Chris phoned this morning...
Ali’s gone. She died at 6.30 this morning at home with the curtains pulled back on the balcony doors to let in the dawn. Chris, Sue and Ann were all with her, having sat with her a lot of the night, praying with her and playing the recording of our singing at Binham Priory. Chris says it was very peaceful.
He says they have all felt very held by everyone – by all the practical help and all the prayers and love. He knows lots of people will want to send flowers, but the house is already full of them. He will try and get to the computer to bring more information later today.
posted by Lynda at 7:34 am
79 Comments:
Chris . . . God's peace keep your heads above the surging waves of emotion.
We love you . . . Rod in Oz.
8:02 am
She rests with God. What a journey and with what joy and grace she travelled it. So much love to all the family.
Manda & Freddie xxx
8:31 am
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... He will wipe every tear from their eyes...
Our love for you all grows stronger.
Jim and Debbie
8:45 am
to chris and the children adn all of you who walked with ali, much much love and peace, that she be with you still, thank you for sharing her with us, so precious so filled with love
8:46 am
Chris and family - love, tears and prayers for you all. Kath A-C
9:02 am
She is at peace now. I hope you can find solace in knowing how well and with what love you travelled with her along this painful journey. My thoughts are with you all.
Love from Sally (G)
9:02 am
Chris and family - love, tears and prayers for you all. Kath A-C
9:02 am
Dear Chris and family, please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss from me, personally, and all Ali's colleagues in Haringey. She was one of the most inspiring people I have ever met and it was a true prvilige to know her and to work with her. The world is a poorer place without her.
Len Weir
9:14 am
ali was a most beautiful woman, her life was so full of life
it was an honour to know her, we will miss her and we send our love to all the family
sarah, gene and sam xxxx
9:14 am
For all the family, we lift you in prayer, you have travelled this journey well. Our Love,
Mark Liane Jonah Ethan & Miriam
9:15 am
Peace be with you.
Jesse Adeney
9:26 am
Thinkin of you all....Ali was one of the most inspiring people I have ever met...May you find comfort and Peace of God.....Much love and tears
Zannax
9:29 am
Continuing to hold you all in our prayers.
Much love
Kez, Lee Nathanael & Reuben
9:36 am
Dear Chris family and friends,
our love to you and our prayers for your peace and strength. Thinking of you round the clock.
Mark and Mary
9:45 am
Chris.
Our hearts and prayers are with you. We feel so much for you, having lost our Allan last September.
Our love to you all,
Jane and John Walker
9:54 am
Ali was such a wonderful colleague who became a wonderful friend. She showed us how to live and she showed us how to die.
Sue A
9:57 am
Dear Chris,
we're very overwhelmed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vivi told us about the prayers last night, sounds like she was filled with the Holy Spirit. God's got a very special person with him now.
Tears and Love
Danny and Angelle
10:17 am
Dear Chris and family
So sad to hear of Ali's passing. Praying for you all.
Love to everyone
Fiona M in Yorkshire
10:27 am
The news of Ali's passing is interminably sad. I wish you all peace and send you much love.
Debxxx
10:33 am
We're all holding you in our hearts and thanking Jesus for Ali's beautiful life. You are all constantly in our thoughts and prayers and we love you,
Phil, Elspeth, Zoe & Joel
10:35 am
Ali may be gone physically but she remains forever in the hearts of those she met and that must be the sign of a life well lived. I hadn't spent a lot of time with Ali over the past years but I will always remember her enthusiasm, her joy, her love and her beaming smile! I'll especially remember that last time I saw her at Chris and Mary's birthday party and the warmth and love that held everyone in that room. I will treasure my memories of Ali and hope that Chris, Asha, Kirin and all of Ali's family seek comfort in knowing how greatly Ali was loved and how she touched the lives of everyone she met. With love, Chris B x
10:36 am
Our love and our thoughts are with you. Lovely Ali - I always thought so.
Lou xxxx
10:37 am
It was a real privilege to have known and worked with her- it was always fun.
