Here are the services:
Wake
Monday July 16, 2007 -- 5 PM to 8 PM
Tuesday July 17, 2007 -- 2PM to 4 PM and 6PM to 8PM
at
Chambers Funeral Home
29150 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, OH
(Corner of Stearns and Lorain -- North Side)
Mass of Wednesday July 18, 2007 --10:30AM
at
St. Raphael's Church
525 Dover Center Road
Bay Village, Ohio 44140
71 comments:
Our prayers and sympathy's are with you. Please continue to take care of yourselves.
I am so very sorry to hear that you lost Maria. She looks like she was a little angel even while she was here.
Take care, I will keep your family in my thoughts. Sonia (a friend of Eileen's from law school)
My heart is with you during this time...I,too, have shared your pain. It's been almost five years now. God is and will continue to protect you during this time. I praise Him every day for giving me the strength and courage after losing my precious son, Corbin. If you need to share with someone who understands, I am available anytime.
Cristy Burnett
www.corbinburnett.com
Our hearts are saddened by your loss, yet Heavens gain. Please know that our prayers are with your family.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS..
Dear Family,
Our son TJ from myspace and our family have been following your story since we first learned of Maria. We are sorry for your loss and moreso for the loss of this beautiful child to the world. She blessed so many peoples lives, including ours. We know she will continue to do so from heaven. May God give you strength and courage now to face your future. We will be praying for you!
Peggy, Solomon, TJ and Beth Ann
Grand Rapids, Michigan
I am so saddened for your loss of Maria. I've been thinking and praying for you always. You are wonderful, faithfilled people and I pray that you will hold on to your faith through this storm. I pray for peace and an everlasting bonding love. I love you guys! Linda
Dear McNamara Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss of Maria. May God wrap his arms around you during this very sad time. Thoughts and prayers are with you always. My God bless and keep you.
Patti Sclimenti (Glyde)
We love you.
Lori, Jeff, Perri, Nathan and Nicholas Simpkins
I hurt for you. I wish that all the people that have been touched by Maria could take a little of your pain away from you and help you to bear it. I don't think that is possible. The only thing I can say is keep reminding yourself "This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it". Find love and joy in your other children, talk about Maria often, and remember that one day you will be reunited in Heaven with your beautiful Maria. Until then, she is in no pain and at peace.
I don't know you but have prayed for Maria for over a year.
Charlotte B.
We are so sorry to hear this news. As some of the other writers, I don't know you, but feel as if I do. As if your family is a part of mine. Maria is pain-free now and smiling upon you. We will pray for your strength.
The Hite Family
I wanted to say that I just saw Maria's video and she is a BEAUTIFUL little girl! God Bless your family! I am sorry for your loss.
I am so saddened to hear the news. I just wanted to say how sorry I am and that we have been thinking and praying about Maria and your family ever since Eva first told us. You all are in our prayers every day and will continue to be. I know Maria is in Heaven looking down on us all and very proud of her parents and family for their strength and faith and proud that they have shared this journey with everyone. That is a gift. Reading these postings and seeing your faith and courage and wisdom is truly inspirational. You have taught me, and probably a lot of others, so much about faith and love. Maria is a special angel and you are special people. May God continue to bless you and give you the strength you need.
Julie Taylor Powers
Grand Rapids, MI
Eva's friend from UofM
Dear MacNamara Family,
I was so terribly saddened to read of Maria's passing. I've been praying for her many months now and was truly stunned on Saturday when I checked her website. She was so beautiful and your stories of her are precious. My eyes filled with tears again thinking of what you all must be going through. Thank God she is no longer suffering. I am praying and will continue to pray for you all to have the strength to cope with such a horrible loss. I think God does hand pick the parents of special, beautiful children and obviously this is the case with Maria. I'm certain she adored you all and what wonderful parents you are to have started such an important foundation. I'd never heard of "dipg" before coming across your website. Hopefully it will be some comfort to you knowing you've brought to light such a horrible disease. I pray that a cure will be found and your foundation will be a great service to other families on the same journey. God is still beside you, has never left and will continue to be with you through this. Please know that many prayers are being said for you all. Best wishes.
