Author: Gloria Darren

Jean Forst Death: It is with an overwhelming sense of sorrow and disbelief that I write these words. I never imagined I would be sharing this post, especially not about my sister, my best friend, the person I have always turned to for everything. On Tuesday, the world lost a truly beautiful soul, my dear sister Jean, who passed away unexpectedly. I am utterly crushed by this loss, and I am struggling to accept the reality that she is no longer here with me.

Jean was not just my sister; she was my touchstone, the person who grounded me and made everything seem right in this world. From the time we were young, we shared everything—our childhood, our dreams, and our deepest secrets. Growing up, we shared a bedroom, creating countless memories that were filled with laughter, late-night talks, and the kind of love that only siblings can understand. As we grew older, our bond only deepened. In our twenties, we shared an apartment in Chicago, and those years were some of the happiest of my life. We laughed, we argued, we supported each other, and we dreamed together. She was my constant companion, my confidant, and my best friend in every sense of the word.

Jean’s spirit was so vibrant, so full of life. She was never one to sit on the sidelines. On weekends, we would go to NEO and the 950 Club, places where we would dance, laugh, and live in the moment. It was our escape, a way to let loose and enjoy each other’s company. We shared so many great times together, and those memories are treasures that I will hold close to my heart forever. But it wasn’t just about the fun we had—Jean had a deep sense of purpose and was incredibly driven in everything she did. She was passionate about making a difference in the world, and one of the ways she did that was through her volunteer work at Greenpeace. She cared deeply about the planet and animals, and she put her heart and soul into advocating for a better world. Her work towards earning her PhD was another example of her dedication and perseverance, and I always admired her commitment to her studies and her pursuit of knowledge.

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Our shared love for animals created a bond between us that was unbreakable. Jean was someone who cared deeply for all living beings, and her compassion for animals was something that defined her. Whether it was adopting rescue animals or supporting animal rights causes, Jean’s love for animals was one of the most important parts of who she was. It was something that we bonded over, and something that brought us even closer together. We understood each other’s hearts in a way that words could never fully express, and our connection was something truly special. I will forever remember how we would talk about our hopes for the future, about the animals we wanted to help, and how we dreamed of making the world a better place for those who could not speak for themselves.

In the days since Jean’s passing, I have found myself replaying our conversations in my mind—those daily talks that I always looked forward to. We talked about everything and anything, from the most trivial things to our deepest thoughts and fears. She was my person. She was the one I would turn to when I had a question, needed advice, or just wanted to hear a friendly voice. I can’t even begin to imagine a life without hearing her laugh, without sharing those moments with her. The thought that I will never talk to her again is almost too much to bear. I feel an emptiness in my heart that I cannot describe, a deep longing for her presence that will never be filled.

Jean, my dear sister, you were and always will be my heart. I love you more than words can express, and I am so incredibly thankful for the years we shared together. Your love, your spirit, your kindness—all of it is etched into the very core of who I am. You will forever be in my heart, and your memory will live on in the way I choose to live my life, in the way I carry the lessons you taught me, and in the way I continue to fight for the things you cared about.

Though my heart is shattered, I take comfort in knowing that you are at peace now, resting easy after a life well-lived. You made a difference in the world, and you touched the lives of so many people, including mine. Your love for animals, your pursuit of knowledge, your fierce determination, and your kind heart will never be forgotten. You have left an indelible mark on all of us, and we will continue to carry your memory with us in everything we do.

To everyone who has supported us during this unimaginable time, we are beyond grateful for your kindness and love. Your messages, your calls, your presence have meant more to us than we can say. It is because of the support of friends, family, and neighbors that we are able to hold each other up during this time of grief. Your love and compassion have been a source of strength, and we know that Jean would have been so touched by the outpouring of love from everyone who knew her.

In honor of Jean’s life and the love she shared with all of us, we will be holding a celebration of her life on Sunday, April 13th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Uptown in Lasalle. It is our hope that all who knew and loved Jean will come together to share their memories and celebrate the incredible person she was. While we will miss her deeply, we also want to remember the joy she brought into our lives and the countless ways she made the world a better place.

Jean, I will miss you every single day. There will never be another person like you—your heart, your kindness, your spirit. I can’t even begin to imagine what life will be like without you by my side. But I find comfort in knowing that your love will continue to guide me, that your memory will forever be with me, and that you will always be my best friend, my sister, my person. Rest easy, dear sissie. I love you now and always. Until we meet again.

