I'm sorry to confirm that my suspicions were correct last night and Gabi was found dead by the neighbours I'd asked to check on her. I don't yet know cause of death, but I suspect that it was a heart attack.
I have lost a dear friend and very good editor. I'm just hoping I can get to the funeral as it's a couple of hour's drive from here.
My commiserations to all her e-friends on this site who will be very saddened by this news at least I had the pleasure of meeting Gabi a couple of times and hundreds of hours of telephone conversations.
Angharad.
Comments
re: Gabi
Her death will be a great loss to many. She was an editor to a lot on here and a friend to some too. I just hope her death was without pain.
Angharad, thank you for letting all of us know
Karen
My sincere condolences...
...I didn't know her but I do know many of you who just yesterday offered anxious, despairing prayer. I am so deeply saddened by the loss that her passing brings to this community. My heart and my own thoughts to you, Angharad as well as the other dear ones who treasured Gabi so closely. May she rest in peace.
Dio vi benedica tutti
Con grande amore e di affetto
Andrea Lena
Love, Andrea Lena
In memoriam
Gabi will be missed as an editor, author, blogger and friend.
Her story, "Aunt Greta's Homework" was on the list for consideration in BC-Volume 1.
Hugs to all,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
i would vote for it hon.
if it didnt make the short list, I would vote for it going in. Cant think of a better tribute. I'm sorry for your loss, dear.
"Treat everyone you meet as though they had a sign on them that said "Fragile, under construction"
dorothycolleen
Aunt Greta's Homework
It's in the list for 2nd round nominations (open to editors/volunteers to the project).
The issue now with including it, is who do we contact for permission.
-P/KAF/PT
For what it's worth.
I can think of no more fitting tribute to Gabi, than to include her story in Book one with, perhaps, an "In Memorium" addendum. IF any of my stories are being considered for inclusion in Book one, I will more than willingly give up that honor, in favor of Gabi's inclusion.
Re: Who to ask, I would think that Angharad would be the most likely candidate to either request permission, or to find out WHO to ask.
A personal note to Angharad. I know how you must feel right now, having gone through much the same thing myself. I hope you believe that you did everything humanly possible to ensure Gabi's health and well being. Considering the physical distance between you and Gabi, calling the neighbors was the BEST thing you could have done, and I believe you did it in the proper timeframe. Please don't blame yourself for waiting a mere half hour before calling them to check on her. No one could have done more, I firmly believe that.
Losing a friend is never easy, but take comfort in the fact that you kept her active and kept her mind busy, thus forestalling what might have happened sooner if you had not done what you did. The only thing we truly leave behind us is the memories that others keep and treasure about us. In that way, only, do we achieve a measure of immortality.
God Bless Gabi for being who she was, and God Bless you for having been such a caring friend to her.
Cathy
As a T-woman, I do have a Y chromosome... it's just in cursive, pink script.
As to who...
I suspect Angharad could find out - if it comes to that...
I feel for your loss
as should we all as we have all enjoyed the fruit of her astute mind and acumen on all things English. I respectfully suggest she somehow be honored somehow on this site.
Kim
Baruch Dayan Emet - Blessed Is the True Judge
RAMI
BARUCH DAYAN EMET - Blessed Is the True Judge, is the Jewish response when one learns of the death of a person. It acknowledges that as HaShem (G-D) grants life and blessing, HaShem (G-D) is honored as the True Judge whose judgment is ultimately righteous. The blessing recalls that HaShem (G-D), whose wisdom is praised when He provides open acts of goodness, is the very same HaShem G-D)who decides the time of death. The person does not need to be Jewish to give that reply.
I am not sure if I knew Gabi. Was she the author of the "Aunt Greta" stories? The author index lists a Gabi as the author of those stories. If so, she and I communicated several times when she was posting those stories. She was always a joy to PM with and had a great wit and brought her own experiences to those stories. “What A. Way†she had with naming her characters.
If she is not the same person, then I did not know Gabi.
She seems to have been beloved by many. May she rest in peace.
RAMI
RAMI
Her presence shall dearly be missed.
I first met Gabi through GabyZone and have IM'd with her a few times both there and here. I can't say as I knew her well, but loved her stories, and always enjoyed the conversations we had.
Her presence shall dearly be missed.
-P/KAF/PT
Gabi
rest well.
Thank you
First to Gabi for her many valuable contributions
Secondly to Angharad for conquering her pain and keeping us informed
Gabi
Gabi was a good friend, although I never met her, we were in contact regularly.
