hopefully I’ll see you again someday (just not too soon). I know you must be proud of me with all I have accomplished so far, and I hope things work out in my life so I can continue to honor your memory. I miss you more every day but if you ever read this, somewhere, somehow, I want you to know that you were an inspiration to everyone around you, but especially to me.
Love always,
Your nephew, Alex

Thinking of Lisa fondly today. Our short time together at Leavenworth has left an imprint. Wishing all of Lisa’s family and friends a day of cherishing the memories they hold dear.
~just wanted you all to know we haven’t forgotten Lisa and her generosity,smiles,laughter and genuine love of life.
Sincerely, Michelle Mann

Still missing your smile.

We are a day late with this tribute (health problems) but we were still thinking of you yesterday, today and just about every day. We see your picture every day and miss you.
Love,
Mom and Dad

Thinking of you more this day then the rest. All my love!

Whenever I feel tired and distressed about the world I will often remember Lisa and how she lived her life "all in", embracing the moments given to her that day. I remember how she asked me to lunch when we met at an Army spouse class in Kansas, and how we would laugh and smile and talk about life. And then I remember to live my life like she did. She taught me a lot- and her memory encourages me to this day! Miss her much, love to her friends and family as we all remember with so much love.

Missing you on this day, Lisa, as on all other days.
Love,
Mom and Dad

Thinking of you this week, you're always in our thoughts. Missing and remembering how much you enjoyed the kiddos and snapping all those pictures.
love always- Chris, Kendra, Michaela, Leandra, Morgan and Valerie

So tonight we'll eat pie and play a card game and talk about your happy smile, the way you and Thomas looked at each other during the wedding week-end and even about snowmobiling in MN during the holidays. All good memories we never want to lose.  Loving you always -- Kayla, John, Peter, and Hope

We think about you and smile when we do. Love Kayla, Hope, Peter and John

I think of Lisa often -- remembering her on this beautiful day.

Still missing you on this day.

Joyce and I just finished Caffee Borgias at Caffee Destino in Lisa's memory, with Susie, Paulina, and Susie's neighbors, Maria and Tracy. Really missing you today, with all the memories floating around.

Forever remembered, forever missed.
- Leandra, Michaela, Kendra, Christopher
                      Valerie and Morgan

So many pictures, so many memories to sustain us on this, the fifth anniversary of the day we lost Lisa. We miss her still, and all the joy and laughter she brought to so many.
Love,
Mom and Dad

All my love!

Must be close to homecoming think of you often and fondly and grateful to see your sister's family and Marv and June when I visit Portland!

Forever in our thoughts.

Another year -- and yet when I look at your pictures I can't help but smile! I am so very glad our family includes you. 

Hope, Peter, Kayla and John

Thinking of you today, Lisa, and remembering how you embraced life each day for what it had to give. I am remembering your smile and laughter and how much you encouraged those around you to pursue their dreams. Thank you for all the things you taught me and for all the things you continue to teach me, just by remembering you.

Missing you on a daily basis. You left so many memories.
Love,
Mom and Dad

Miss you and love you always and forever. Peter, Hope, John and Kayla

As you were you will always be,
Treasured forever in our memory.
- missing you - Leandra, Michaela, Kendra, Christopher
Morgan and Valerie

Those that touch our lives .... stay in our hearts forever.

All my love!

Still missing you!
Love now and always

50? Wish you love today that reflects the love you showed all of us with your quick wit and ever-present smile! Thanks to Marv and Joyce and friends and family who have endowed the scholarship in your name. Decades of student journalists will be able to participate more with that little boost. Thanks to all. Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Susie, Ralph, Alex, Adriana, Aunt June, Uncle Andy, Mom and Dad remembered Lisa yesterday with razzleberry pie and ice cream, one of her favorite desserts. Three years gone, she is still missed.

In her honor and memory, Mom and Dad have arranged for the Lisa Katz Pagel Scholarship at Kent State University to be fully endowed.