In deepest sympathy,
Molly
I am so very sorry to hear the news of Marias passing. I have followed her story for the last year. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. The heavens now have a perfect beautiful Angel. God Bless.
I am absolutely heartbroken for your family. Maria has received the ultimate healing, but your pain intensifies. Praying for you.
VISITOR FROM HEAVEN by: Twila Paris 1993
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a while
A gift of love to be returned
We think of you and smile
A visitor from Heaven
Accompanied by grace
Reminding of a better love
And of a better place
With aching hearts and empty arms
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we’re so glad you came
We’re so glad you came
A visitor from Heaven
If only for a day
We thank Him for the time He gave
And now it’s time to say
We trust you to the Father’s love
And to His tender care
Held in the everlasting arms
And we’re so glad you’re there
We’re so glad you’re there
With breaking hearts and open hands
We send you with a name
It hurts so much to let you go
But we’re so glad you came
We’re so glad you came
I am so sad and cry as I read your recent post, I have followed your website and prayed for you since I first found out about Maria's illness. Thank you for being such an example of strength and true faith- in the darkest of times you were an open and willing vessel to God's work. Maria displayed faith and strength beyond her years and was an example to us all... I recently lost my father to cancer and the immediate loss hurts so much but there is peace in knowing that they are now in heaven. I love the song "wish you were here" as it talks about someone that is already in heaven doing all the great things (to run with the angels on streets made of gold, listen to stories of saints new and old...) what stories your Maria will share- and how proud the saints will be of the many lives she touched on earth! Healing comes in many forms and now she is experiencing the most absolute form-enternal peace with God! I continue to pray that God give you the strength and ability to continue your mission to fund and provide research to such an ugly disease! God bless your family during these days!
Dear McNamara Family,
I Feel so bad about Maria's death. Even though I never met any of you, I cried when I found out she died. I just feel so bad. I will pray for you and think of you and Maria often. Friends from St. Raphael have told me about her. she seems so sweet. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God will enjoy having another ANGEL IN HEAVEN WITH HIM. Sorry about everything.
God Bless
Dear Family of Maria:
I will be unable to attend the wake and the Mass however please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends with what must be such a difficult time. I attended a fundraiser for Maria last summer and was touched at her courage and strength, all of your courage and strength. I have followed the ongoing story of her battle through the website and it is with such ache that I write to you now. I know Maria touched many individuals throughout the world. Please know I will be thinking of your family through the next days. Know that Maria is without pain or suffering any longer and that you all have such a wonderful guardian angel watching over you.
We are so very sorry for your terrible loss. No one can ease your pain and heartbreak. Trust in Jesus and he will help you to heal if that is possible. Hug your children often and tell them how much you love them for they too are suffering a great loss.
Carol and Bob Maro
Cleveland Ohio
I never had the chance to meet Maria but after following her story for the last year I will never forget her. It was truly an inspiration to see her strength and spirit shine. May God bless Maria and all of her friends and family.
I am so so sorry for your loss. Even though I do not know your family personally, reading about the things your family has endured has hanged my life. My prayers and thoughts are with you through this time.
God bless.
May Maria intercede for you in Heaven during this time of severe suffering. My children and I have been following little Maria and checked several times a week to see how she was. Your example of openess and acceptance of God's will is truly inspiring. You are in our prayers. In sister in Christ from NE Ohio
My family and I have prayed for Maria ever since we knew about her illness. We would like to put out our blessing to you and your family.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Maria is truly an angel. She is looking downat you right now and is keeping you strong.
Dear McNamara's:
I had the great honor of editing "Prayer's for Maria" and I learned to love your family and daughter. As a father of three son's I've tried imagining the depth of your pain and torment but I can't. I will continue to pray for your family and know in God's infinite wisdom he will reunite with Maria and deliver you from your pain and turn it into joy!
