This week's page is in dedicated to my daughter, Deidre Lee McLellan, who passed peacefully from this plain of existence yesterday, Monday 30 April 2001, at 8:30am, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis and a short battle with pneumonia.

Deidre Lee McLellan, 26 Oct 1969 - 30 April 2001 New Zealand Time.

Deidre had fought the disease Multiple Sclerosis for the past 20 years, being diagnosed at age 11.

She was always a person who influenced the lives of anyone who came in contact with her, with her bubbling personality, her wisdom, and her love of humanity. She inspired those around her to always look at the positive aspects of their lives and dedicated herself, no matter how ill she ultimately became, to making others enjoy and indeed celebrate their lives and the lives of others.

Deidre, who preferred to be known as DeeDee, touched so many lives in her short existence on this planet, and always in a positive and loving way. She made her caregivers laugh at the most trivial things, bringing joy into the lives of literally all she met.

Deidre graduated from Glenfield High School, and during infrequent bouts of remission worked as a secretary and a color proofer, a skill which few can effectively accomplish. She had the capacity to make everyone she met feel good about themselves, no matter if they were very young or very old, educated or uneducated, judges or former inmates of prisons. Her capacity of love for all of humanity was boundless and will be sadly missed not only by her family but also by everyone who came in contact with her in any way.

The warmth of her smile, the laugh she always had for everyone and anyone, was her mark. She loved to bring joy to every individual she met, and these pictures give you a glimpse into that bubbling personality.

Being a follower of the Baha'i Faith and its healing teachings for the world, Deidre, we believe, has passed into the next realm of existence, where we are confident that she will continue her work to bring joy and happiness to all she meets. Her love of humanity, her devotion to making everyone happy, and her love of God and His creation, will be sadly missed here, but we are confident that she will continue her path in the comfort, protection, and mercy of God.

May her continued existence in another of God's mansions bring her wish for a peaceful world, devoid of hate and intolerance, into existence. It has been a pleasure and overwhelming joy to know you Deidre and to have shared your life. Your family are particularly privileged that you have shared your life with them. Thank you and may God bless you in all His worlds.

Thank you for sharing in this small celebration of our precious daughter's life.