I’m still stunned over this. I didn’t know her real well, but I coached her son in soccer last year and she was always there to support him. She was also my client and I had spoken to her just days ago. I know that people involved with the schools, where she was very active, are in shock.
She was on the way back from a trip to Oregon and apparently fell asleep while driving. She had kids in the car, one of them seriously hurt but doing better. Thankfully all of the kids survived.
Jojo posted in a thread below this link to the article about her death. I would caution that the photographs of the vehicle are quite dramatic.
If anyone has photographs of her to post, please send them.
Addendum: The photo above is of Avi and her son Ilon and Tofu’s daughter. Thanks to Tofu who sent the photo.
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September 28, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Anonymous
I heard Avi’s daughter is out of intensive care and her vital signs are good, so there is hope.. prayers to little Hana and the family in their time of mourning. I’ll never forget Avi telling the story of the death of her son at the monologue project, so sad, so moving. We give thanks for her life and her service as a midwife, she indeed blessed this community, and, as she said in the monologue, turned the grief of her loss into service and support for others.
September 28, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Eric Kirk
Yes, I heard that too.
September 28, 2009 at 8:50 pm
anon
She did richly bless this community. Love goes out to her family. I had wondered this morning why Sunshine had been crying, but didn’t want to push into a private grief.
May we all find comfort and use her example in our lives, as we try to reach out from our private pains to public good and action.
September 29, 2009 at 5:56 am
Anonymous
Avi’s quiet strength and beaming light supported so many people in our community and everywhere she travelled. She was a shining example of giving and serving unselfishly. We are blessed that she passed our way.
September 29, 2009 at 8:08 am
sorrow and grief
Yesterday felt like a hundred hearts were bleeding grief.
She touched so many through her midwifery and motherhood.
A great loss for her family, and our community.
Many will be needing extra hugs.
September 29, 2009 at 10:10 am
Lily
Thank you Kirk for posting about our sister Avi. We will be grieving and feeling her loss for a very long time. Her family needs our community more than ever and I pray we will be up for the challenge! Bobby (my brother for 39 years!) will need our help. Hug each other closer….. Lily Bhavani
September 29, 2009 at 11:03 am
Rosa Rashall
Dear SoHum Community,
I was honored to serve on the NorCal Women’s Camp Council with Avi. (http://www.norcalwomenscamp.org). The last time I saw Avi was in August, at a fundraiser for camp. I photographed all of the council members that day, and took a nice series of photos of Avi. Please let me know how I can post them on this page. For now, you might want to visit http://www.norcalwomenscamp.org/NCWC/About_NCWC.html to see a photo of Avi. Scroll down and she is in the middle row, on the left. She was so full of life that day. I know I speak for the entire council when I say our hearts are hurting and she will be missed.
Rosa Rashall, aka Sajinder Kaur
September 29, 2009 at 11:15 am
Anonymous
Any updates on how little Hana is doing? Thanks.
September 29, 2009 at 11:35 am
Eric Kirk
What I heard was that she is no longer considered in “critical condition” but remains in “serious condition.” Other than that, I don’t have any details.
September 29, 2009 at 11:40 am
sistren
She was a sister, mother, midwife, artist and so much more. I am forever indebted to her, for the kindness and acceptance she showed me. You only have a FEW close friends that really understand and accept you; she was that to me. Feeling for her family, and praying for protection and guidance as they navigate the difficult days to come. xxoo Jj
September 29, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Lisa
I met Avi when I was pregnant with my first child. She herself was pregnant with her twins. My son was the third child she delivered solo. I could not have asked for a better friend or midwife. She nurtured my family through the amazing times in our lives. Whenever I had a problem she was there to help. Her heart shone through her smile and her quiet laugh. I will forever miss the woman who held my hand through the births of both my children and my own personal torment. I pray for Hana, Bobby and their family.
September 29, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Eric Kirk
Thanks to jojo for the second photograph.
September 29, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Jim Baker, SHUSD trustee
The following is from an email sent to school board members from Julie Johansen, principal of Redway and Whitethorn schools, regarding the condition of the children. Under the circumstances, I think it would be appropriate to pass it on. I think it is important to note that Avi was one of several other strong and committed women in the community who turned the unfortunate deaths of their own children into a positive force for helping other parents deal with similar tragedies by participating in a group known as “compassionate friends”. I’m sure those women are particularly hard hit by Avi’s passing and could use some extra support themselves right now. The same goes for the staff and students at Whitethorn School, which the children attended. Please note Ms. Johansen’s reference to the account being set up at the CCU for the family, and donate generously once it’s in place.
“Last call by Leslie was at 11:30pm last night. Hana might be released by the end of this week. Aunt, Sister and Dad are on bedside. I am going to set up an account at the CCU right now.”
September 30, 2009 at 7:00 am
anonymous
I think the little girl’s name is spelled “Hona”
September 30, 2009 at 9:52 am
Paulette Thiele
This information from the SHUSD office regarding a special account for Avi’s youngest children:
The Fund for Hana, Ilan & Cobi has been set up at the Community Credit Union. The account number is 14572. It is named Whitethorn Elementary. On the memo line-people can put Hana, Cobi, and Ilan.
We would like to thank Julie for getting this account set up for these students. Thank you Julie!
September 30, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Anonymous
Tonight’s report is that Hona is recovering remarkably quickly and is eating again.
Avi is to be buried at the Briceland Cemetery next to her her beloved son, the memorial will happen either this Sun or the following.
Keep the children wrapped in your thoughts and prayers.
October 1, 2009 at 11:35 am
Anonymous
October 11th we will be gathering to celebrate the life of Avi Livingstone, mother, midwife, sister, devoted long time community member of Humboldt county– we will be gathering @ Beginnings in Briceland @ 3pm- please bring altar items, pictures, …food, your love, your laughter, your prayers and your open heart… please feel free to re-post to all our tribe… with all my love from Sunshine
October 1, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Eric Kirk
Can you please confirm this? I have heard now from two other sources that something is happening this weekend instead of the 11th. I’ll try to confirm or clarify.
October 1, 2009 at 12:41 pm
SoHumBorn
tears just tears… for the children, for Bobby, for us all.
October 1, 2009 at 3:03 pm
intheknow
The PUBLIC memorial will be Ocotber 11th at 3pm at Beginnings.
There will be a PRIVATE burial at another time.
I hope we can all respect the sanctity of this transition and give the family time and space to grieve.
October 1, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Eric Kirk
Thank you. I just wanted to make certain that nobody misses the public memorial in error.
October 2, 2009 at 7:21 am
Avi’s post « Sohum Parlance II
[...] 2, 2009 in Uncategorized I’ve made an unusually high number of posts this week, and Avi Livingstone’s memorial thread is about to leave the front page. I don’t want it to get lost. Because of the number of [...]