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. God Bless your family and know Maria is free of ailment now, running with her heavenly father. What could be better than that?
In Jesus' loving grace,
Marty Nowak
Thank you for sharing your difficult journey with us. We are all so blessed to have experienced Maria's beautiful smile and brief but meaningful life.
I have been praying for Maria and following your postings. God bless you during this time. Maria has touched so many lives and I will never forget her or the blessing you all have been by sharing your lives with us. I am so sorry for your loss.
May The Lord Bless and Keep Maria in Heaven. We live in Columbus now but our daughter did go to St Raphael School in Bay Village.
Our prayers and condolences go out to all those in Maria's family and her friends. May the Lord Bless and Keep you all.
Sincerely,
Gary & Patricia Baker
Columbus , Ohio
You don't know me but a friend of mine told me about your loss this morning and I just want to let you know my thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. May God bring you comfort and give you the strength to get through the coming days. Your special little angel will have a wonderful, peaceful place in heaven now.
May God Bless You Always
Katrinka Frazer
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
We have followed your sight for the last few months. Our prayers will remain with you and your beautiful family. Please know that as humans, we will continue to mourn, but as Christians, we will rejoice that God has retrieved such a special angel.
In Him......
Megan and Ed and Family,
So many images come to mind when I think of what Maria meant to those who encountered her spirit....I think she truly was like a fresh spring rain that is scattered far and wide breathing new life into all who came into contact with her story. That which was once wilted has sprung up and felt renewed life! Yes, the power of one, at least this little one, cannot be measured- For truly you have been in the presence of one of God's Greatest Angels/Messengers for the past 7 years, that alone is standing in the presence of "Wonder".
We all strive to make this world a little better in our own lifetime, she clearly accomplished that in only 7 years, as did you and your family! Thank You.
Our faith tells us and I believe that her new journey has just begun - it is almost as if she is on a 'Mission Trip", she has answered God's call as only a Brave soul could do. She is on the second leg of her journey....What great adventures await her, with much success, for you and your family have equipped her with the tools and the compassion and the superb example of what it is to Truly Love Unconditionally!
The glory is that you will recognize her at the end of this journey, her smile will be unchanged, her twinkle in her eyes will be just as bright, yet the glow that surrounds her will be as far and as wide as the raindrops that fall and she will be running straight into your arms!
How humbled we are and so appreciative that you allowed us in to witness the first leg of her journey, someone who was cleary so close to the Lord while she walked among us.
May you be blessed with daily signs from your sweet Angel as you walk the rest of your journey.
Our prayers will be constant,
Caitlyn Walsh and Family
Maria's family, I have followed your journey for a long time as we live in the same town with JJ Lipski and have come know the devastating condition Maria had all too well. My heart opens to you and we send our love your way. Seems like a I remember seeing Maria in a Minnie Mouse costume, though I can't find that pix now. She is beautiful and we are blessed for her having been in our world, even if for only moments. God Bless You. Amy Smith (Huntsville, AL)
Dear friends,
As you know a loss for one is a loss for all. Just reading the update takes me back to February 3, when Cameron left for Heaven.
I have followed Maria and prayed for her and your family. I will continue to pray for strength and guidance. Please know that she was greeted with open arms - not by just our Savior, but a host of other wonderful children anxious show her around. If you want to chat, please dont hesitate to call me.
Missing Cameron -
Carla
Our prayers are with your entire family. May God bless you and be with you always. Your faith in God is truly amazing and an inspiration to all. I know Maria is by God's side watching over you now.
The Chastains
I have not been able to stop thinking about what your family must be going through. Maria is truly a saint. A gift from God. She has transformed people's lives with her story and simplicity. I remember when my father passed away unexpectedly(ironically 07/14 of '98 and the call rec'd at 1:30AM) I remember how God used nature to let us know things would be okay. Today, the morning of Maria's mass I have NEVER seen so many sunflowers all over the city of Fairview Park and Westlake. I have driven these roads numerous times BUT have never seen the sunflowers like I did today. They were GORGEOUS!!
