Letters
Letters
This is to such a special friend to say she was a great friend to everybody whenever i came into king david high school she would always have a smile on her face she would always cheer me up when i was sad thats why everybody adored her.
she was always so thoughtful and friendly and always cared for others whatever the problem was.
She is the bestest friend a girl could have we love her with all our heart.
Lots of love
sara xxxx
I will miss u and especially your lovely smile,
The following is an extract from the Student Chaplain's entry in the Leeds UJS magazine dated 21stNovember 2004 ...
This past week has probably been the most difficult week in all our time here in Leeds.
Watching as my wife and her family began grieving for the loss of her father was incredibly difficult but the loss of Victoria Lynn was devastating.
There are no words of comfort one can say at times like this, the pain is just too great for us all. But rather than focus on the sad and depressing news I think it best to focus on life just as Victoria did. It is moments like this that help us to put life in perspective. What can each of us learn from Victoria? I only knew her for the short time she was here in Leeds but I can say She has taught me how to live. She was alive and lived ever moment to its fullest. She loved life and valued it. She taught me how to keep fighting and never to give up. She also taught me how to smile and enjoy life even when it seems just too much to deal with. What ever you do, find a way to take something wonderful away from the time you had with Victoria; don't just think about but live the lessons she taught us.
I had the privelidge of knowing Torti through the Manchester Jewish Teenage Centre where I taught her in the mid 90's. She was the most amazing, funny and good natured person I knew. She made other people smile, and her attribute of simcha is something I will always try to emulate.
Simon Lader
MUM & DAD'S LAST CARD GIVEN TO VICTORIA IN HOSPITAL
To our Darling Victoria,
No - they had plenty of get-well cards, but we thought a Thank you was just as appropriate. You know that we wish you a speedy recovery and once again you must show everyone how STRONG you are.
But we also want to say Thank you – for being a most marvellous loving and considerate person and a truly wonderful daughter. You are a most wonderful inspiration to so many people you do not realise what a positive effect you have on the world around you.
May you be blessed with many healthier years ahead and may this bout be the end of your times spent in hospital.
All our love as ever.
G-d Bless you always,
A very proud Mum and Dad xxxxx
There was a kiddush held in Leeds to celebrate Victorias birthday where many people retold stories about Torti and how we can learn from her and how she was an example to all of us. On the way home memories came flooding back into my head and made me realise how we can learn such a lot from the smallest thing that Victoria did.
A personal example for me is my hair, to anyone who knows me I have ridiculously curly hair and it has often been the bane of my life. It was usually quite short but about 4 years ago my friends said to me why dont you grow your hair? so I said ok and now I have these long golden curls. I often compare my hair to marmite because you either love it or you hate it its usually grandmas that tell me how much I must save on perms but Victoria was one of the fans of my hair, in fact I think she was my number one fan.
In this generation of hair straighteners,she encouraged me to stick to curl power Whenever she would see me she would get so excited by my hair and by how much it had grown, in fact she would grab my curls and pull them to see how much they had grown which considering my hair is attached to my head was actually quite painful!! Many of you may be reading this and asking what is the point of this story, well I realised last night, that Victorias encouragement about my hair which I had persevered with for so long, often made my day and I realised that Victoria had this effect on so many people.
She realised what made people tick, she realised what could bring a smile to their faces. Victoria knew that you dont need huge lavish gestures to make a difference in someones life.
In a society thats so driven by the pound its easy for us all to get carried away and forget the important things in life, the things that matter, the things that count. We need to learn from Victorias ways, she was an inspiring an example to all of us; the smallest thing can make such a difference in a persons life, a simple wave, a simple smile.
We all want to make a difference in this world in the merit of Victoria, and I believe that we all can, and it doesnt have to be great big achievements, Victoria was very rarely interested in the big things in life, yes Im sure she enjoyed them but I also know that she realised that its often the small unnoticed things that count the most and that can penetrate deeper in ones heartand remember we use more muscles frowning than smilingso go on make someones day smile!
Tarryn Balkind
I have just read a lovely book about a young woman with a heart problem, who appears to be an angel and always feels compelled to help other youngsters, called California Angel by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg and a quote towards the end of the book seems so fitting in relation to Torti.
