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Losing a forum buddy - Meerkat@65 - Jo

jules54
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To all that knew Jo (Meerkat@65) through the forum.

I have today heard from Joanne's partner that  his darling Jo sadly passed away on Friday 10 June at 9.30p.m.  and I am honoured and personally touched to have been asked (by her) to leave a message of rememberance.

Jo, known to us on the forum as Meerkat@65, was among the first to welcome me to the forum and her thoughtfulness, friendship and support to others whilst battling her own cancer journey was  such an inspiration. Virtual friendship on this forum has a special place in my heart and Meerkat  was, in my eyes, one of the bravest ladies I have met along the way (there are many of you here).  She  always had a kind word, a charming wit and great dignity. She will be much missed and I  will continue to think of her often and send her family my heartfelt condolences.

I read the news of her peaceful passing having just completed the Race for Life in Watford in memory of my late husband.  I hope she would have approved that I now also dedicate my race day to her own brave battle.  Thank you for your friendship Jo.

Jules xx 

 

  • Offline in reply to Annabel
    Hello everyone, I've not been active on this forum for a while but I did sign in from time to time so I could find out how Jo was doing. Unfortunately I missed this post until today when I logged in and did a thorough search on her username - Meerkat. I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Jo was very kind to me during my difficult times which I very much appreciated and she always knew the right things to say to everybody, regardless of what she was dealing with herself. I've often thought about her. My deepest (belated) condolences to her family. A big loss to this forum but someone who won't be forgotten I'm sure. Much love, Nicola xx
  • Offline in reply to CasperCat

    Dear Rob/Caspercat,

    I just wanted to say how deeply sad and sorry I am, having heard just recently from Nicola of Jo's passing.  Although we never met I will always think of her as a lovely friend who offered me and many others tremendous support through this great forum.  I loved her quirky sense of humour and will always remember that she introduced me to emoticons (the winking face mostly)! I do hope you are finding some comfort and support by chatting to other forum members who are also trying to cope with loss, in the same way that Jo helped so many of us. I will never forget our lovely pal Meerkat.

    With love to you and all Jo's family.

    Irene x

  • Offline in reply to CasperCat

    Rob,

    I've just been reading this thread and realised that for some reason the message I posted back in June  didn't get published. 

    So sorry to hear about Jo's death, she was a great support to many newbies like me and she is sorely missed in this virtual World, as I'm sure she is missed in the real World of her family and friends. 

    Best wishes

    Dave

  • Offline

    Jules, thank you for letting everyone know.  I "spoke"  to Jo earlier this year but am sorry to say I hadn't visited the forum for a while and recently heard this sad news  from Nicola.  I've had the pleasure of meeting Nic and a few other forum buddies and share your feeling that such friendship through this wonderful forum holds a very special place in my heart.  Your lovely words are a fitting tribute to a wonderful lady.  I've dropped a line to Rob and just made a little donation to CRUK in her memory. Well done on your Race for Life - it's high time I signed up for another one! God bless our lovely "Jo Meerkat" x

  • Offline in reply to isjheatherlea11

    It felt a privilege to be asked to pay tribute. Jo was a delightful person to chat with and full of understanding and had  an amazing sense of humour given her own illness. I amsure her partner and family/friends not only have a rather large hole in their lives since her passing but will also have so many wonderful memories which in time will carry them forward. Jules

  • Offline in reply to Vatch

    Hi. I haven't been on here in ages but thought I would check in to see how everyone is. 

     

    I was very sad to read of Jo's death. She gave me support at a difficult time and, as others have said, she always did so with a great sense of humour. I wish I had met her.

     

    love

    Debbie

    x

  • Offline in reply to Deb67

    Hi Debbie, after meeting up with Vatch, Guzzle, Nicola and Simon at the weekend (when we raised a glass to Jo and other 'absent friends') I have been reading back through our journey together on the forum.  I do hope you are in good health.  Our 'gang of five' are planning to meet up again in Edinburgh in 2 years time to hopefully celebrate our 'magic 5 year' mark.  In the early days you were also a huge part of our support mechanism and it would be lovely if you could join us too?  Hope to hear from you.  Lots of love, Irene x

  • Offline in reply to isjheatherlea11

    Hi Irene 

    i havent been on here for ages but a friend has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and it made me think of you all and wonder how you are.

    i am fine (touch wood!). I can't believe it was all four years ago.

    so sad about meerkat. 

    Keep me posted about your meet ups although I think Edinburgh may be a bit far for me as I'm in Kent.

    take care

    debbie

    x

  • Offline in reply to Deb67
    Hiya Debbie! Lovely to hear from you but very sorry to hear about your friend - I hope you will recommend the forum to her/him. I just heard yesterday that my late brother-in-law's brother has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It's never far away is it?!! Would be lovely if you could join our next get-together, although I realise Edinburgh's a bit far away. I made it down to both London and Liverpool so fingers crossed it might be manageable for you. If not, hopefully we'll maintain the two-yearly tradition and meet further south next time (Nicola's in Bristol). Keep well x

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