Details on Donating Books to In Memory of LeAnne Grant

In Memory of LeAnne Grant

Thank you, PaperbackSwap Members!

This school has met its goals.

2000 credits have been donated.

Dear Friends and Family of LeAnne Grant (Gracious-Granny),

We are all very sad to hear about the passing of LeAnne Grant (Gracious-Granny). She was a wonderful club member and someone who always reached out to help others.   She was one of PaperBackSwap's original members, having joined the club in October of 2005.   To say that she was an active member here is an understatement.   Many of you have received books from her over the years. We looked at her record - she mailed almost 700 books without ever having a problem swap. We know that often she gave the books she received here to others who wanted them instead of keeping them for herself - that is the type of giving person that she was.

She was also very helpful as a PaperBackSwap Tour Guide, and was selected to be Assistant Tour Guide Coordinator because of her superior ability to help others. Many new members have Gracious-Granny to thank for introducing them to the club, and for help in answering questions and providing guidance.   We thank her for her dedication and commitment to making this club a better place. She will be missed deeply by so many.

Her family has asked that we set up a special page to remember her and honor her.   I spoke with her daughter Brenda today, about LeAnne's lifetime love of reading. From the time she was a child, she was passionate about books.

We are now accepting donations of book credits or checks made out in her honor. The donations will be used to purchase elementary school-level books to be given in LeAnne's honor to a very rural, small school with 270 children--Shamrock Elementary School, in Shamrock, Texas.      Checks can be made out to "PaperBackSwap.com" and should be noted in the memo section of the check "LeAnne Grant - Gracious Granny".

Checks can be mailed to:

PaperBackSwap.com
3651 Peachtree Parkway
Suite E390
Suwanee, Georgia 30024

Thanks in advance to all who are able to remember LeAnne with a donation.

The entire team here at PBS extends our condolences to her family and her many friends. If you would like to leave comments about LeAnne by clicking Add Comment on this page, we will share them with the family.

Richard (Club Founder) and the PaperBackSwap Team

Pictures below:

1. Mother in the middle with Dixie (sister) Jim Tom (brother)
2. Elizabeth & Josh Wedding, Gracious_Granny, Sarah, Matthew, & Brenda
3. Brenda, Mom, & Steve (Brother)
4. Down Home Shamrock Texas Mom grew up in the house. It was a ranch and the house came from Sears!
5. Brenda & Mom
6. Mom, Steve, Brenda & Rick
7. Jim Tom, Mom & Brenda

Followup Images: Charity

Update from the In Memory of LeAnne Grant: Update! December 2010

(Be sure to check out the new pictures on the Gracious Granny page)

Thank you from Shamrock 4th Graders!

We appreciate your book donations!! We love to read and we have been enjoying all the books. Thank you so much! We hope you enjoy seeing the photos of the kids and their thank you notes and drawings

Jennifer Henard

4th Grade Shamrock ISD

5/17/2010

A final note of thanks....

We continue to be genuinely overwhelmed and amazed by the generous spirit and compassion of you, our PBS community. Your response to this tribute to LeAnne Grant surpassed our expectations, and we are honored to have been able to be a part of it.

The new books will be in the hands of the children of Shamrock Elementary later this month, nurturing new readers and future PBS members! We truly appreciate, and thank you, for the continued support of Paperbackswap.com's charitable donation programs.

Richard and the PBS team

5/10/2010

A thank you from the Shamrock Elementary Librarian...

I am the K-8 Librarian at Shamrock Elementary and Jr. High. I would like to extend a thank you to all the donors who so graciously donated books to our school in LeAnne Grant’s memory. Wow -- so many books, that’s amazing.

I do not keep a huge amount of paperbacks in the library simply due to the fact of wear and tear. Elementary and Jr. High children are very hard on books as you can imagine. However, I would be honored to put into circulation some of the books. I think it might also be of good use to allow some of the classroom teachers here to have some of the books for their classroom libraries. Additionally, our school is classified as “Title One” meaning a great percent of our students are low income. I think it might also be nice to award some or all of the students with a book that they could call their own. Thank you again for your donations!

Shanda Hall

K-8 Librarian, Shamrock Schools

4/23/2010

A Thank you from LeAnne's dear friend, Cali....

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 M. (Cali)

A note from LeAnne's Daughter, Brenda:

Special Message to PaperBack Swap & Friends

Recently my mother passed away on March 14, 2010 on a beautiful Sunday morning. You knew her as Gracious_Granny (LeAnne Grant).

My mother was a special person who always was willing to help anybody at anytime. I would like to express my appreciation to PaperBack Swap who gave my Mother a purpose in her later years. Paperback Swap saved her life because she had become home bound. She enjoyed helping people learn about the web site and helped them find the books they were looking for. She made many friends over the past 5 years.

I wish I could express my feelings about PaperBack Swap because, it was a savior to me. I always felt guilty leaving her at home while I went to work. I worked many long hours and sometime 7 days a week. However, she had made so many friends and contacts through PaperBack Swap that it kept her very busy and she was happy that she could contribute in a small way to many people. Therefore, I felt less guilty because I knew she was happy helping people.

Sometimes, she would talk about her friends at PaperBack as her family. I am glad you were her extended family. She needed you and I needed all of you!

My mother read all my life. As a result I read and my family reads. Nowadays, people don't have time to read and would rather be entertained through other media. I think there is no better entertainment than my imagnation. My Mom taught me that important lesson as a child. I can still see Mom in bed reading her books. Sometimes, she would have a stash of Hershey kisses beside her bed.

Today, as I was preparing for the funeral, I ran across a postcard that I sent to mom many years ago. It was a Winnie the Pooh post card that said: “Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."” The reason this card was important to me was because on the back of the card I wrote Mom you will always be my Pooh! In the last few days of Mom's life I was Pooh. I believe that mom was Pooh for all her friends at PaperBack Swap!

I wish I could tell each and everyone of you Thank You for being kind to my mother and making her life worthwhile. A Special Thank You to Cali Muir! “If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever!” Thank you, Cali, for being my mom's friend and for being a new friend for me.

Brenda Shepard

726 Encino Dr.

New Braunfels, TX 78130

add comment Member Comments

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

Details on Donating Books to In Memory of LeAnne Grant

Thank you, PaperbackSwap Members!

2000 credits have been donated.

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