"We'll just pretend you still live there, and we don't see you so often like before. As long as you think a person is close by and safe, you don't have to see them in the flesh".
I think this is a beautiful thought that we should all hold onto.
Susan Lynn
Dearest Aunty Susan, Uncle Brian, Kerry, Abbie and grandmas
It has taken me a very long time to be able to write something on this site, eventhough i visit it every day. My main problem was how i could possibly put into words my thoughts, feelings and wonderful memories of Torti. How could i describe how just the thought of her made me smile, how to have her as a friend was to be richer than any billionaire, how to know her made me a better person, how i was stronger when she was around.
She was the most amazing person and just so much fun!!!!! It might be because we're related but when we were together it was like a danger zone! I didnt think there could be anyone as daft as i was..... how wrong was i!
There's so much i want to tell you. Things i'm sure you already know.... when she walked into a room it lit up, everything dull sparkled in her prescence, she was radiant and that is how i'll always remember her. I thank G-d that He made Torti so special, for it is the happy memories of her that keep us going. It was so hard to think of what happened to Torti and not break down and cry but now when i think of her....a massive grin spreads across my face and a warmth that i cannot describe spreads through me.. and i think of how great she was, all the fun we had, the dancing and singing, the vast knowledge of The Sound of Music we shared (i know she was looking down on me sharing my outrage that The Sound Of music was NO.2 on the list of the 100 greatest musicals and not NO.1!!!!!)the walking into things, our love of Barry manilow, all the Kodak moments, her love of her friends, how she could make any of us smile when we were down no matter what she was feeling herself.
The list is endless and i know that this is how she would want us all to be, celebrating her life, remembering her in all her glory.
Torti was one of my closest friends...I remember being lost in the London Underground. It was the three "kids" at the back.. i.e myself, rachel and torti and typically we got seperated from the "grownups" and of course we didnt know where we were going to or how to get there! And so we did the only thing we knew how,,, we sank down to the floor in absolute hysterics, and although it was certainly not a kodak moment, being stranded in london, Torti whipped out her camera and captured the moment. And thats how she was, every moment was special, the funny side discovered in everything! a friend like her is a gift from Hashem, but she was not only a friend but family, the best cousin anyone could wish for. You can choose your friends but not your family and so i believe that G-d blessed me twice!..... He obviously knew how much i needed her.
Torti, you are my hero, i can only paray for the strength and courage you possessed. Thank you for giving me the happiest of memories and i know you would hate me to be down so "i'll simply remember my favorite things and then i wont feel so bad," and so i will remember you, smiling and laughing forever more. Thank you Susan and Brian for giving the world Torti, G-d clearly chose the best people for the honour of being torti's parents and to you, on behalf of Torti's friends, we are eternally grateful.
Happy Birthday my beautiful Torti, i love you always, and miss you more than words can say.
Abi Finley xxxxxxxxx
I met Torti at UJS Spring Sem in 2002 and it's been a pleasure knowing her for as long as I did. I have great memories of Julia, Torti, Reb, Abi, Rachel, Sophie and myself dancing around, singing songs from the Sound of Music- she was a fantastic person who made so many people smile and I'm so happy to be one of them.
All my love to Torti and her friends and family, Rachel J xxx
Dear Bryan, Susan, Abby and Kerry
Ive been looking at this amazing site since i first heard from everyone in Leeds about it, but it's taken me a while to write as i could never quite pin down what i wanted to say.
There is a huge hole in my life that Torti once filled. Eva expressed it so well when she said how lucky and how privileged she feels to have been a part of Vicky's life. Those of us who lived with her in Hillel in our 1st year shared SO many hilarious, amazing, crazy and special times with her that there is no way she will ever be forgotten. It's clear from the thousands of people who loved her how truly inspirational Torti was.
My best memories of her will be of us giggling away, her head thrown back in laughter!
I will forever miss our secret afternoon trips to starbucks for fraps and the lessons she taught me about courage and strength. May her neshama be lifted through the words of all those who loved her. Torti will always be with me in my heart.
