Tuesday, July 19, 2016

In Honor of our Friend Jo

Many years ago this community came together around a pair of eagles setting up shop in a nest in the Eastern Panhandle.

This blog was started to provide folks with the early forum to discuss the eagles, and a tight community from around the globe quickly developed, called by some the Eaglet Momsters.

The leader of this group was Jo Lennox.  She was a friend to all, and was a tough advocate for her eagles.   Her advice and counsel was always welcomed, and she always spoke her mind and was relentless in ensuring that her cam was online and working.

Few people watched the birds more than Jo,  she knew them like family, and I'm sure they knew it. What an honor to have known her, and to be sure, she can now soar with her beloved eagles.

You all have been posting your fond memories of Jo.  Please continue to do so.  We will miss her, but her legacy will continue.

Steve  

50 comments:

Judie said...

Thank you, Steve.

Eagle-Eyed Shar said...

Oh Steve. So beautiful. Thank you so much!!! She was definitely a one of a kind.

glo said...

Thank You Steve for a thread for our special lady. We are saddened for all who knew and loved her so, and glad her struggle with that awful disease is over.

Hoda said...

Thank you Steve.
You are a man with a big heart and a friend that Jo respected and depended on.
Thank you Sir. Thank you.

Today 10 Eagle nests.
14 Eagles Soaring.
Three when we first started the 90km boat trip. I knew in my heart that Jo had crossed. From the Eagles I knew it was with ease.
Three Eagles soared in spirals went up to the heavens.

God Bless Us All.

I just finished reading your posts.
Thank you all. God's Blessings on you one and all. You said it all.

grannyblt said...

Thank you Steve.

Sandi said...

Thank you Steve for this new thread especially for Jo, and thanks Judie for the call over.

Hoda, what a beautiful sight those 3 eagles must have been!

It has been good to "see" so many on the blog today. Jo would be happy that we are all "coming home," as Glo calls it.

Goodnight all.

Leona said...

So sad to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Leona said...

So sad to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

WVJerry said...

Thank you Steve for the New Special Thread honoring Jo. Thanks for your kind words honoring her as well. Thank you Gloria for the note on Facebook. I am thankful to be a member of this Blog and Group. Jo - always made me feel welcome here and I will always be grateful to her and Paula for allowing me to participate in the Momsters and the Blog. I could always feel the love here. Thank you all and I can only imagine the sorrow you all are feeling as you knew Jo so much better than I did. Thanks again Steve.

stronghunter said...

Thank you, Steve.

And thanks for the call-over Judie.

So good to see words about Jo from so many old friends.

AZPatti said...

Seeing if I can log in after so long an absence.

JudyEddy said...

THANKS YOU STEVE

just want to remind everyone that there are so many beautiful pictures of JO on the YahOO momsters albums that JO kept up to date I have spent there most of the day june 6 2006 is a beauty of her with a butterfly that landed on her hand while there were at the nest site

AZPatti said...

Thank you, Steve, for the new thread. I second WVJerry's comment.

JudyEddy said...

I know JO is smiling down on her momsters and dadsters seeing so many come back to the blog She had so feared the blog was falling apart - so happy to see so many come to the place where she was loved so


PattiO said...

Even though I haven't kept up on this blog - I feel like I've known Jo (and Paula) for so, so many years now (even if only online). She was a pretty regular poster on the WOW forum (formally the Maine Bald Eagle Forum). I was so sad to read of her passing. Prayers to her family ... and everyone here. :(

JudyEddy said...

here is the picture that I mentioned that I saw on the YAHOO momsters album it is from June 6 2006 at a nest visit by a few ( Nilla Angie Janet) and a butterfly landed on her hand

JudyEddy said...

june 17 is the date on the album I looked at so many today

Lynne2 said...

Jo would be so pleased and humbled to see so many of our long time but long lost bloggers returning to remember her. I am too.

Thanks, Steve.

Thanks Judie for the call over.

Lolly said...

Thank you, Steve, for your tribute to Mema Jo! she was an awesome lady, a true friend. She will be missed.

AZPatti said...

Good night all. Wishing everyone restful sleep and SED.

glo said...

