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Many Christians believe that when we die we become angels. I believe some people become angels during their lifetime , and are a little more in tune with the heavens while on earth than the rest of us. One of those angels, Jeannie Kortz, passed away from cancer last Friday morning.
Growing up as a teenager in Napa, there were two women that really inspired me in the church: Jeannie Kortz and Molly Sorensen(who has also passed away). Both were strong, beautiful, loving, and overflowing with faith. I remember in tenth grade how kind and patient Jeannie was with the youth. Whether you saw her frequently or not, she always made you feel welcome; her home was always open. I loved the laughter that filled that home. During that time she made an impact in my life with one simple gesture, which she probably felt was nothing at all. Jeannie put forth the effort to transport me to Seminary (early morning classes for our church). Without that kind deed, I may never have attended.
Six years later, When Steve and I were dating, I was thrilled to discover that his family was also friends with the Kortz's. Steve's family was not of the LDS faith, and Steve had made the decision to convert. Jeannie took Steve under her wing and was such a support to him in church while I was away at BYU. I remember how thrilled she was when he was baptized. When Steve and I decided to marry in the Temple in Utah, Jeannie and her husband traveled to be there with us. How special that was to Steve and I, since we had very few family members that were able to witness us get married(Jeannie is in our wedding picture posted above. She is front and center). Nine years later, Jeannie appeared again to offer love and support after the death of Steve's Mom. Although years would pass in between seeing Jeannie, she was always there for the most important events in our lives. We really love her for that. Jeannie was an angel in our life, and I pray her family has comfort in knowing how much she meant to so many people.
Growing up as a teenager in Napa, there were two women that really inspired me in the church: Jeannie Kortz and Molly Sorensen(who has also passed away). Both were strong, beautiful, loving, and overflowing with faith. I remember in tenth grade how kind and patient Jeannie was with the youth. Whether you saw her frequently or not, she always made you feel welcome; her home was always open. I loved the laughter that filled that home. During that time she made an impact in my life with one simple gesture, which she probably felt was nothing at all. Jeannie put forth the effort to transport me to Seminary (early morning classes for our church). Without that kind deed, I may never have attended.
Six years later, When Steve and I were dating, I was thrilled to discover that his family was also friends with the Kortz's. Steve's family was not of the LDS faith, and Steve had made the decision to convert. Jeannie took Steve under her wing and was such a support to him in church while I was away at BYU. I remember how thrilled she was when he was baptized. When Steve and I decided to marry in the Temple in Utah, Jeannie and her husband traveled to be there with us. How special that was to Steve and I, since we had very few family members that were able to witness us get married(Jeannie is in our wedding picture posted above. She is front and center). Nine years later, Jeannie appeared again to offer love and support after the death of Steve's Mom. Although years would pass in between seeing Jeannie, she was always there for the most important events in our lives. We really love her for that. Jeannie was an angel in our life, and I pray her family has comfort in knowing how much she meant to so many people.
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5 comments:
What a wonderful story. I am so sorry for you loss, but glad for the memories she made for you.
What a wonderful picture. That seems like so long ago and at times, only yesterday! I also remember Jeannie's wonderful smile and zest for life. She never seemed to judge anyone and loved and accepted all. I am sorry to hear of her passing.
That's so sad....and so uplifting at the same time. What a poetic tribute!
Wow Kim you are so sweet. What a cute picture. Glad the clothes change. We saw Nanci and Mike and Jeffery Friday. They were so sweet to come and hunt us down :). Nanci called and wanted to get together on Saturday, but we had plans we were taking the kids to Fosters. We showed up and right behind us Nanci showed up. We called her the stalker. We visited with her for hours. It was fun. You are so kind thanks again.
Thank you Kim for honouring Jeannie in such a special way. I look at your wedding photo and can't believe we are without another one of our earthly angels. It is bittersweet observing her girls at the service. I see a special part of Jeannie in each one of them. I pray everyday for her family. Here's to you Jeannie..all your love that created such a awesome family. Thanks for being in our lives and I am sorry for not being there to help in some way.
Much love and peace,
Nanci Pfaff/Perez de Leon
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