My thoughts are with you and all your family, love
Dannii Bernstein xx
Although i only knew Vix for a couple of years, i feel like she has been in my life forever. she was an inspiration to everyone, the most kind hearted person i have ever met. I miss her greatly, but know she will always be with me.
Jonathan Temerlies
I have just sat through a lecture on death and dying and I felt that I had to write something as it was probably the hardest thing I have had to do since victoria`s death.
Sitting through that was awful I couldnt help but think of Victoria and the grief felt by her family.
I feel so lost without Victoria. She was the one person I was able to rely on the one person who made me laugh even when things were tough.
I always used to tell Victoria she was special she used to want to hear that all the time she was special she still is special she used to make me so happy. I dont think I will ever forget some of the things we did going out clubbing till all hours, Jabez clegg and brannigans will never ever be the same agen I dont think I could ever go there again becouse the memories are so strong. Having to walk down Oxford rd everyday is a nitemare because there are so many reminders of her all are good though it just upsets me that I will never do that with her again.
Life has changed so much. i feel very different however, I do feel that she is with me and I do talk to her sometimes I dont care how stupid it sounds its the only way I can cope!
Victoria has given me inspiration. Hopefully when I qualify I would like to specialise in her condition help other people who are in her situation I am doing this for Victoria and I will achieve it.
I found some old birthday cards from her the other day and it upset me so much I thought I was getting over it but I never will. Everyone keeps on tellin me to be strong for Victorias sake it is true to some extent but would she want me to act like nothing happened? I think not I knew Victoria since preschool and there is no way I can get over her in a month she made such a big impact to my life and it is impossible for it to ever be the same again
Thankyou Bryan and Susan for giving me the opportunity to know such a beautiful special person she will always be in my heart now and forever I miss her terribly but I know that shes watchin over me with that big huge smile of hers dancin away to some steps track or doin somethin funny
all my love forever
caroline
x x x x
Dear Bryan, Susan, Kerry and Abbie and Grandmas
It has taken a while for me to write to you. I feel so lucky and privilege to have had the opportunity to have been such good friends with Victoria. I am glad that I got to know and care about her so much since I only first meet her when we lived together in Hillel. We had such fun together since the day we meet. Our midnight trips to tesco since we were always hungry after dinner, she loved here cheese salad! I also ways admired her positive attitude, never complaining of her pain.
I have learnt so much from an inspirational friend. I will never forget a friend that meant so much to me and that everyone cared about so much. I was amazed what a influence and an impression she could make on people even when just meeting them once. She had such a presence around her, which is truly missed here in Leeds. But I was lucky to have been friends with her if for such a short time.
I know that she looks down of us now and can see how much everyone cared for her as she cared for them. I know that what Victoria taught me, true courage, I will always remember. I know how much she loved and talked about her family.
Her smiling face will remain in my memory forever. I will never forget my brave friend Victoria.
Much love
Eva
xxxxxxx
Click here to see some photos of torti taken on 26th of October. I think they show how
happy she was to be out partying the night away!
I don't really know what to say apart from that she was an amazing person,
she brought so much happiness to so many people and no-one will ever forget
that.
The website is a brilliant idea, i check it often to see what new photos
people have put up and what wonderful things people have said about her. I
have some more pictures which i will send as soon as i get them loaded up
onto my comp.
take care,
Mel Totton xxxxx
5th December 2003
I feel I must write and put on record just how grateful and overwhelmed Bryan, Kerry, Abbie and I have been, over the last couple of weeks, by all your wonderful messages and tributes to our darling Torti. Our loss has brought unbearable grief, but our hearts are bursting with pride when we read of the amazing things that Torti did for other people.
Every parent believes that their child is special, but your messages have brought to light a side of Victoria, which we could barely imagine. She used to complain that she wasn’t talented like her sisters, which we of course strongly denied. We told her that her special gift was to make people laugh and to brighten their days. What more could anyone ask for?
Torti had an incredible capacity for love – she used to come home and tell us that she loved this person, or that person. It now seems that that love was reciprocated by everyone she touched.