My thoughts are with all family and friends.
Alex McTeare
10:40 am
Echoing all above comments, and especially remembering as Chris B says her beaming smile, for real and on every photo....
Since God loves a cheerful (= hilarious) giver, I am sure practically all us in the multitude who have been in touch through Ali's blog over the last months will be keen to give to a chosen charity in her memory. I am sure Chris will be telling us this soon, no pressure.
Love and sympathy
Johngee and Gwyn
11:07 am
Dear Chris our thoughs and prayers are with you. We have such wonderful memories of dear Ali.
Much love and tears Arthur and Jan
11:08 am
Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Ali's passing. I saw her yesterday and even then she still had her trademark smile. So thats how I choose to remember her as the lovely,beaming lady with the beautiful voice. She gave us so much when we where young and we didnt even realise until yesterday. Chris and kids, we are thinking and praying for you during this difficult time. Grace, peace and love
Nene
11:41 am
Dear Chris, Asha, Kirin, Sue, Mark, David, Ann and all the family: Ali had an extraordinary gift for making other people feel truly special, including us. May the love and peace of God that passes all understanding be deep in your hearts today and every day. John & Diana x
11:47 am
With all our love and prayers to you all,
Jayne and Derek.
11:49 am
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs...They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. (Psalm 84)
Thankyou Chris and all of you for sharing your and Ali's pilgrimage with us all.
So much love.
Please keep blogging when you can, on your journey.
love Ian, Olivia, Hamish, Kirsten and Emily,
11:56 am
Dear Chris,
It is Wednesday evening here in Australia and I am having champagne to remember Ali with and holding you all up in prayer to our faithful God. Lots of love to all of you,
Much love,
Sarah Kelly (nee Adeney)
12:11 pm
Dear Chris and all the family
'The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms'
With our love and prayers
Sue, Hamish and boys
12:14 pm
Dear Chris and all,
I keep thinking of the fact that Ali has died during Holy Week - the time when Jesus suffers. A sign that God is weeping with all who mourn Ali. As I think of the sunny, effervescent Ali, I keep remembering that Holy Week ends with resurrection.
So much love & strength to you all.
Love & tears, imogen. x
12:44 pm
Dear Chris and Ali's precious family. Christ has shone through your journey. How could we not have been drawn closer to Him? Just what Ali wanted. Thank you. Hugs and prayers, Anne Hall
12:55 pm
Dear Chris, Asha, Kirin, Sue, Mark, David, Ann and all the family:
Lots of love, and tears, and wonder at the way you have walked through this together. Praying for you all.
Anne de R
1:21 pm
As Oscar and I walked through the park talking about Ali he turned and said to me in his 4 year old honesty, "mummy, I miss Ali" and just at that moment the clouds parted to a beautiful burst of sunshine. Draw your on analogy...
With love
Jo
1:28 pm
So sorry to hear this news, but glad Ali's suffering is now over.
With love and prayers as you begin to learn to live without her.
Angela Reith
2:29 pm
Chris, my love and thoughts have been so much with you and Asha and Kirin, mixed with tears.A quote from a beautiful old hymn:
'Tis finished, all is finished, her fight with death and sin, fling wide the golden gates, and let the victor in.
I thank God for such a wonderful exuberant granddaughter and commit you and the two lovely children He gave you to His loving care. May He comfort, strengthen and encourage you. Grandpa
3:11 pm
How did it go so fast?
We'll say as we are looking back
And then we'll understand
We held gold dust in our hands.
3:16 pm
Dear Chris,
We send you our love. We'll continue asking the Lord for you and your beautiful children. God bless you and give you the strength during this time.
XOX
Rodolfo + Karime
4:22 pm
Dear Chris you have done so well and there's still more ahead. My thoughts are very much with you. See you soon I hope Lots of love to you. Minna.
