Remembering WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo

[TwitterQueen1]

This is a thread in remembrance of Leslie, who IRL was called Christine and who sadly died, peacefully, in her sleep, in the morning of 6th April. It’s a place for everyone to share their thoughts, memories and feelings about a lovely, inspirational woman who gave unstinting support to those with cancer. Most of us will know Leslie from the Cancer Support threads (latest one here) she led for years, offering many handholds, much reassurance and unending support, especially when newbies joined. Leslie was always kind, always gentle, always encouraging, pulling together random, disparate strangers into a loving, supportive network.

Leslie asked me to let everyone on MN know when she died. I am under instruction “not to write anything gushy or naff or say I "lost my battle"!” So no talk of soldiers, battles won, lost, fought etc. Let’s celebrate her life, short though it was, be glad that we knew her and grab laughs and loves when and where we can.

Leslie was:
• Only 28, diagnosed at 21 with (a genetic) colon cancer.
• A lifelong veggie with a HUGE love of cheese. Cake was pretty important too. Oh, and pizza. And ice cream.
• Blessed with a loving family; mum, dad and sister, plus a large network of relatives and friends. Plus 2 flippin’ big bunnies called Marigold and Juniper.
• A hooker – otherwise known as a knitter of blankets, hugs, scarves etc. She not only contributed to the lovely Woolly Hugs group here on MN but also recommended ladies with cancer for their very own Woolly Hug.
• A glitzy, glam shoe aficionado who saved her best pairs for the chemo ward
• For those curious about her user name, Leslie Knope is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation.

I asked Christine about how we might remember her. She had no suggestions other than perhaps donating to Woolly Hugs if people want to. I am happy to coordinate this.

Christine, you were a true friend to me, bringing me into the cancer support group and being my cheerleader as well as everyone else’s. You are much loved and will be so very missed. Rest in peace xx

Crikey .... its been a very long time time i have been on MN having 'moved' with Chrissi and many Tamoxigangers a long time ago. I will miss our Chrissi very much and hold.her.in a special place in my heart. Thanks Emily for sharing with the other MNers what she meant to us and ours. I would love to be a fly in the wall with her and MAS and Gigs and Topsy and Lou too xx Much love to all the family if you are reading and congratualtions on raising such an inspirational young lady xxx

Emily

Thanks for this. I didn’t know anything about the history of the thread and the women on it when I blundered in last July after my breast cancer diagnosis.

Xx

Thank you to the Lacies who have shared memories of Chrissi and details of a very moving farewell.

Lovely to see photographs of her. Such a beautiful girl inside and out.

Thank you Emily - lovely to hear the history of the thread. I'm still a relative newbie myself!

I’m thinking so much of Leslie and missing her greatly. I’m sure other mumsnetters are too. I know that it’s nothing compared to the loss her family are experiencing.

Such a special lady who will have a lasting impact on my life and so many others. I will never stop thinking of her family too. If her family are reading, please know that I and others will remember her long after these threads have disappeared.

I have received a lovely card from Christine's mum and family, thanking those who attended the funeral for joining the celebration of her life and also for all the cards and messages of support. She said she was comforted by having so many friends (real and virtual) around.

C's Mum has read some of the messages here on the tribute page and says she will read the rest when she's ready.

(posting also on the support thread)

How thoughtful and kind of Christine's mother. I hope one day, when they're ready, it will be lovely for her family to read of how many people were touched by Christine's awesomeness.

That’s lovely of Christine’s mum. It’s amazing of her to be so lovely when she is going through so much.
Must be where Christine got her awesomeness

Think of her a lot. Was messaging someone the other day, started to type the name and hers came up as predictive text. Miss her being around and about.

Hello lovely folk on here, and apologies for the delay. We are so pleased that Leslie's folks have accepted our offer of making a blanket for them, we truly hope it will be a celebration and tribute. If anyone can knit or crochet and would like to..

join us over here

We can send yarn if needed to take part, no probs. Posting of squares back isn't until September so loads of time.

All welcome xxxx