During the week of Shiva so many, many people came to pay their respects and during the following weeks letters and cards have poured in, praising Torti. This website has also been a great help to us, and we hope that it helps Victoria’s many friends to come to terms with our mutual loss by enjoying the tributes and photos which are regularly being added.
Our thanks must also go to the Rabbonim from London, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow and Leeds who have given us such solace with their words of wisdom, encouragement and support at the funeral, during Shiva and since.
To all those young people, who we only met briefly during Shiva, please do get in touch with us – Torti would have liked that so much.
Thank you to everybody.
Susan Lynn
What can we say about our cousin "Veronica"?
So sorry 'Big Cousin' Bryan and Susan that we couldn't be there with you but we are thinking about you all the time (and we let you have Ben for the day!)
The holiday Victoria spent with us was an eye opener…we have never seen so many clothes (we thought we were going to be the Caesarea branch of M&S) but we really did get to know her and Abbie and enjoyed their company and singing (their 'Yentl' was enough to melt you).
Taking her 'out on the town' was also an experience…the Israeli army had a new admirer and they all liked Victoria but couldn't pronounce her name so just called her Veronica.
Her sense of style whilst entering the swimming pool was quite unusual. We have never seen anybody swim with their shoes on before.
We will all miss her but will never forget the cousin that made such an impression on all of us and everyone else she met.
All our love
Simon & Karen, Andrew , Benjamin , Charles and Anat
A Dedication to Victoria
The brightest and most beautiful star, to now and forever, grace our
skies.
Writing a dedication to my best friend Victoria is the hardest thing I
have ever had to do. There is just so much I want to say, and I havent a
clue where to begin. Victoria was my best friend, but more than that she
was a true inspiration, not only to me, but to everyone who knew her.
Over the last ten years, I have seen her grow and change. She moved with
the fashions of the times, yet some things always remained the same. Her
wonderfully happy disposition, her spirit and ambition, her love of
Starbucks hot chocolate, her passion for singing and dancing, and her
overall zest for life. Wherever she went she would warm up a room with
her big heart, and light it up with her infectious smile. Like a true
friend, in times of need she was a rock, despite the fact that often she
would be crumbling inside. She had a magical way of making people laugh
even though many times she was crying deep down. Loyal and genuine, and
fun to be with, Victoria was a friend we were all proud and
privileged to have had. Happy go lucky and with a beam on her face, she
always took on lifes challenges with courage and optimism. So very brave
till the end, she resisted the temptation to ever give up and let
herself quit even when her body seemed to be telling her to do just
that, Victoria stood tall and proud, laughing in the face of failure. A
unique and very special person battling against her lifes hurdles, she
was without a doubt a gift to us all. She will always be remembered
fondly in all of our hearts and memories, for now she is the brightest
most beautiful star, to now and forever, grace our skies.
By Nicola Graham
Torti,
I am so glad I had the honour of knowing you. You brought so much
happiness and warmth wherever you went. I have so many happy memories of
you which will remain close to my heart.
You will always make me smile when I think of silly things like Polo's
and tissues.
You were and always will be an inspiration to people. You had so much
courage, you never once complained. I cant remember anytime that you
didnt have a smile on your face. Thank you for being such a good
friend.You will never be forgotten.
All my love Mel xxxx
Dear Susan, Bryan, Kerry and Abbie, We are so sorry to hear of
the tragic passing of Victoria. We will keep with us the happy,
wonderful picture of Kerry, Abbie and Victoria, pretty, smiling, happy
and dancing together at Simon and Karen's wedding. We hope that the joy
of this occasion will gladden your hearts with lovely memories. We send
you our sincere wishes and love at this very sad time. Denise and Henry
SMILER!!!
Victoria with her smile so bright
To everyone she was a shining light.
Making friends wherever she went
She brought joy to every event.
There were often times when she got low
Because she had endured yet another blow.
Throughout she was an inspiration to us all
Getting back up after every fall.
She often encountered so much strife
Yet she still had a real love for life.
Torti was everyones best friend
On her we knew we could always depend.
Love and laughter is what she was all about
You would never ever hear her shout.
