Our dear sister in Christ Betty McNeely passed on from this life in the early hours of Saturday morning, April 29th.

The end came suddenly, but not unexpectedly, with a steep decline following her diagnosis with an advanced and aggressive stomach cancer at the end of last year. Her death came peacefully at the hospice facility to which she had just been transferred, after two or three days of lucidly and joyfully receiving visitors from among her friends and the many, many lives that she touched along the way.

It has been a privilege to know Betty, and to walk with her and her family as a church in these past few months. As all of us who attended to her in this time can attest, the transition was palpably holy: a testament to the truth of the Gospel which proclaims the power of life even in the midst of death. Even for the brief time that Betty was able to be a full part of our community, we were changed by her presence, and will continue to be shaped by her legacy.

We are inviting all of the people of Reconciliation Anglican Church, as well as our broader community and network of friends near and far, to join us in making Nine Days of Prayer for the repose of her soul, for the peace of her family, for all who grieve her passing — and indeed, for all of us, who share the in the common human tragedy of our mortality. As you are moved, you can also contribute to their GoFundMe to help defer the accumulated medical and funeral expenses associated with her illness.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Betty. Acknowledge, we humbly pray, a sheep of your own fold, a precious lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the enfolding arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.