Brought this over from the other thread from Vicky. Many of you know her plate is also full so not sure if she would find this new thread and i know she loved MeMa Jo and wanted to be on this thread in her honor.

"Blogger Just Vicky said...
God made an Angel among us when he created our Mema Jo. She loved everybody and anyone that was privileged enough to have met her, loved her.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016 9:53:00 PM"

glo said...

Good night everyone. AOYP

Unknown said...

Thank you Steve...means a lot to me and my Family.....and I am sure Mom sees it too.

Eagle-Eyed's Sissy said...

You know, this blog has brought so many of us together from all over the world and we have grown to love each other as family. My sister, Sharon, was here before me and I thought she was crazy. Get a life I told her. Virtual friends aren't real, I said. Well, HAHA! I have gotten to know so many of y'all and love you. This "virtual world" is as real as it gets. Mema Jo welcomed me as she did most of us here with open arms. And she didn't mind to tell it like it was. No sugar coating there for sure, but with a kind and loving heart. I have not been on the blog very much in recent years, but I have kept up with my friends through Facebook and emails and such. God bless us every one and thank you Steve for your wonderful tribute. God bless the Lennox family. I know they know what Mema Jo means to us. I really hope to be able to attend the services and I hope to see some of my friends from here there as well.

Sandi said...

Goodorming my eagle friends.

My Facebook feed is filled with posts about Jo and Steve's new thread is a tribute to Jo ... all as it should be today. Jo touched so many lives and I'm so thankful that mine is one of them.

Unknown said...

Thank you for your loving notes and stories of our Mom! We invite you to join our family in remembering her life....

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Community, 7321 Burkittsville Rd., Middletown, MD 21769, on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church. A reception will be held immediately following, in the Legacy Room of the Church.
Mom said (for those who do not wish to attend the Funeral Mass please show up at the Legacy Room in the Church for her Celebration of life at 11:45)
Interment will be private, and at a later date.

Jo Ellen (Spangler) Lennox passed into God’s loving hands on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, following a lengthy illness. Her strong love of life, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, caregivers and many supporters carried her through her journey. Devoted wife, mother, and “Mema”, she was born on October 12, 1939 in Hagerstown, MD, the only child, and beloved daughter of Charles and Kathryn Spangler.

Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a positive attitude, a compassion for others, and a demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many.

After graduating from North Hagerstown High School in 1957, she attended Frostburg State Teacher’s College, where she met her husband, Edward W. Lennox. The couple wed on November 8, 1958 and raised five wonderful children.

Over the years, she held professional positions at St. John’s Elementary School, Meadows Van and Storage, Middletown High School and Wells Fargo Mortgage Co. In 1981 she was President of the Frederick Business & Professional Women’s Club, and in 1985 voted Woman of the Year. Upon her retirement in 2004, she and her husband continued as active volunteers in the Holy Catholic Family Community, the Parish where they have worshiped for over 20 years.

A woman of faith and the heart of the Lennox family, Jo Ellen was a true friend of nature. She enjoyed nothing more than to coax nature to her porch, with a plethora of peanuts and birdseed. In 2006, she helped to establish the “Eaglet Momsters,” a wonderful group Eagle cam enthusiasts, dedicated to the Shepherdstown, WV nest site, and supporters of the Federal Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center. She stayed connected daily with friends and family on Facebook, and there was no greater complement than being “stalked on Facebook by Mema.”

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Edward W. Lennox, and five children and their spouses; Kristen and John Leaf of Big Pool, Susan and Brian Koches of Catonsville, Jennifer and James Vallandingham of Knoxville, Michael and Donna Lennox of Frederick, and Charles and Susan Lennox of Middletown. She leaves twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life, and she theirs.

For more information, please call the Donald B. Thompson Funeral Home at 301-371-6070.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Holy Family Catholic Community of Middletown or to the Eagle Cam at NCTC c/o Steve Chase, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.

T-Bird said...