Friends and family they all meant so much
She was the best at keeping in touch.
From Tortis life there are lessons we must heed
To live and to love, to give to succeed
But most of all to do things with style
And whatever you do, make sure you SMILE!
Tarryn Balkind
“Let there be light”
Tell me what should you say, what can you say,
When a bright shining star, has gone out- gone away.
Only twenty years, just into her prime,
Taken so young, achieved so much in her time.
The tunnel so dark now, no end can you sight,
But then just a glimmer, a peek of glorious light.
It grows slowly brighter, warmer – behold it’s a grin!
And there in your mind, appears Victoria Lynn.
A smile, a laugh, eyelashes shyly flutter,
A beautiful face, to make your heart melt as butter.
Next moment an exuberant child, full of life- full of zest,
Seems tireless of joy, never wanting to rest.
An emanating warmth, whether she knew you or not,
Once having met her, never to be forgot.
Torti as she’s known, always chatty and polite,
A question, a comment, your spirit to excite.
How are you? That’s brilliant! A hug or a sigh,
I’ve not seen you for ages, Oh! I love your tie!
An endearing smile, a trifle naïve,
Caring and feeling, wore her heart on her sleeve.
Remember though in pain, she never made you aware,
A miracle child, focus of many a prayer.
So when life seems unfair, and the burden too much,
Remember the girl with the warm loving touch.
Enough! Hear her say, don’t shed any more tears,
She’d a special soul granted, once in a million years.
Take heart from her example, and comfort from her ways,
Take warmth from her light, those bright shining rays.
Take pride in the knowledge that her brilliant light,
Blessed everyone who touched her life- no matter how slight.
That piercing light never extinguished, behold never will,
A source of friendship and comfort, forever shining- still.
Could it be, yes I’m certain, The Almighty had it right,
Was He mindful of Torti when He said, “Let there be light”?
Uncle Russell- 20th November 2003
Friday 21/11/03 4:00am
Torti always wanted to get married so she could have a speech just about her.
Now she has gone and she has the whole community talking about her. She only wanted people to know about all the mad, silly things she did over the years, as well as the problems she faced – now everyone talks about her goodness, courage, inspiration.
She has been so revered that everyone, even the Rabbis, are reduced to tears – and people are so moved by her amazing talent to put on paper her deepest feelings. Can this be the work of Hashem?
People have said for the last 3 days how she touched their lives, and how special she was. How she helped them when they were in need. When all the time it was her who should have had their help with all the medical problems. She never complained, or wanted sympathy she just wanted to be normal, when in fact she was so far from normal that she made the greatest impact on people around her.
People have travelled hundreds of miles to pay their respects to a humble, loving and unselfish girl who deserved so much. Not just to say incredible things about her, but to say Thank You for giving us Victoria.
We are so privileged to have been her parents.
All the young people who have come to Shiva have struck us as good warm people. There shouldn’t have been any doubt of this, of course, because she only attracted the nicest people to her, or have they all become good people through having know her and basking in her shadow?
I really hope that these lovely young people will keep in touch with us, personally and through her website, so that we can all draw strength together and keep on remembering little incidents and anecdotes together, to make us laugh and cry.
Susan Lynn
May the sun find a way of shining through your dark cloud With
love and best wishes Joanne, Brian, Elliot & Michelle (Koffman)
I only met victoria a couple of times, but each of those times I had amazing
conversations with her. I will explain why they were amazing:
She spoke with me as if I was a friend she had known forever
She exuded confidence and vitality
I saw nothing of what turmoil was really going on in her mind
From what I saw, VIctoria was a constant ray of light for her friends, supporting them,
laughing with them, crying with them and enjoying life with them.
May her life be an inspiration to us all as a living example of CARPE DIEM.
May G-d watch over her in His place and cause His face to shine down upon all her friends
and family
Adam Lobatto
Just a quick note to say how sorry i am about vicki. we'd often bump into each
other around leeds and i thought she was a lovely girl and she will be very sadly missed.
