Angels Upon Us
Marilyn Nierenberg-Shaoul
The Soul Survivors are very sad and sorry to announce the passing of our own Marilyn Nierenberg-Shaoul. Marilyn fought a courageous battle against breast cancer for 5 years. She wrote and sang many of our songs, as well as, created the artwork for the cover of our cds, and was instrumental in the formation of the organization asa registered 501(c)3 nonprofit agency.
After a successful career as a risk arbitrageur on Wall Street in New York City, Marilyn gave it all up for family life in Arizona with her husband and two daughters. Marilyn was a beautiful, bright, creative, artistic, sensitive and caring person. She always had good advice whether for decorating or relationships. We love you Marilyn and miss you!
Angels Upon Us
Lorraine Ballarin, 54
When the world is bleak and dark..there is always a hopeful spark...don't ignore it. WELL THIS is Lorraine in a sentence. OR shall we say a song lyric. How many of us would remain so positive, and so willing to fight..after 9 years of cancer.
When I first met Lorraine 3 years ago..she walked in to the Wellness Center. Sometimes when walking into your first support group for cancer...you are a bit guarded. WELL Lorraine was ready to meet and greet and let us know: "I did not want to join a support group. I did not want the typical gloom and doom. YOU girls looked like a very different group". I told her we LEAVE OUR CANCER AT THE DOOR...That she did. I know her family and friends have all told us we gave her so much by encouraging her creative side, sticking by her in these last few years of treatments..hospitals etc. NO we were blessed and honored to have such an incredible person in our lives. Lorraine was beyond special..she was a gift.. Marilyn wrote the songs we were singing. SHE too did not give up. SHE sent Lorraine to us.................
Lorraine used to tell me she was sad she did not meet Marilyn. Imagine what these 2 powerhouse "gals" are doing now. THEY are writing songs of hope, healing, and just tapping toe upbeat tunes. WITH that said: when I spoke with Lorraine only days before her d that beautiful smile..as passing she told me she was getting ready to meet Marilyn.
Lorraine and I had a deal...when things were tough...I promised to make her laugh at least once a day. WE were in Utah at our retreat for breast cancer survivors...A moose showed up on the street down the hill. Lorraine, Diana, and Gayle got close enough to scare all of us. Lorraine was so cute..she came back up to the house...YOU MISSED A GREAT VIEW DOWN THERE OF THE MOOSE AND ITS BABY...I told her: I saw it from up here while I had a glass of wine ..and I can relive it thru your photo's..AGAIN that beautiful smile and laugh. BUT what was so funny. Is that I told her I think she got too close to the moose...she said: WHAT OPPORTUNITY WILL I HAVE AGAIN TO GET THAT CLOSE TO A MOOSE..She had a point?
She was a gift...to all of us here today. WE know she is now in Heaven ...cancer free...no pain, writing music, visiting with her dad, hiking, and yes wearing those shoes....
Lorraine we say Ciao for now...Ciao Bella...but know every day our angel is watching over us...and WE...knowing our lives have been touched by this angel who we can say made our lives that much better for the short time she was in it....YOU gave us so much more then HOPE...you gave us you...and that will live in our hearts forever.....my sweet Lorraine.
Laura Fial
Founder and President
Sing For life Breast Cancer Foundation of Arizona
and dear friend of Lorraine
Wishful Respects
"Lorraine thank you for being in my life we will meet again someday when we both have wings to fly." --- Scott
"I want to thank all the members of the Sing For Life Foundation who for the past 3 years welcomed my dear friend, Lorraine Ballarin, as part of their "singing family". While Lorraine is gone from us physically, her voice and message lives on in her poem and song "Hope is Real". A special thanks goes out to Laura Fial for her wonderful, inspiring voice, and to Scott Parsons for his musical collaberation with Lorraine. I was thrilled to have met you at the end of September. Together, let's continue to raise funds for research so that people don't lose their friends, mothers, sisters, and aunts. My best to you all." --- Lynn Palen
Lorraine, You lived a corageous life. Your fight and drive reminds us all that Hope IS Real. Thank you for your beautiful song! --- Alaina
I did not know you very well, since I just joined the Soul Survivors in September, 2008, but I feel like I knew you for years. I was so honored to use the fabrics from other members to make the pink shawl for you. I hope it gave you comfort and warmth. I hope your family and friends will release pink balloons anytime they want to feel close to you, just as we did at the cemetary.
Your song will live forever. Thank you for that. And I hope we can stay in touch with your wonderful family. God bless you and we will keep praying for a cure. --- Connie Ahlman
To the Sing for Life Foundation for a beautiful floral arrangement.
To the Soul Survivors for your songs that uplifted and consolled all present.
For the balloons, smiles and tears that were being gathered in heaven.
And most importantly, our gratitude to each and every person that gave Lorraine the strength that has now become our hope, so all of you will be blessed by your God with bright futures ahead.
With Love and warmest regards,
Flo and Dan Blinkiewicz and Mary Theresa Palma
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