We both were/are disabled and had a lot of physical stuff to deal with which kept both of us for the most part home bound the past couple years. But LeAnne was always better at making us laugh at ourselves or gritting our teeth to get through a particularly 'bad' day, week, etc.! We used to have these certain smileys we used as codes, just as a way to let one or the other know it was a bad day...but "yes, I'm still alive, hang in there, I love you and we'll talk soon!"

I keep trying to tell myself some of the things she would say like "people will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel!" LeAnne, you made not only me, but so many people feel the warmth of your smile! You are treasured and so very very loved! I hope I made you feel just half the way you did me girl... I miss you *so* much already!

http://webmermaid.com/memorial.html

Thank you to all of you who sent cards and prayers already! They were very appreciated! Richard, Leslie, and the gang at PBS have set up a special Donation page - http://www.paperbackswap.com/donations/details.php?id=VVFPQW5kY2ozQjQ9 - where you can donate book credits in remembrance of LeAnne. There is also a forum topic if you'd like to read more: http://www.paperbackswap.com/forum/topic.php?t=199240.

LeAnne, borrowing your words, "sweet thang" you are our MoM of the month this month! You will be *so* missed! I love you girl! And I hope heaven has lots and lots of Tevana tea for you! And a lot of those *Huge Chocolate Covered Hugs* to go with it! =)

Cheers!
Love, Cali

Cali (Cali) -
03/17/2010 06:58 AM

It was less than two weeks before her passing that she had me add her as my friend on Facebook. She was in such good spirits and good humor about the upcoming tests and her condition, that I was so taken aback when I heard she had passed away. I will always consider her my friend, on Facebook, PBS, and in life. She was a wonderful, uplifting person. I'll miss her very much. --Sherry (RoyalTech)

Sherry (royaltech) - ,
03/17/2010 02:02 PM

LeAnne was a very special person...not just here on PBS, but as a friend in general. We had many conversations via PBS and via email regarding life, family, PBS, and much more. She was always so cheerful and helped raise my spirits on more than one occasion. She'll be sorely missed among the Tour Guide group....

Amanda S. (ABCatHome) -
03/17/2010 02:45 PM

Thank you for letting us know. I am so sorry for your loss, and PBS's loss as well. LeAnne was a great friend, a loyal member and someone who could always make me laugh. She was one of the very first members who ordered a book from me, the 3rd day after I joined. Of course I mixed up the wrapper and sent her the wrong book. She indeed was very gracious to me, and we figured out together how to get the book to the right member. She was a great Tour Guide and a wonderful Tour Guide Assistant Coordinator. We learned lots of things about the site together, both from each other and the new members were assigned. I will miss her dearly. It is my honor to donate credits in her honor. She would love this tribute to her.

Cheryl G. (Poncer) -
03/17/2010 05:01 PM

I didn't know LeAnne very well but everytime we "met" in the forums or the TG lounge she was always the nicest person. She always had a "smile" and a kind word. She will be missed.

Linda (Angeleyes) - ,
03/17/2010 05:03 PM

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

JonnieAngel
03/17/2010 05:24 PM

I'm another person who "met" Gracious-Granny through the Tour Guide program. I've always been impressed by her warmth and generosity there and with the PBS community in general. I will miss her upbeat comments and general presence in our group and it is such a loss for the PBS Community. LeAnne, we won't forget you!

Sianeka - ,
03/17/2010 06:00 PM

I will miss your posts on CMT--your family will be in my prayers! God Bless!

Keri (TXGrobanite)
03/17/2010 07:10 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. LeAnne was a very special person, she was always upbeat and positive, trying to lift people's spirits. She also had a wonderful sense of humor. As Tour Guides would get together and chat, we would often joke that when another TG was going on vacation the rest of us would have a "party" at their house. LeAnne always offered to do her "feather dance," which everyone enjoyed. :) She had some of the same interests in books that I have, and I would often be looking at a book's reviews and find one from her. If she liked the book, I knew I would like it and would often tag it "LeAnne liked it." It was like a seal of approval for me! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
03/17/2010 07:50 PM

LeAnne welcomed me as a newbie to PBS almost 2 years ago. She was my tour guide an endured many questions from me in those first few weeks/months. All of her advise was valuable but the one I've used from almost day one, was always wrap your books in plastic before mailing. I've never had a book damaged in the mail because of that, and I heard from many members how the envelope/packaging was totally trashed but the book was fine because I wrapped in plastic first. THANK YOU LEANNE! GOD BLESS!

Debbie (deb3009) -
03/17/2010 08:04 PM

As LeAnne's family, you must have wonderful stories about her. It's probably not surprising to you that she was just as generous and wise in her life here at PBS as she was with her family. She was that kind of person -- no boundaries, no pre-judgment. Lots of kindness and laughter. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Patty P. (Patouie) - ,
03/17/2010 09:13 PM

I have gotten to know LeAnne through the Tour Guide Program. She was one of the original Tour Guides when we all did not know how successful the entire program would be. She always had smile and something good to say no matter what. We would talk on PBS, and through E-Mails over the last few years and she still holds a special place in my heart. She was a patient and wonderful Tour Guide and was a great help to me as one of my Assistant Coordinators in the program. We used to talk about living in Texas as I used to live there, and about some of our favorite restaurants where she lived. She was a wonderful person and I will miss her very much! I know the credits I just donated will go to a wonderful cause. From what I have seen her family has inherited her compassion and willingness to help other people. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Diane G. (icesk8tr) - ,
03/17/2010 09:59 PM

I'm going to miss LeAnne so much. I loved reading her posts in the TG Lounge, since they almost always made me laugh. She was such a kewl lady. I'll always think of her and the "feather dance". Even during this sad time, that memory makes me smile. What a wonderful woman. We'll miss you LeAnne!!