Love to all the family Natalie Morris x
To tortily
What can I say, I am still in shock I cant believe you are not here anymore. you were and
will always will be the bestest friend in the world you were like a sister to me. I feel
so lost like there is a huge hole that will probably never be filled. I loved you so much
victoria I miss your smile and the mad things you used to do You were and inspiration
always smiling even when things were tough. I will miss our nites out dancing the nite
away without a care in the world u were the life and soul of every party.
My life will never be the same without ypu in it I will always be proud of you.
Thankyou for everything You will always be in my heart I will never ever forget you
Love you so much
Keep smiling
Love dumpy
x x x
Caroline Nuzzo
This is one of the hardest things that I have ever had to write. Torti, you were
one of my best friends, you were always there for me when I needed a friend, and now that
you are gone I have a real feeling of emptiness.
I remember the first time we really met, it was your 14th Birthday (I think) and your
sisters arranged a surprise Birthday party for you in Hagen Danz in town. This was the
start of a friendship that just blossomed, with us seeing or speaking to each other almost
every day from then, until I went off to Israel for a year.
There were so many times that we were all together, you me, Abbie, Daniel, Michael, Rafi
and loads of other people who came and went. There were so many Friday nights spent at
your house, with your family, who would always welcome us into the house as members of the
family. In fact you and your home became like a second home, and even a second family to
me. I’ll never forget your birthdays that we spent at your house, playing pass the
parcel, throwing mint rappers and elastic bands around the room, and Kerrie hiding under
the table, so we couldn’t hit her any more.
There were the evenings that we spent watching you perform, whether it was songs that you
had sang in the Jewish Theatre Group, or just a piece of music you enjoyed singing. The
endless evenings that you dragged us down to Jabez Kleg, or Brannigans for a night out.
You always loved going out, and you never let how you were feeling stop you.
The longer I knew you, the stronger our friendship came, there are just so many memories
of times we spent together. The long chats on the phone, at any hour of the day. I was
so honoured that you chose to confide in me, and felt that you could call me whenever you
needed, even at 3 in the morning! I will never forget when you went into Sheffield the
first time (I was in Year 12 and you were in Year 13). I skived a day off school to come
and visit you, and in the process almost got thrown out of the Business Studies Class, but
it was worth it to come and see you! Even when you were in hospital, you were still
always smiling, and trying to cheer everyone else up!
There are so many more memories together. The boyfriends that you told me about, our RS
A-Level lessons with Mr Penn, evenings we would sit at your house watching home videos,
eating from the chocolate tin, bowling in Swinton, going to Hagen Danz, the school camp in
Carmel, Shabbaton in Blackpool, times chatting about anything and everything.
You really were and still are my inspiration, the fact that you could carry on being the
amazing person that you were, even when in pain, always keeping a smiling face to the
outside world, whilst sometimes being in pain on the inside, and always caring about
everyone. I don’t know how you managed to love so many people, but you did it, and you
loved everyone.
I’m going to miss you so much!! May you finally be at peace, and out of pain, in a place
of happiness where it no longer hurts you, and G-d is no longer testing you.
Love
Andrew Davisxxx
Memories of Victoria always, without exception, cause me to smile.
Running around the "Swap Shop" in Fort Lauderdale looking at all the dreck for sale...
Spending time doing touristy things from here to Orlando... Bowling on the night before
Kerry's wedding... Laughing and laughing no matter what was going on...
This is how I will remember Torty -- smiling, laughing, happy... a person who always
enjoyed life to its fullest and made it pretty hard for anyone around her not to do the
same.
A true treasure, I will always miss her.
George Bizer
Torti will always be in my heart together with the most amazing memories of time
shared together.Torti was the most bravest person I have ever met, I am so lucky to have
been friends with her as she has been and always will be an inspiration. Her smiling face
has told me that we should always look on the bright side of life as Totri did.I never saw
Torti upset or complaining she fought silently.
I will remember our psychology and J.S lessons and the fun and laughter she brought to
King David. I will cherish the times we spent together especially the Barry Manilow
concert.
Thankyou Susan and Brian for bringing up Torti in the most wonderful way and for giving me
the privelage of knowing her.My thoughts and love go out to her dear family and friends.
She will be forever in our hearts!