I found it hard to sleep last night thinking of you and all things I wanted to tell you over this past year, the good and the bad. I found this poem by Richard Netherland Cook.  I talks about dreaming and wishing, my only change would be that you were still me my love, and I could make this dream come true. 

Love you, now and forever!
Pagel

If I could dream
The dream I wanted too,
I would close my eyes,
And dream a dream for you.

I would give you all the world,
That you are deserving of,
And to you I would give
My everlasting love.

I would see to it,
That you were never sad.
And nothing in your life
Would ever happen bad.

I would wish for you,
All things would go your way,
And you would always be happy,
Each and every day.

In my dream
You would stay
Just as beautiful
As you are today.

Life for you would be as perfect
As the blueness of the sky,
And no one would ever hurt you,
Or ever make you cry.

I know it's just a dream,
But if dreams could come true,
I would close my eyes,
And dream a dream for you.

Thinking of you today, as always, we found this poem.                                                          
                                                                Everyday in some small way
Memories of you come our way.
Though absent, you are always near
Still missed, loved and always dear.

- missing you - Leandra, Michaela, Kendra, Christopher
Morgan and Valerie

Happy birthday, Lisa. While i spent many hours mowing the fresh spring grass here in Kent, I remembered how you always seemed to drive down the lane here every now and then to catch me mowing. It has been really wet so it smells lovely. Thinking of you. Barb

Today was a beautiful day here in Minnesota -- white, fluffy snow on the ground, bright sunshine and love. It brings to mind the special time we spent together in December 2009 and your happy smile. Aunt Lisa, we never stop thinking about you. Love, Hope, Peter, John and Kayla

As we head into the holiday season many of us will have fond thoughts and memories of Lisa Katz Pagel.
   One person who will be “forever grateful” is the two-time Lisa Katz Pagel scholarship winner, Carrie Blazina.
    Thomas’ sister asked for a few details about Carrie, a senior news major, graduating May 2014.
    The School of Journalism and Mass Communication is very proud of Carrie as are her parents Jan Kukucka and Ed Blazina, a journalist in Pittsburgh.
   “I am so thankful for the scholarship so I could stay here at KSU and be able to finance my education. KSU has given me such great opportunities for experience and internships, “ said Carrie, upon hearing she was to be featured on the Forever Missed site.
   Carrie has held internships at the Denver Post and the Columbus Dispatch – both for copy editing. The Post was a prestigious Dow Jones Newspaper Fund internship.
   Ms. Blazina studied in Florence in the College of Communication and Information’s program in the Spring of 2013 and has been the copy desk chief and managing editor for the Daily Kent Stater.
   You will remember that both Lisa and Marv Katz were editors at the DKS.
   Carrie hopes to land a copy editing job in May. We wish her a lot of luck. A new scholarship winner will be announced in April 2014.


(The total in the scholarship fund on December 1, 2013 was a little over $14,000 in payments and pledges. If you have ideas for fundraising or would like more information about donating, please contact Christine Isenberg, 330-672-2767 or cisenber@kent.edu. Ms. Isenberg is the development associate assigned to Journalism.)

Saw this and thought of you ~ “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understandings with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our heart, and we are never ever the same." Love always the Schlechts

We're particularly missing Lisa today, so we--Mom, Dad, Susie, Ralph, Alex and Adriana--decided to celebrate her life with activities she would have enjoyed: Breakfast together outdoors at a local breakfast-lunch place called Sweet Betty's and then walking and shopping at the Gresham Farmers' Market. Now Mom and Dad are watching the Kent State-Penn State football game on TV. Go, Flashes!

I took Thomas' suggestion and had a cup of coffee. I thought about you and the laughter and joy you always radiated when we spoke. Olivia mentioned you just the other day...you touched her life with your kindness and gentle spirit. You are not forgotten. Love, Michelle

The photos here bring back pleasant memories and help take away the hurt from losing you so soon. Thinking of you often, and often at the oddest times, as if you are near.
Love,
Mom and Dad

Thinking of you today - what a lovely flowery day in Kent, Ohio.