Your little sunflower is flourishing now, may God give you the inner peace you need and the strength and endurance to handle each passing moment.
God bless you!
Thank you for sharing Maria's story. She has had such a profound impact on me and my family. I will never forget her and will keep her in my prayers always. She is truly an Angel.
i am very very sorry about maria i have been following her story for about 3 months my hope and prays are with her. aleast shes safe now.
Hi-
I recently watched a dvd called Champions of Faith. It is about Men of God who play professional baseball.(www.championsoffaith.com)
One chapter of the was called, "The Chicken Runs at Midnight." It was about Rich Donnelley who had a daughter that died of brain cancer.
Please watch the DVD or read about his story at:
www.seattlearch.org/FormationAndEducation/Progress/012005/Inspiration+01-20-05.htm
I hope that Maria continues to speak to your heart after she is gone. I hope you know the impact that Maria has had on all your friends, family, and community/
May God bless you in the days ahead; and may He watch over your family.
I am praying for your family.
DEAR MR.AND Mrs. Macnamara,
I Am sorry for your loss of maria. she was a very nice person to play with.when it was cold out side we went down to the nurse together for recess. One time we were trying to make the GREAT WALL OF CHINA with blocks and dominoes and then the other time we colored. She was a real good colorer. I will miss her very very much and I will pray for her a lot and you.
Love,
Tommy Lavelle
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Many thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you so much for sharing Maria's journey with my family and I. We will never forget her story and will always pray for you and your family.
May God bless you and help you throughout this time.
Sending love and prayers.
Megan, you are in my constant prayers. My husband was so touched by yours and ed's strenght. I wish I could have met maria she sounds like such a great, kind hearted little girl. Take one day at a time and know that many are praying and Maria is with you smiling down on you. You are a wonderful mother and an example to us all. May God bless you with health, love , and strength. Enjoy the boys. Embrace them. Take time for yourself too.
As another stranger, I want to let you know that I have followed your journey since the very beginning. I want to let you know that Maria and your family have been an inspiration to me. As a busy Mother, I sometimes get lost in a busy world. Days that should be fully appreciated sometimes become routine and full of what seems like tasks. Your journey has reminded me to live in the moment and love and appreciate all that has been given to us.
As someone who gets confused a lot about religion, I thank you for teaching me a lot about faith and the strength we can find in God. I am truly amazed by the strength you find in your faith. You have inspired me to search my soul to find my faith. You have taught me to be a better Mother. I'm sure there are many others who can give you more ways that Maria has affected their lives.
I will pray for your healing. I will pray that you continue to have strength through this difficult time. God bless you Maria....and your beautiful family.
Dear McCnamera Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Maria, but now she is an angel. She always Has been. I have been following Maria's stories, and my brothers and sisters and I used to go to St. Rapheal's before we moved to Cincinnati. My family and school have been praying for maria, and we are praying for your family.
God Bless,
Mary grace mccuen
hello
I'm very sorry about what happened.
i don't exactly know your family but I'm very sorry. Maria sounded like a great little girl.
We hope you feel the strength of the love and prayers that surround you here and in heaven and that you find peace in your time of sorrow.
God Bless,
Mike, Christina, Jenna & Olivia Langley
Dear Megan,
I have been following Maria's story for a year now. I am sorry to hear of her passing. My children and I have been praying for Maria, you and your entire family. Thank you for sharing her with us. She is an inspiration as are you and your husband. I will continue to pray that God gives you the strength you need at this difficult time. I know Maria is in Heaven sitting with our Lord! God Bless,
Chrissie Billi Parente
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's good knowing you are full of strength and you are leaving this all in God's hands. I know he is guiding you through all of this. I don't know what you've been through but you and your family are in my prayers. God Bless.