She told me something of her life, which seemed full and very interesting. She will be missed by a lot of people and her legacy is the kindness and support she showed to many others.
She was a great editor and was always kind about my work. Her suggestions are invariably agreed with and she used to make me laugh when she changed a name in a story to one of her funny ones.
An example of the help gave me gave me was on Changes where I needed to find out about the nuts and bolts of a Christmas carol service.
She was former cathedral chorister (at Westminster Abbey), and someone who latterly ran a choir for the Prayer Book Society for several years, so she knew what she was talking about and helped make that part of the story real and believable.
I don't know what I will do without Gabi, the world is poorer for her passing.
Rest In peace, love
Hugs
Sue
Sad news indeed. Lost
Sad news indeed. Lost another good one.CaroL
CaroL
RE: Gabi
This is very sad news.
My thoughts are with all those who knew Gabi.
I enjoyed her story “Aunt Greta’s Homework “. Alongside that, her skills as an editor have influenced some of my favourite writers on this site.
I send my love to her friends.
Anne G.
I'd forgotten Aunt Greta's Homework was hers
A helpful editor to many and a writer of a very charming and fun series here. I really liked its quiet humor and historical tid bits.
As magical gender changing stories go it did not follow the path most taken and was always surprising me in various ways. Yet generally it was a very friendly and quiet piece, not a retcon shoot-um-up as much as I have enjoyed those stories of late. I got the strong impression she had grown up during WWII as the recollections in the trips back to that time seemed so authentic.
I did not know her but it is clear some of us will greatly miss her.
So sorry Ang. You did the best thing you could when you did not hear from her. I agree, I think she suspected she was dying and hid it from you. Giving the neighbors a key and alarm codes was innocent enough, IE you might do that prior to going on vacation so they can get in the mail and water the plants. But it is also something a person it the later stages of life might do as a precaution.
Another soul we will miss but remember.
John in Wauwatosa
John in Wauwatosa
The loss of one, diminishes us all,
There is nothing I can say that would make this news any better.
R.I.P. Gabi. You will be missed by your family, your friends, and your fans. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Cathy
As a T-woman, I do have a Y chromosome... it's just in cursive, pink script.
I'm So Sorry To Hear Of Her Passing
We have lost a wonderful friend an invaluable part of our community. The depth of her talents was inspiring and we will miss her friendship most of all. Rest In Peace Gabi. You are loved!
Gabi Bunton RIP
A true Gem whose Light Will Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
Good bye
I had a number of conversations by e-mail with Gabi, and always her gentle humour and erudition were to the fore. I cannot claim to have been a friend, nor to have known her at all, but what I did know leaves me profoundly saddened at her leaving. The world is a poorer place.
So Sorry To Hear This
[email protected] I only knew her through her stories. They were wonderful, endearing, charming. As I'm quite sure their creator was. Many blessings.
A Deeply Saddened Jonelle
[email protected]
My condolences
I will miss her.
I don't just look it, I'm totally lost for anything else to say, other than goodbye Gabi
Gabi
ALISON
May she rest in peace.Thank you Angharad for looking out for her.
ALISON
To A Truely Great Person In There Passing
One of the measures of a great person is noticed by there passing. It is the hole that is left behind when they are no longer there. Gabi will be greatly missed
I wish to thank Angharad for letting us know and a hug to comfort her in the loss of her friend.
Love Misha
The only bad question is the one not asked.
The only bad question is the one not asked.
Bye Gabi
When you get settled in up there maybe you could lean over a few shoulders and still help with the editing?
You will be missed.
What is there too say
Other than i am deeply deeply sorry to read such news..... R.I.P. Gabi you were one of the best.
Kirri
Sigh
Sad news. She will be missed.
Kristina
You Know A Person From The Inside
I never met Gabi and I would not have a clue what she looked like physically, but because of the internet and BC I know that she was a lovely person who gave of herself to many here.
We talked haphazardly about all sorts of things but what will always stick in my mind is her wicked (in the nicest possible way) sense of humour, which was best shown in the names she gave some of her characters, some of which we used to bounce off each other and develop for future episodes of "Aunt Greta". She was kind enough to actually use some of my less naughty suggestions.
I do hope her passing was painless and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know her.
Angharad, she was obviously your great friend, and to you in particular I extend my sincerest sympathy.
We shall all miss her,
Joanne
I know it won't help much,
I know it won't help much, but keep in mind that she went after talking to someone she knew cared about her. There are far worse times to go - like while angry or depressed. It sounds like she went peacefully enough.