Hunter S. (Hunter1) -
03/17/2010 10:52 PM

LeAnne was such a wonderful member of the PaperBackSwap community. Her personality shone through, whatever your dealings were with her. She was friendly and helpful to newcomers, and swapping with her always turned out just as you would hope. Books on time and just as promised. She will really be missed!

JoAnn G. (bookwoman28)
03/18/2010 01:49 AM

I am sorry for your loss. I am another who met LeAnne through the Tour Guide Program and will miss her posts that were always filled with humor. I will remember LeAnne as a kind, thoughtful and funny lady.

Robin K. (jubead)
03/18/2010 08:50 AM

I'm sorry for your loss. Her love of books and others is very evident here at the club. The school will be blessed to receive books in honor of such a wonderful lady. -Sailor Figment

Jennifer (SailorFigment) - ,
03/18/2010 09:23 AM

I had not met LeAnne but I am very encouraged and gratified to hear of all the wonderful joy she was able to share with so many. I send credits for books which are a prayer.

Margaret B. (busybeebooker) - ,
03/18/2010 09:53 AM

GG was always there. She was the first person I met when I entered PBS almost 5 years ago and she was my guide. Her warmth and upbeat personality came through my computer screen as if propelled by an unseen energy. On those rare occasions when I had a problem or a question, she was the one who responded quickly and accurately. She was an invaluable resource to me but, more importantly, a loving, caring and giving person to her family. I did not know her and I will miss her. My sincere condolences to the family. Bob Raphael (fastreader)

Bob R. (fastreader) -
03/18/2010 10:16 AM

Wow! This is absolutely fantastic! All these credits and books for kids...and what a beautiful letter Brenda! You don't have to thank us, or especially me. That was so beautiful and so very sweet! But I didn't do anything that you or everyone else here at PBS didn't do: I/we just loved her!! LeAnne was the gift! Richard, Leslie, and everyone here at PBS - "Thank you!" So very *very* much! For putting this donation page up and making it possible! It's truly a gift that will keep on giving! Cheers! And as always...Happy Reading! =) Cali

Cali (Cali) -
03/19/2010 02:17 AM

she looks like my grandma jean a loving kind grandmother that no matter what was wrong with her she helped others first. I can tell from the picture this woman was like my grandma I hope many could enjoy it.

Alicia C. (dbzssjkris) -
03/19/2010 05:18 AM

Gracious Granny was my Tour Guide. She was my first contact here at PBS... She PM'd me the VERY DAY I joined. I ddin't even yet know what a PM was! I will miss her. And now I find out her daughter lives in New Braunfels... such a beautiful place. I was there last year in January a few times. I was stationed in San Antonio but I went to seee the caves near there. I went to Gruene 2 or 3 times that month, and every one was alsways so polite, even the drivers. I wonder if one was Brenda?

ischivalrydead
03/19/2010 02:51 PM

Hi this is Gracious_Granny daughter Brenda. I am so excited about all the kind words and credits that you have donated in my Mother's name. I know she is smiling up in heaven and cannot believe all this attention. But Mom deserve it and much more! I have told many of my friends and family about PBS and they think this is such a great idea! I am glad that Paperback Swap has this kind of program and is willing to give back to children who might not have the opportunity to read books. My Mom grew up in the Panhandle of Texas on Route 66 on the way to Amarillo. The school that is going to benefit from these books is a very small rural farm community. I have spoke to the principal at Shamrock elementary and they are so excited and appreciate all the members kindness. My Mom like this quote from Winnie The Pooh that I would like to share with PBS. “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.” My Mom will always appreciate your kindness to her and will always be with each and everyone. A very special Thank You to Richard and all his staff at PBS that help make this wish for me to come through. Always Love Brenda Shepard (Gracious_Granny favorite daughter and only daughter!) :) lol

Brenda S.
03/19/2010 05:22 PM

Although I never had the pleasure of a swap with LeAnne she was definitely a special lady. I hope this gift of books helps her family in this time of grief. Gracious-Granny will be a guardian angel for many children Melody

Melody C. (Melody1959) -
03/20/2010 02:47 PM

Dear Brenda and family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of LeAnne. May she always be remembered as a truly amazing,kind and generous woman. I have donated book credits in her memory which is a wonderful tribute to her and all that she has done for PaperBackSwap. Sincerely,Deborah K.(Ravencat)

Deborah K. -
04/07/2010 06:15 PM

now Heaven has someone to swap books and stories with... thanks for sharing here on Earth!

Richard W. (ncbears) -
04/10/2010 03:46 AM

Man this is *so* totally awesome!! We've got ALMOST 2,000 credits here for the school book fund! =) I can hear "Gracious Granny" right now saying "Oh my!" =D

Cali (Cali) -
04/17/2010 11:05 PM

WE did it everyone!!! =D 2,000 credits for the LeAnne Memorial Fund "Books for School" program! Such a *HUGE* Thank You to everyone who donated, or just knew LeAnne and showed their support. Not only that, but Leslie and Richard deserve nothing short of a Gold Medal for getting this page up and running so fast! Not to mention providing HUGE shoulders to lean on! This was truly an amazing feat in such a short period of time! Thank You again! =) Cheers! And Happy Reading! Cali “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." - Audrey Hepburn

Cali (Cali) -
04/22/2010 10:09 PM

Tears stream as I read this. 50 yrs ago my Mom taught me the love of reading! I in turn passed it to my kids and now my granddaughters. What a wonderful way to honor a Mom! I will always be grateful for having a reading Mom and then for finding PBS to help my love of reading go further! You can be assured that LeAnne was met in Heaven by a short little German woman, book in hand, ready to welcome her home.

Sandi V. (DLCMama)
05/29/2010 11:49 AM