Jeannette Oatley - a special mention

The idea behind this blog was Jeannette's. Little did she know that at the start of 2019, she would be remembered here herself. May she rest in peace.

Jeannette Oatley

Although I never met Jeannette Oatley in person, she was one of those people you will not easily forget once encountered. Jeannette was one of my oldest J-land friends, alongside Donna Diggins, who left us in November. Although I am very sad and shocked at her loss, I am pleased that she is now relieved of the pain and suffering that latterly afflicted her. My thoughts are in particular with her husband of 48 years, and with her daughter, through whom I learned of this sad news.

Jeannette Oatley was one of the most prominent members of our J-land community. I initially but knew her as jeanno43, but quickly came to know her by her real name. She has not been well for a long period of time, but with the support of her husband of 48 years, Mike, came through each challenge with fortitude and good spirit. I was quite shocked to learn of her sudden passing, and will carry the memory of her strong spirit and kind heart with me.

Jimmy Sullivan

Jimmy Sullivan passed away on 8 December 2018 at the age of 73. He leaves behind a sister, Jeanne, and a brother, Kirt. Jimmy was a well-loved blogger, who last posted an entry as recently as June 2018. Apparently, he died suddenly, of a cardiac-related issue. Jimmy was known as a comic, but also as a singer.

Merry Kenyon (1943-2018)

Merry Kenyon has died in Mason City, Iowa, on 7 September 2018. She was 74 years of age.
She used to write Merry's thoughts, the good and bad, dreams and wishes on AOL, until the J-land shutdown in September 2008. Merry had a multitude of health problems, but bore those challenges with good cheer and spirit. She was a gentle soul, who will be sorely missed by all of us.

Rest in peace, Merry. Your pain is now past, and you are back with those who have gone on ahead.

Donna Diggins 1961-2018

A prominent member of the J-land community on AOL, Blogger and Facebook for over 13 years has left us. Donna Diggins was an outstanding designer of tags and graphics, and took centre stage in our community. When I first joined J-land, in November 2005 (for the VIVI awards), she drew me right into the group, even though I had appeared from nowhere.



I was amazed over the years by the beautiful computer graphics that Donna made, many of them animated and quite a few personalised - on request sometimes. They adorned our blogs on AOL until that was shut down (in 2008), and later on Blogger and other platforms. 



Donna began to experience increasingly severe health problems, and she confided the medical details with me. A diagnosis of cancer was not confirmed until later in the year, but treatments were attempted and implemented as late as the end of October. But when the news came that Donna was in hospice, I knew that the only hope was that she would be comfortable. In the morning of Saturday 3rd November, she was alert to read the messages from her on-line friends, and watch the compilation video.

It was 9.50pm in the UK on 4th November when I read Karen's sad message that a leading light in our community had been extinguished. I thought of Donna when I stepped outside to check for the aurora. The autumn stars lit up the night sky. One of them might have been her.



Rest in peace, my friend. You meant more to me than I realised.
You are greatly missed, by your friends on-line, in real life and most of all by your family. It was only a few days off the 11th anniversary of the loss of your sister Pat. You are with her now.

Donna Diggins

It was announced today that Donna Diggins, nightmaremom on AOL, passed away after a battle with cancer. It is too early to write a full tribute.

Sam Collins (GABoatman)

News has reached us of the sad death of Sam Collins, formerly known as GABoatman, from Savannah in Georgia, USA. He succcumbed following a lengthy illness on 25 June 2018.

Sam worked at the marina in Savannah, and would be out in boats as part of his job. I remember Sam as a true gentleman who I would have liked to meet, but in the end this never happened. He offered to share an adult beverage on that occasion. Tonight, I raised a glass in his memory. Sam played the guitar and sang as well, and would post recordings on Facebook.Until 2008, Sam would blog on "Docklines".

My thoughts are with his wife Paulette and his extended family. Another J-lander has gone. I am very sad.

Sandra Lee Schick-Doscher

Today, Sunday 9 April 2017, we were alerted to the sad news that Sandi had passed away. It looks, from her Facebook page, likely that a brief illness claimed her life. Reactions have been swift, and united in sadness. It certainly came as a bolt out of the blue for me.

I copy the tribute posted by my J-land friend Jody Davis-Navakuku.

I woke before the sun this morning, and received the sad news in the cover of darkness, my tears falling unchecked and unnoticed.

Sandi and I went way back to the days of floppy disks and dial-up modems, AOL Journals and chatrooms. We shared a common love for poetry and story telling, of sunflowers and dandelions. We were romantic dreamers and passionate patriots, although on opposite sides of the table. That our friendship withstood this past election is a great testament of just how strong our bond was.

To read of her passing has left me heavy hearted. I have no doubt she is now at peace with Joe, but selfishly I was not ready to let her go.

As bright as the morning dew drop,
As soft as the grass is green.
Go now unto your future
And live your final dream.

Rest in peace and be forever happy my friend.

Jan K. Orndorff - My Transplant Blog

Jan Orndorff passed away on 7 July 2016 after a lengthy struggle against pulmonary fibrosis, which was diagnosed in 2002. In 2011, she underwent a lung transplant, but after an initial success she lost the battle against rejection, and particularly as a result of the medication used. Jan was very active in raising awareness of the condition, a founding member of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association. She leaves a widower, John, three children, 6 grandchildren and a huge legacy in terms of her efforts for PF sufferers.

Nelle / Copious Chatter

News reached us of the death of Nelle Mancil McLaughlin, who blogged on AOL as McJerseyGirl. Her blog was Copious Chatter. She was a kind and generous person, who will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace, now that her suffering (through ill health) is over.