4:36 pm
Chris, our hearts go out to you. All of us at the Lord's Ranch send our love and prayers. What an awesomely beautiful and contagiously joy-filled life Ali lived. Her trademark smile will live on in our memories. May God's grace buoy you up in the days ahead.
Ellen
5:20 pm
Chris,
Sorry to hear this very sad news, but also relieved that Ali is now at peace. What a remarkable journey this has been and how much you have both taught us all about dignity and strength. I will blog more when I can gather my thoughts. Much love to you, Asha and Kirin.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Amanda and Madison xxxx
5:22 pm
May God surround you and the children with his infinite love. i never met ali, but we will see each other in eternity, much love, ali goucher
5:46 pm
O irreplaceable Ali - what a void you have left! But what a legacy too. You were the brightest of lights and radiated beauty. It has been such a privilege to know and love you and to share this journey with you.
You are now..."with Christ, which is much better". As my 9 year old said - " we will miss her more than she would ever imagine".
Chris, Asha, Kirin, David, Ann, Sue, Mark, Mark, Amanda and wonderful Grandpa (his blogs make me weep every time!) - we are praying for you all so much and upholding you as you walk this road together.
Much love,
Andrew and Lucy
5:47 pm
All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man's life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom. So fly on proud bird as there is none same as you and never will be…. You are free at last.
You are and will always be a great inspiration of love, kindness and courage. You are the best boss I have ever had and sharing your journey via this blog through this difficult period for you and your whole family and friends has been such an unforgettable experience that there is just no word to express it. Thank you for teaching me how to live life to its fullest!
Lots of love & courage to Chris, Asha, Kiran, the whole family & friends. Vidya R
6:44 pm
i'm so sorry but i know that she has gone into a great place and having a party with gods angels. i have a cushen to remaed me of ali. i did not meet her very often so i did not know her that well. but i know she has gone to a good place wre she is with her great granmar and all her family.
megan
her god child
xxx hug
7:29 pm
Dearest Chris, Ali was one of those rare extra special people and we are proud to have known her and journeyed with her over the last 18 months. Her precious spirit, love of life and smile will continue through Asha and Kirrin - and how everyone will light up when they smile! We give God thanks for such a wonderful person and we will be praying for you and the children and her family. Much love Ali and Andy XX
8:02 pm
Dear Chris
Our love and prayers are with you so much - and our huge gratitude for Ali, and for a life lived with wonderful integrity laughter, courage and faith.
Lots of love
Pam, Malcolm and family
8:34 pm
Dearest Chris, Asha and Kirin
Ali was a shining example of a life lived for Jesus, we pray that many will come to find that eternal love as a result of knowing Ali and seeing the way she lived - Ali's faith and yours has been truely inspiring.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
For Ali it will be joyous beyond imagination..
With all our love and prayers for you.
Nettie, Hadley, India and Clara xxx
8:35 pm
If there is ever a good time to die, then surely it is in holy week? Seems like every year I am sharply reminded that death is not the last word. Even so, I've been weeping for y'all all day.
BTW,did you know that Martin Luther King died on April 4, 1968? Ali's life speaks just as loud to me of all he proclaimed and achieved...
8:55 pm
Oops, that last post came from across the pond with lots of love from Jo, Sam, Laurence and Stephanie
8:57 pm
Dear Chris, Asha, Kirin, Ann, David and Sue,
My heart aches for your loss and for mine. I never saw enough of Ali but how blessed are we all whose life she touched.
My love and prayers
Merle
9:21 pm
Chris....love you and am praying for you and the kids, that in the middle of all that will no doubt crowd in during the coming days that you will know God's continuing grace and wonderful peace. My love to Sue too and be assured of my prayers for you and the wider family.
Stefan...who feels very sad and tearful as he types this blog.
9:52 pm
May the Lord watch over you Chris, Asha & Kirin as well as the wider family. What an inspiration you are, testifying to Gods sovereignty and prescence. Standing and kneeling with you, love in abundance Andy, Emma, Jessica, Charlotte & Polly Dipper
10:11 pm
You are all so much in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Liz Hall
10:34 pm
Chris, my thoughts and prayers are and have been with you all; may God's peace keep you and comfort you in the dark moments of the night when they come.
love to you all
Andy at St George's, Devon.