Ron Gabriel Death: Today, I find myself at a loss for words as I try to express the depth of the sorrow I feel after losing the love of my life, Ron. It is incredibly difficult to put into words the grief that comes with such a loss, a loss that feels so sudden, so overwhelming, and so final. On one hand, it feels as if the world has stopped turning, and on the other, I am flooded with memories of a man who brought so much love, joy, and light into my life and the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ron’s passing has left an unfillable void in our hearts, and our family is utterly devastated. To think that just a few months ago, everything was normal, and then the diagnosis came—a brain tumor in December. From that moment, our world was forever changed, and we were thrust into a reality we never could have imagined. The rollercoaster of emotions, the moments of hope, and the inevitable sadness that accompanied the rapid decline of his health have been unimaginably difficult. But, through it all, we were sustained by the love and support of our family, friends, and neighbors, whose presence and kindness have meant the world to us during this challenging time.

Ron faced the last weeks of his life with incredible strength, dignity, and courage. Though he was in pain, he never let it define him. He fought, not just for himself, but for all of us who loved him. Even in the face of such an unfair and devastating illness, he managed to maintain his sense of humor, his compassion, and his incredible ability to make others feel seen and heard. It was this strength and resilience that made him the person we all cherished so much, and it is this strength that we will carry with us as we navigate life without him.

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One of the most meaningful things I will always remember about Ron is his love for life. He had a zest for living, a passion for experiencing the world, and a generosity of spirit that touched everyone who came into his orbit. Whether he was spending time with family, friends, or even strangers, Ron had a way of making everyone feel important and valued. He was always the first to offer help, lend a listening ear, or share a laugh. His ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease was a rare gift, and it is something that we will continue to hold dear as we remember him.

As we said goodbye to Ron today, we were comforted by the fact that he left this world in the way he had always wanted. He passed away to the song “Time to Say Goodbye”, a song that perfectly encapsulated his journey, his courage, and his peaceful acceptance of the inevitable. Ron had always been someone who lived with purpose, and even in his final moments, he made sure that his departure would reflect that. The song played as a symbol of the love he had for all of us, and as a reminder that while his time on earth was short, it was filled with meaning, love, and unforgettable moments.

To everyone who supported us during Ron’s final weeks—our family, friends, and neighbors—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love, kindness, and support have been an anchor for us in this storm. We are forever grateful for the outpouring of care and compassion you’ve shown. Whether it was lending a hand, offering a kind word, or simply being there when we needed you, your presence made an immeasurable difference in our lives. You helped us carry the weight of this heavy loss, and for that, we are eternally thankful.

Ron’s passing is not just a loss for our family, but for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man who made an impact wherever he went, who left behind a trail of love and kindness, and who will never be forgotten. The legacy he leaves behind is one of unwavering love, laughter, and a profound sense of humanity. His impact on our lives cannot be measured, but we know that the love he gave us will live on in our hearts forever.

As we grieve, we are also reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment. Life can change in an instant, and it’s easy to take for granted the people we love and the time we have with them. Ron’s illness may have been sudden, but in his final days, he taught us all the true meaning of living in the moment and loving with all our hearts. We are reminded that love is the greatest gift we can give, and that even in the face of loss, love is what remains.

Though Ron may no longer be with us physically, his spirit will never leave us. His love, his laughter, and his kindness will echo through our lives in the memories we cherish. He taught us the importance of living fully, of loving deeply, and of never letting go of hope—even in the hardest of times. His legacy is one of resilience, joy, and compassion, and it is something we will carry forward for the rest of our lives.

As we say goodbye to Ron, we know that it’s not truly the end. We will continue to honor his memory by living in the way he would have wanted us to—by loving and supporting one another, by being kind to others, and by embracing life with all its ups and downs. We will carry his love in our hearts, and we will keep his memory alive through the stories we share, the lessons we learned from him, and the example he set for us all.

Ron, you were the love of my life, and I will miss you more than words can ever express. My heart aches at the thought of never being able to hold your hand again or hear your voice. But I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace, and that your love will continue to surround us. You were everything to me, and I will carry you in my heart always.

To our family, friends, and everyone who has shown us love during this time, thank you for standing by us. Your support has meant more than we could ever express. We are forever grateful for you, and we ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this journey without Ron by our side.

We love you all, and we know that Ron’s memory will live on in all of us. Rest in peace, my love. Your time here may have been short, but the love you gave will last forever.