Nicola Warner
Words cannot express what a special. unique, kind, generous , gorgeous and loving
person Victoria was. I feel so privaledged and proud to have been a close friend of hers
for the past seven years.Vic always knew how to brighten up my day and i could always
count on her to make me laugh. She was an inspiration to my life and there will always be
a special place for her in my heart. Although we didn't get to spend as mush time together
during University, we both knew that there was a special bond between us that could never
be broken.
I'll never forget having lunch with Vic after our A level R.E exam. We were talking about
the questions we had answered , when we noticed she was giving us strange looks. Yes, you
quessed it!, Vic has answered a question from a section of the exam paper we had never
even covered before. Despite this she still managed to pass with flying colours and many
laughs along the way.
My thoughts and love go out to Susan, Brian, Abby and Kerry and all those people who
were privaledged enough to know and love 'Torti'.
xxxxAbby Sxxxx
Vicky, I didnt know you well before I came to uni but Im so glad I got the chance
to get close to you at one point of your life. We chatted for hours about everything in
Hillel. You helped me a lot, to get through the times when I was ill and I tried to help
you in return. You would tell me when you were going to see the specialist and what he
told you when you got back, whether it be good news or bad. I just hoped and prayed for
you that you would always be fine. We also had so many laughs! You'd give me fashion
shows in the afternoon to prepare for the night we were going to have, dancing to all the
cheesy songs you loved. Our Starbucks moments were great because you always put a smile on
my face when I was down. You were a great housemate and I'll never forget you. Love
always, Marcelle xxxxxxxx
I've been trying and trying to think of the words to describe torti but everyone
else's are so beautiful.
We've known each other since since we were very young, we were best friends as children.
I've been remembering what I can, the many swimming parties at Abraham Moss, playing
together at nursery on that huge giraffe climbing frame, having baths together, dressing
up in our mum's clothes, her mum making us the best banana splits.
Regrettably we drifted apart but going over our time at King David, I guess I always
knew she was there for me, it never mattered to her how often we spoke.
I remember all the Jewish Theatre Group shows we did together in the chorus, both of us
uttering cries of embarrassment at our Dad's acting like cheeky schoolboys! Both of our
families took over the theatre group, we all had an amazing time!
I found some great photos of New Years Eve Shabbat dinner at Julia's house, we had so
much fun cracking eggs on our heads, wearing plastic bags and streamers, and running
through the streets at midnight! I look at those photos now and she has such sparkle.
I do regret that we haven't spent as much time together over the years but I've come to
realise that the time we did will live with me forever.
She will affect the way I live my life forever.
I am privileged to have known her and her wonderful family.
Love always
Berel-Anne xxx
To all the members of the Lynn family, hang in there, our thoughts and prayers are
with you all. We wish long life. Ian, Dede, kasey and Logan
Dear Susan, Brian, Abbie and Kerry,
It has taken me a lot of time to think about how I can express my feelings in writing
about Torti. She was everything to me, what an amazing person.
We had known each other since we were very young, which later was a source of amusement,
both making fun of each others quirks from when we were on caravan rallies. It was the
beginning of a great friendship that blossomed slowly into a relationship. Even though we
broke up when she began uni, I always thought about her, there was always something in the
back of my mind saying “she’s the one”. We only got back together about a month and half
ago but in that short space of time we had so many great moments that I will cherish for
the rest of my life.
All the pictures I see of her now just make me smile; she brightened up the world around
her, whoever she came in contact with she touched their heart with her wonderful
fun-loving personality. To be her boyfriend was an honour and privilege, I just wish she
could be here still to see that. Torti has left amazing memories for me to cherish, I will
never ever forget her.
Torti came from a wonderful, caring family who had the strength from G-d to persevere
through everything she was put through. She always spoke highly of you all and felt bad
that she had to put you through the pain she was suffering, but she knew you would always
be there. Now you have to try and piece your lives back together but you know she will
always be there for you, looking down, helping you get through your lives with as much
drive and spirit as she did.
Thank you for everything; you are all very special people. May we spend many times
together for only simchas.
Love,
Michael Marks