10:45 pm
This song played in my car as I drove away from Chris and Ali's this afternoon.
She is so beautiful
Light-filled, loving and wise
Laughter dancing in her eyes
For she is like a song
She is like a ray of light
She is like children praying
Like harps and bells and cymbals playing
And she is like a wind
Moving, soothing, bringing joy
And here am I, destroyed.
She is so beautiful
I don't know what I'm going to do when she leaves
Except grieve...
(Mike Scott and the Waterboys)
11:50 pm
I'm absolutely sure she rests with God. I'm happy I could meet her for a few moments and it was really inspiring for me. May God give you Chris and the children Peace and Grace in this special and difficult time.
Cindy from Chile
11:58 pm
Dear Chris and family
So sorry to hear the sad news - you are in my thoughts and prayers
- God Bless
Elaine Y, Yorkshire
11:59 pm
Ali - such a special person, a shining light, so loving and so loved. Our love and thoughts are with you all - Chris, Asha, Kirin, Sue, Ann, David, Grandpa, Mark, Amanda, Mark, all of your family and all those who loved Ali.
"When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart and you shall see that, in truth, you are weeping for that which has been your delight"
Angela, Wondi and Lili xxx
12:20 am
Chris & all the family, so sad for the loss of Ali, yet so glad to know that she is home for good, where cancer is no more...
Much love & our prayers,
Nev, Anthea, Aidan (in Oz), Glenn, Luke & Nathan oxoxoxoxoxox
12:57 am
I never had the privilege to meet Ali but I'm so thankful that Jessie was able to know her. Jessie's life has been enriched for knowing such an incredibly brave and loving woman.
My thoughts and love are with you all.
Arohanui from NZ
Jessie's Mum
6:28 am
Ali was a very special person and she radiated Gods love to everyone she came in contact with. She made a difference in this world and will live on in the work she did. It was a privilege to have known her.
We have been inspired by the amazing courage that she and all the family showed during her illness and could only imagine what you were all going through. You will be comforted that she is now at peace,free of pain and reunited with her Lord.
You will still be constantly held in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you all.
With much love
Belinda and George
8:25 am
Still can't believe it.Am and always have been in my heart.E
9:18 am
Dear Chris, what a journey you have had to make and with so much compassion and strength. We are all thinking of you and the children. Lots of love, Patricia, duncan and the boys.
9:58 am
Cancer cannot kill a spirit like Ali's.
She is strong. She remains, dancing with the angels, the same colour toe nails as her little miracle - Asha.
Beautiful child. You are loved.
We ache. We miss her so much. Powerscroft road changed forever as we stood, arm in arm watching the undertakers drive Ali's broken body away. She loved this road. She believed so strongly in this community. She brought so much love to this community.
The sun shone yesterday, the sun is still shining today. Holy week. We wait for Sunday.
Where are you now Ali? Your still here, but your also there. Your beyond all this - you know the secrets now. Perhaps now you understand the mystery you were so in love with. Perhaps you'll help teach it to us when we move on and get there.
I long for shalom, for the festival of friends. Where the hugs are long, firm and warm, where our cups will overflow. You are there now.
Thank you for your constant grace Ali, Chris, Asha, Kirin, Ann, David and beautiful Sue. You will always be a twin...she's just a bit ahead of you now...
God bless you deeply,
Shazza at the manse - looking out my window at Chris and Ali's house. A home to so many of us.
10:29 am
Chris....We are Jessie's Grandparents in Wellington New Zealand.Part of the family in Hendon.May Ali rest in peace and may God's Grace be with you and the children.