Mema Jo was a very special person, as we all know. My Jussy Boy said yesterday, "she was like my grandmother."
She seemed to always know when I needed a special hello and love. She would send me a special message.
She was so insightful. There are only a few special people like that in this world. It makes me feel special that I was part of her life. I am truly blessed for it.
Thank you Jo.

magpie said...

Good Morning, Precious Eagle Pals...

Steve, Thank You....for your Stunning, Insightful Post....You have captured the essence of our dear Jo, and yesindeedy, she was persistent about notifying you and your staff if the cam/s were not operating properly. ☺

And to all Eagle Pals here, it's a Delight to
"See You" and to Share in the Encircling of Jo, her Family, and Each Other with our group and individual memories ....

and to Jenny - "Like Mother, Like Daughter" - you are doing a Loving Service to all of us, with your posts and updates. THANK YOU !

God Bless This Nest,
and God Bless Us, Every One xoxo ♥ ☺

JudyEddy said...

Good morning Eagle buds

I am smiling with tears with all the beautiful words and pictures on fb as well as here

I did manage to to go through the albums on the Yahoo momsters page there are about 24 albums out of 135 albums with NCTC open house and nest visits that I did manage to download 41 pictures last night I tried to take at least one pic from each album and posted on the momsters pag on fb and on JO page
please feel free to tag yourself as some has done alraedy I woke up to 105 notification on fb with all the likes and few comments

I also put them on the blog on my misc blog 41 pic from 24 yahoo albums

WVJerry said...

Thank you posting the memorial arrangements. I have to work but would like to attend in some manner. I will be dressed for work so may not be in the Church but will appear in the gathering room. What a special person Jo was to so many.

JudyEddy said...

To the Lennox family and her friends all around the world

As the days and weeks pass,
and as you return to life's routine,
may you continue to feel comforted
by the love and support of family and friends.
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child.
My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories
of joyful times together a you celebrate a life well lived.
Take comfort in knowing that how you have a special guardian
angel to watch over you. It can be so hare to face the first
year without your loved one but the love of family and friend
s can carry you through

Lolly said...

Good morning!

JENNY, thank your for your post. It is a beautiful tribute to your mom. Also, thank you for the picture of Jo with you and your siblings when you were young. Loved it! Living in Texas makes it hard for me to attend the service. However, on that day, at that hour I will be with you in love, thought and prayer. God be with you, Ed, and the whole family!❤️

Lolly said...

Bev, love your post! Virtual friends are real! The love amongst the Momsters is real. I am just so thankful I have been to WV twice and look forward to seeing as many of you as I can in Oct. We have not set the dates but it will be within the first couple of weeks of Oct.

(((Hugs))) for all of you!

Eagle-Eyed's Sissy said...

What a beautiful obituary! Lolly, please let us know as soon as you know so we can make plans to see you!!

paula eagleholic said...

Now I am really crying. Thank you and God bless you Steve.

paula eagleholic said...

I will be at the service. Jenny what a loving tribute in Jo's obituary.

Ms Bookworm said...

Hello, Everyone,

My heart is officially breaking. Words fail at the moment. Just know that I love all of you, and feel such an empty place in my heart now that Mema Jo has gone home to the Lord. Am sending prayers up for all of her family, and all of the Momsters & Dadsters. Thank you, Steve, for your beautiful tribute to Jo, and thank you, Jenny, for your wonderful words about your mom. She was one of a kind. ♥♥♥

I'll be back later tonight. I ♥ us!

JudyEddy said...

ANOTHER NEW THREAD WITH LINK FROM STEVE FOR THE CAM DONATIONS




NEW THREAD

NEW THREAD

Eagle-Eyed Shar said...

WV Jerry, Jo wouldn't mind for you to come in your work clothes. :)

Eagle-Eyed Shar said...

I had had Normabyrd on my mind for a couple of days so I called this morning just to check on her. Her caretaker answered the phone, I tried to explain as best I could who I am. She asked Normabyrd if she remembered my name, she said no. She asked her if she remembered the name "Normabyrd" and she said no. It made me cry. I knew that was coming. So we've lost her before actually losing her. I found a short little video from one of the nest visits that has Jo, Lynn and Normabyrd in it, I think. I will post it after I get off work.

