Branching Out Volume 28 Number 1 | Page 6

Remembering Loved Ones Some of our families have lost beloved grandparents recently and our sympathies are extended to them. Grandmothers and grandfathers leave a special legacy to their children and grandchildren that remains present in their lives. Evelyn Rice, mother of Cindy Semple and grandmother of R.J. Jr, of Downington, Pennsylvania passed away in November. Evelyn came to the SWF Conference in Pittsburgh in 1999 and in Hershey in 2005 and has been an active benefactor to the Foundation. Alice McDurmon of Anthem, AZ, who died recently, was a big part of the lives of Abbie Roles Evelyn Rice and her parents, Kristy and Steve. She was always generous in her support of the SWF and the special events the family held. MaryEllen Bellimer, grandmom of 3-year-old Sebastian Bellimer, was an immediate support for Sebastian’s parents, Jillian and Frederick, and their extended family when they first learned of their baby’s diagnosis. Jacob Patrick Soubeyrand of Ohio, passed away early in December, just short of his 7th birthday. His parents, Michael and Kathleen, and brothers Max and Nathan will always keep his memory alive. You can see Jacob’s smiling Jacob Patrick Soubreyrand & his brothers face on the SWF website, on the page About SWS in the “Conditions” section. They have asked us to keep his photo on the website. We are all touched when we hear of a passing, but SWF CEO Karen Ball expresses these sentiments as a reminder of the special people we have known as grandparents. Nancy Bea Rufenacht of San Angelo, Texas, grandmother of Haven Rufenacht, passed away in October. Carolyn Duffy, mother of Michelle Roth and grandmother of Philip Cassel, passed away early in March. Carolyn and her husband were early members and supporters of the SWF. Shirley Boyce, greatgrandmother of Brianna Luchtenburg, passed away in October. David Frank Winters of Ickesberg, PA, father of Melanie and Sam Arena and grandson Evan of NY, passed in December. Carolyn Duffy And, while it doesn't happen often, we are always sad to report the death of a precious child. Colten Ledger was just 3½ years old when he passed away early in March. His loving parents, Michael and Jennifer and big sister Madison, as well as his family members, will always remember his strong spirit and beautiful blue eyes. 6 “I was deeply saddened when we recently received news that Evelyn Rice had passed away. Evelyn was a quiet woman of modest means with a humble, sweet and persevering personality. Her grin was luminous and she touched my life early on after her grandson, R.J.Semple was born with SWS. She grabbed that proverbial bull by the horns and embraced the SWF’s mission to become educated and aware so RJ would have an improved quality of life and his family a support system to help them navigate the SWS journey. She was truly a cherished gem. She is emblematic of all the family members who come to the compassionate aid of their children and grandchildren. We cherish the memory of all the grandparents who have walked the path with their families.” Celebrating 26 Years of Compassionate and Professional Service