Liz and Kordy
10:50 am
Ali was a rare, beautiful and extraordinary woman. I feel privileged to have known her as my friend and humbled by being allowed to walk some of this journey with her. I am terribly sad that we have had to say farewell and send thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Deborah, Paul, Eve, Joseph and Abigail
11:18 am
Our love and prayers are with you Chris, Asha, Kirin and the rest of the family.
Ali was a wonderful, inspiring person who is now with her Lord.
We'll all miss her so much.
George, Savi, Mica and Anya xxxx
11:35 am
Dear Chris,
"Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The protective, guiding shepherd will lead you whether in the valley or while lying down in green pastures.
I cried for you and Asha and Kirin and your family. Then I remembered the Round Chapel, Clapton Park, HOST, fEAST, Greenbelt and Powerscroft Road...So many communities have lost a loving, grace-filled, generous, welcoming and place-making member. The loss is huge. It takes the blessed truths of Holy Week to sustain us through our earthly journeys, doesn't it?
Mark asked me to send his deepest care as well. We're both grateful you have surrounded yourself with people who will care for you as well.
Love, prayers and hope,
Mark and MaryTN
12:38 pm
We've been watching and praying from afar for you all, and have been struck by Ali's grace and clear sight of the eternal in the blog.
It's obvious just from the comments here that she was a delight not just to God, not just to her family, but to all who knew her.
We continue to pray for all of you.
Norwich Youth For Christ.
2:34 pm
Oh Chris, we had no idea… what a remarkable story of true courage and love. We are so so sad that Ali is gone but glad she is now at peace. It was a real honour to have known her.
We are reminded often of you all: when a photo flashes up on the screen of the last Hoxton gig and Asha is running across the floor in front of the stage or Ali and Asha (and Kirin, not yet born) dancing and that smile!; when we have a trip down memory lane and look at the old Hoxton gig photos; when we listen to one of the band CDs and are reminded of your wonderful fiddle playing; when we talk with some Hoxton people and remember the glorious music, the singing and the songs - the singing and songs that were so much part of your lives and Ali’s right to the end.
I had lovely dreams of you and Ali last night. Our thoughts and meditations are with you all.
Love from Collette,(Peter is away but asked me to send his love to you all), Dana, Rory and Yolanda xxx
8:29 am
Ali brought joy and happiness to her work and touched the lives of all of those who worked with her here at Haringey TPCT. We have missed her so much at work and now send to you our heartfelt wishes for strength and peace to go forward without her physical presence.
No doubt several of her colleagues and friends from the PCT will be there on the 13th April, and we will all be thinking of you at that time.
With deepest condolences from all at Haringey Teaching PCT
11:50 am
I love Ali. She is a fantastic person which such a zest for life. And I say this in the present tense because I still feel like she is around.
Let us know you're still kicking from above Ali!
Thinking of you.
xx
4:05 pm
Lynda rang us while we were in Pickering with the news of Ali's passing into new life. Ali was a most remarkably lovely person, with such a fantastic warmth with everyone. Her faith shone like a beacon and her smile and bubbly nature were infectious. The journey you took together will remain in all our minds and hearts - a truly amazing family, loving and caring and with tremendous courage. Ali has touched and changed many lives - we will remember her with much love. Maureen & Roger Christmas
7:06 pm
Chris, Asha, Kirin and all the family, We have been thinking of you so much and have not found the right words. So much eloquence in all that others have written. Very very much love Victoria, Khamani and Ben
8:19 pm
Chris, God be with you at this difficult time
I never got to say Thankyou to Ali for being there for us through the difficult teenage years and also to you chris. I never realised untill now, how much of an influence both of you were.
I pray that God will continue to give you strength.
ALI WOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. We all love you both.
Sade, Mary, Tony
6:20 am
Chris,
I'm absolutely stunned. I'll never forget the sparkiness of Ali's spirit and her eagerness to smile. My love to you and your family. I will be praying for you, of course.
Paco
12:05 pm
Like so many other people I always felt a better person after spending time with Ali when she worked in Haringey. I will miss her.
My love and thoughts go out to such a beautiful family
Jane Williamson
3:32 pm
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