When anyone asks a question on here as to what we should do, my first thought is to ask Jo. :(

I LOVE US!!!

glo said...

Very very anxious to see that video Sharon . Bless her heart. I loved Norma too. Such a frail sweet little lady several years ago. When she found out my neighbor grew up in WV she insisted on sending him a magazine from "home". He loved it. Jerry I seriously think MeMa Jo would love you to attend her service. I know you would be every bit as welcome there as you are right here. She loved the Dadsters too.

It rained for hours here this morning I now have a wet basement and a leak in my kitchen roof area. uggg

I am so very sad that I have no idea when I will get to WV again. Vicky's son as most of you know was in ICU since June 4. He did move yesterday I believe it was down to Intermediate Care which is a stroke unit in the hospital. Her car is also at the mechanics. Given both of those situations and the fact that my car is much much older than hers, without her I can not come. I am sure if and when we can, there will be another trip that way, but I have absolutely no time frame. All I know is I am so glad I did get there almost 2 years ago now. I have cherished memories and photos from that trip

ok down to the basement again for me. More mopping to do and more rain in forecast this evening followed by tremendous heat tomorrow ugggh Bring me Eagle Season :-)

Jewels said...

THank you Steve for the Beautiful Tribute. I love us.

Sandi said...

I am copying and pasting this from Judie who posted it on the Tuesday thread:

I have been requested to share the following information to include the email correspondence between Friends of NCTC and myself this morning. I made a donation in Jo's memory yesterday to both Friends of NCTC (eagle cam) and to the Smithsonian Zoo. I believe Jo would appreciate those remembrances. If any of you have a picture of Jo or some words to share, please email Friends of NCTC at info@friendsofnctc.org Below


Judith,

We noticed your donation was in memory of Jo Lennox. We are so sorry and saddened to hear this must indicate her passing. We hope she passed peacefully. Jo was so supportive of the eagles and the eagle cam program and she volunteered her time so generously despite her illness.

Thank you for your donation in Jo’s memory. We would like to honor her by including an In Memory of Jo Lennox section on our eagle cam page. Do you have details that you would like to see included about Jo? Would you be able to send her photo?

Sincerely,

Beth Alegret

Sandi said...

Beth asked if anyone had a photo of Jo that could be included with the "In Memory of Jo Lennox." I looked through the photos of Jo that Judy posted on Facebook and really like the one of Jo holding her eagle cane. She looks happy and healthy in that photo and I think it would be appropriate. Just my opinion.

I told Beth today, when she responded to me about my donation, that she should expect a number of contributions to Friends of NCTC in Jo's memory over the next few days.

Lolly said...

Andy, sent you an email. Did you get it?

We are thinking $20 each towards the Eagle flower arrangement. Send to Wanda, please!

Unknown said...

Sandi I am changing moms profile pic on her Facebook. Check it out. If you all think it would be good for Friends of NCTC I can send it to them.

glo said...

Going to say good night over here one more time. I just want to be here a little while longer. AOYP everyone. Prayers continue for MeMa Jo's family. ((((Momsters))))

glo said...

a special place for MeMa

gm everyone. It looks like if you see this you really need to head on over to the newest thread. I sort of loved this one so very much. Hard telling when I will stop by here. A place to just think about and enjoy MeMa Jo for a little while since I know I can not come to the service.

I am so very glad I did get there 2 yrs ago though. My heart knew that with the second time of having to fight that rotten disease that I needed to get there. Our tough old bird would however beat it once again and stay with us another 2 years :-). It was a busy 3 1/2 days spent mostly in the car except for those couple of hours with MeMa and other Momsters who met with Vicky and I on Saturday. Meant the world to both of us. We slept and headed back home again next morning.

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JudyEddy said...

Spam on our dear Jo page of remembrances

















I wanted to let Jo know I have tried to keep the blog going without you it's seem impossible!
So many have left and not to have returned.
I wanted to say so sorry
I love you and miss you

I am giving up after so many months of trying to gather all the momsters and dadsters no luck. Can't make people post I know life goes on so shall I

Just know you are always I my heart. Maybe it's me that is keeping others away who knows?

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