Megan and Ed,
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Like so many others,I have found inspiration in the heroic way Maria dealt with her illness and in the courage with which you have faced this terrible trial. It is clear that you have found strength in Christ and have pulled so many others closer to Him on your journey. May you be enveloped in the love He is ministering to you through others!
In Christ,
Laurann Collins and family
Avon Lake
Dear McNamara Family
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you. I had seen Maria's picture in the paper & thought what a beautiful little girl & I wondered what took her life so young. I was at my friends later in the day & she asked me if I had heard about Maria. My heart felt heavy as she told me your story. I can home & visited the website. I viewed the Gift of Maria & thought to myself what strength your faith has given you! I hope that your faith can continue to sustain you in the days ahead. I hope that one day they can find a way to treat this type of brain tumor.(3 1/2 years ago a little boy in Brook Park also had to endure the same journey as Maria) I believe that these special angels are to remind us how precious life is & to embrace what we have. You will be in my thoughts & prayers! May God continue to hold you close!
Devan
Brook Park
Dear Edward and Megan,
You should be so thankful for your community of friends from your neighborhood and your church. I cannot help being moved by all they have done for you.
When I learned that your neighbors lit up the streets for your Maria, I was touched.
When I came to the church and saw the vases of sunflowers, I was moved.
But when we left the church parking lot and I saw the school children and parents, all the people who love you and loved Maria, I was overwhelmed and awed to think that they would do such a thing.
I also saw the sign on the chocolate store the said, "God Bless Maria McNamara." That really got to me as well.
I trust you, too, were overwhelmed by all the love these people have shown you.
And the message from Father was perfect. It was from his heart to yours and ours. My favorite part of his message was when he shared Maria's love and zeal for God; her eagerness to have anything to do with Jesus. May we all imitate such faith.
In all sincerity, I did not enjoy my meal at the club. Not because the food was bad or the atmosphere was wrong - but because I kept remembering the line of people who were at the church - wearing sunflowers, waving sunflowers, and just loving you. I felt out of place. They should have been there instead of me and my family.
And they should have been up front at the church; not me and my family.
Please do not misunderstand, this is not a criticism, rather it is a praise for all those lovely people who love you with God's love.
May you cherish that memory.
Now more than ever you both will need to guard your hearts and stay close in love. I say that because I know the enemy will work to destroy what God desires to build up. Your marriage needs to be a testimony - not only for the sake of Christ, but also for Maria. Remember that. Proverb 4:23, "Above all else, guard you heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
May God bless you more and more.
Love, Aunt Pam
Dear McNamaras
There were two big sunflowers in the flower arrangement on the altar at my church today and of course I thought of Maria. I felt her smiling down from heaven on us. On the way home from church I stopped at my neighbor's Lemonade Stand which was benefiting Prayers From Maria - already raising $1200 this week. Amazing! A big sign on their garage said "We have to find a cure!" So many people have been touched by your little Maria. She truly has unlocked the love in so many hearts. I hope this gives you some comfort now - I know you must be so sad and miss her so much. May we all remember the miracles that Maria taught us in our daily lives - love, grace, peace, being kind to others and walking the path that God has planned for us.
Maria's beautiful soul is in Heaven now, where she can truly be happy and feel no pain. Just remember that God is always with your family, McNamara's, and he is always with Maria. I have been praying for you, and will continue to pray that God will give you strength everyday to keep going, until you are reunited with Maria again.
As a stranger, I have been with you through your journey with Maria. I constantly viewed the website, and I prayed to God every night that your precious Maria would be ok, and she is. She is happy in heaven now.
God bless you and your family.
I will continue praying for you and your Maria.
WE LOVE and MISS you Maria.. Love Aunt Janet, Gwen and Colin
We are so sad to hear this news... She is one of God's precious little angel's and now she's holding his hand and looking down at us, as an Angel to all of us... Our prayer's for Maria and her family are with them. God bless you all!