I'll get a life when it's proven and substantiated to be better than what I'm currently experiencing.
i had this window open for
i had this window open for hours. writing something, deleting it, writing something else.
this loss is simply beyond words.
Gabi, be happy, wherever you are.
Very sad
I didn't know her in RL but we shared a common background in some respects - our age, memories of post-war Britain and she knew 'my' Derbyshire from when she was younger. I felt she was a friend and I regret her death.
I know Angharad knew her in RL. I hope she's able to attend the funeral even if only to represent the rest of us who'll only be there in spirit.
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Gabi
I had only communicated with her a few times but she struck me as very warm and caring person. If someone sets up a fund to pay for flowers at her funeral or if there is a need to assist with the cost I would gladly try to help with what I can.
Hugs to you Angharad and to all the others who feel this loss,
Lisa
Sorry about the loss.
Just sorry to learn of Gabi's death. I never knew her and never communicated with her, nor she with me, but it is quite obvious from the responses to your Blog Angie, that she was a much loved and much respected contributor to BC.
I feel for you Angie; you have obviously lost a good friend and that's always painful.
I sincerely hope that you can get to Gabi's funeral for it will mean so much to you to reach some sort of closure.
Love and hugs, always.
OXOXOXOX
Beverly.
Growing old disgracefully.
Very sorry to hear that
Sorry for your loss of a friend and our loss of a contributer to this community.
Re:Gabi
I never knew her or had any contact with her, but like the ripples in a pond she affected me. Her Aunt Greta story is wonderful and heart warming. Additionally, all the editing and help she did for many other authors also touched me. We speak of someone being missed, but I think it's the silence where once her presence touched so many that will be felt the most.
Fare thee well, and find peace at your journey's end Gabi.
Grover
Same Here
Thank you Grover for say so well what I would like to be clever enough to say myself. Gabi will be missed by this community.
Thank you, Gabi
I didn't 'know' Gabi as well as many of you, but we corresponded over the two year time period in which I wrote my story and she did the editing. She was kind, extremely helpful, and a wonderful person to work with. I highly treasure our experience working together (and her wonderful advice) and will miss her--particularly if I write that next story I've been contemplating.
I often feel guilty at times like this, when I can recount all that I have received from another and feel as if I was unable to return in kind--now it is too late.
Thank you, Gabi, for blessing so many lives--including my own.
hugs forever,
Tiff Q
Tiff Q
Not much I can add, but...
Goodbye Gabi. We'll miss you!
Thank you for making the world sweeter.
~hugs for all who need them (I know I do...), Veronica
Well shit, I guess it really CAN happen here..,
.
Angharad, I feel deeply for
Angharad, I feel deeply for your loss regarding Gabi. This was a very sad blog to open and read. As a fan of her writing, I know that the entire community will feel her loss also. We can but pray that she is now in a place of supreme love. My sincere condolences to you and Gabi's other close friends. Janice Lynn
Such a wonderful lady
She will be sorely missed - by her family AND extended family.
I have nothing to compare your loss to (your good friend), as I've never lost anyone so close (except grand parents) but I've known others with such losses. Remember you too have many friends, here and I'm sure out in RL.
My prayers go out to Gabi's family and all of her (I'm sure) many friends.
You are not alone in missing her, her friendship (or her editing).
I also benefited from her support in editing (helping me make my English speakers actually sound English as well as generally improve the quality of my work). I was also lucky enough to be allowed to help her, in return, on her last Aunt Greta story - with the American teen girl speak (Guess having lots of teens around the house came in handy after all. LOL).
Best wishes to you in your loss.
Anne
My condolences
I am relatively new to this site and didn't know Gabi all that well. My condolences to all who knew her as a friend
Thank you Angharad for letting us know.
Peace
Jackie
Another Great Soul...
Has shuffled off her mortal coil, and left the world just a little dimmer.
My deepest condolences to you Ang, and to others who knew her.
RIP GABI
My condolences
I didn't know her, but my heart goes out to her family and friends.
My condolences
even if I didn´t know her. It is really sad when someone dies, and I know, that you and her friends will remember her, and that is one thing any human can´t buy, but is greatful, if he or she is remembered in good, for all good time spent with you all. For me, I am sad, that another one of you great guys, which writing makes my days better is gone. I will remember her for all thanks you´ve given her, for editing and ideas she had given you.
Again my condolences and memory for you Gabi
Robin