With Love,
Kevin, Vasilija, & Michael Kohout
Dear Ed and Megan and all the McNamara family,
We heard the news about the very sad passing of Maria from Laura Zvara. Although we never had the good fortune to meet your lovely little girl, we are all so very sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
With lots of love
Leahy family, Kent, England
Dear Megan,
Maria is in our thoughts and prayers every night. Teddy asks about her often and wants to include her in all prayers. She has opened a door for us that will never be closed. When we read the Foundation site, it puts so much into perspective and reminds us how many families are going through what you and the Quayle's are living through. Thank you for educating us on more than just the disease state, but on how every day is truly a blessing.
Love,
The Gordon Family
I am continuing to pray daily that God would grant you peace and strength and hold you close.
My friend's daughter was diagnosed with BSG. It has opened my eyes to so many families who have suffered through this horrible cancer.
I know that God's has a purpose and plan for all of us; but I am also sure that your hearts ache for your little girl.
I hope that God will give you strength to carry on, build your foundation. Prayers from Maria -- seems like a great organization. It will benefit the BSG Community and search for a cure.
Thanks for being a reference tool for so many desperate families.
Mr. and Mrs. McNamara,
My mom and I followed Maria and her story for several months. We were so so so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are remembered in my prayers daily.
you can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
you can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
you can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
you can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her momory and let it live on.
you can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
or you can do what she'd want:
SMILE. OPEN YOUR EYES. LOVE. AND GO ON.
Peace, Beth
I wanted to let your family know that even though I never met Maria, I think about her often. I hope you don't feel like the support you were getting has stopped. I have gone back and read through some of your entries and smiled at some of the things you'd write like how she interviewed people at the bus stop and how she always thanked God for her tumor and then asked for him to take it away. Maria was an amazing little girl and has really made me, a 24 year old, think! Please know that you are still in my thoughts every day.
Emily Stover
Dear McNamaras-
As I watch Eddie jump on to the bus on his first day of school my heart jumped out and landed on him. I noticed how much he looks like Maria. Everyday I watch you wave goodbye to Eddie the same way you did for Maria. She will always be loved and always be missed. Listen to the song True Friend by Hannah Montana. It may be a song for 7 year olds,like Maria, but the message is outstanding.
Love always,
Maggie Lehr, 8th Grader at St. Raphaels School and rider on Bus #3.
Dear McNamara Family,
I have never met you but have followed your story for about a year. I check back often to see if you have updated, because I think about your family all the time. I just want you to know that I pray for you often. The loss you have endured is unimaginable. You must feel like people have "lost interest", but please know that is not true. Whether or not you ever post here again, you will always be in my prayers, and I'm sure many others feel the same. I hope that with each new day you gain more strength and peace.
To all the McNamaras,
Our family too still prays for you each night. I pray that God grants you the strength and courage to continually face each day with your loss. Maria is a beautiful child and continues to radiate God's light with every sunflower that blooms and is now recognized as a memory of her by so many.
Your family is an inspiration to so many of us, and I personally thank God that he allowed me to be a part of your story and to witness the miracle that surrounded Maria. What a beautiful child, with a beautiful family and a beautiful legacy!
McNamara's,
I have followed Maria's story from Chicago since the beginning. I'd periodically check the site and read your stories. For whatever reason, I thought I would check today- the summer was busy and I realized I hadn't checked on Maria. My heart sank when I saw the front page. Maria and your family have been in my prayers and continue to be. God Bless you.
Tim
Just wanted to let you know that we still think about all of you and continue to keep you in our prayers!
Today on All Souls Day, we prayed and thought about Maria. We have so many sweet memories of her and her smile imprinted in our minds.
There is never a day that we don't think about Maria.
Love,
The Gordon Family
dear mcnamara family,i am so sorry to hear about the lost of maria.i was very luky and could not have picked a better neighbor and best friend.it makes me
very sad when i see eddie on the bus sad if someone said
her name .eddie,aidan,and blake are the funnyest smartest neigbors you could have wished for
it is very sad also that blake will only have short memory of his angel like sister but i am sure eddie and aidan will tell him plenty
your family is and always will be in my prayers,
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