Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams) lost her long battle with melanoma last night; she left this word peacefully and was surrounded by her family.
The family requests that there are no posts made on Facebook or any other internet area (besides GC) at this time, as many family friends and relatives have not yet been notified.
There will be a small funeral service in the next few days, When I last spoke to her husband Jim, everyone was welcome to attend. I will update when I know more details.
In preparing for this event, Karin requested that no flowers be sent to the family or funeral home, and if donations were to be made in her name, she requested they be made to St Jude .
Karin has been an outstanding member of this community for over a decade, she was a moderator here for many years, she was a mentor to so many new sugar glider owners and a friend to hundreds of our members, she was ‘The Pouch Queen’, her designs opened our eyes to what was possible and she inspired creativity in others, she was an author, a lover of all creatures (esp. her sugar gliders), and away from this community, she was a fantastic mother and wife and my best friend.
She will be greatly missed by us all.
If you would like to send a card to the family the address is….
Jim Leonhardt 1623 Brower Place Sycamore, IL 60178
Current Research, Studies & Resources
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: queenduck]
#1343753 05/30/1309:25 AM05/30/1309:25 AM
My deepest deepest prayers, sympathies and condolences go out to Karins family and friends that have been there beside her every step of the way during this fight Karin has battled.
Karin was the very first to welcome me into the glider world and over the years she has indeed made an impact on my life. I was very blessed to be able to call her my friend.
A charm that is definitely going to be missed greatly.
My heart and prayers go out to Karin's family and friends. Karin has been such a great friend over the years with such positive outlooks which is quite rare in this community. You will be missed terribly Karin. Sleep well, whole, healthy and at peace. Keep our babies company until we can all meet again! I love you Karin!
Mommy to MANY gliders 2 dogs 2 cats 3 turtles and 4 skin kids.
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: queenduck]
#1343756 05/30/1309:35 AM05/30/1309:35 AM
My thoughts and prayers for Karin's family and friends. She will be deeply missed not only in the glider community but by all.
Karin could always brighten a room no matter how dark it was, and her laugh would always make me smile no matter how bad my day was. I am grateful Karin and I got to talk a few weeks ago, we shared lots of laughs and it showed how strong she really was.
Rest in peace Karin!
Eddie
In the Tropics somewhere between the port of indecision and southeast of disorder!
"Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about things. Small people talk about other people."
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching!
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: queenduck]
#1343759 05/30/1309:39 AM05/30/1309:39 AM
I am heartbroken! Karin was one of the 1st people that sent the Boo-Boo Boys presents. I was so surprised at her request to send them something and her pouches she sent were awesome!!! I am so glad I got to meet her! I made this picture for her yesterday after watching her video on Facebook, not knowing we would lose her last night Rest in peace now my friend Prayers to all of Karin's family and friends and (((HUG'S))) to everyone...
Last edited by ozzi; 05/30/1309:50 AM.
Pat You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.....Unknown
Rest in Peace our little sweet friends that have crossed over the "Rainbow Bridge". I miss you Boo-Boo, Lucy, BJ, and Fivel
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: queenduck]
#1343761 05/30/1309:55 AM05/30/1309:55 AM
I miss Karin very much. She was always vibrant and dynamic and was the sweetest and feistiest person ever all at once. I will NEVER forget her - that much is certain :-)
I cry today for my own loss and the loss of all of us who will miss her dearly - but for Karin I don't shed a single tear - I am unbelievably happy for her that she has moved on and crossed the bridge... that she is no longer suffering in this world, but is instead celebrating her arrival in the next.
See you later, my friend - I miss you and will see you when I catch up XOXOXOXOXO
Julie Hubby: George Kids: Ayla & Michael Grandsons: Trysten, Dayton, KJ & Nathyn The Zoo: Midnight, Severe & Nala - Claude, Pixie, Tippy & Chili - Scout & Soluna, Theo & Deegie
Sending lots of hugs and prayers to all of Karin's family and friends. She was a wonderful person, so friendly to everyone and always making people laugh. We'll miss you Karin.
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: Anonymous]
#1343763 05/30/1310:05 AM05/30/1310:05 AM
One of the brightest stars has passed beyond our community. Karin, you will be missed more than words can say. May flights of gliders guide your path as you step beyond the rainbow bridge.
Chris Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties
My Angels: You are always in my heart.
You've flown to the rainbow and wait there for me Someday I will join you together to be
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: queenduck]
#1343771 05/30/1310:28 AM05/30/1310:28 AM
Pat, I must tell you that you made the perfect picture for her, I smiled immediately when I saw it. Karin loved the water, grew up near water, and always said she felt peaceful when she could see the water, I am sure she loved it.
I have so much to say, yet don't want to share right now. But for those of you that knew her personally, I will share a little with you, to ease your mind.
Karin made peace with the thought of her death a few months ago. She battled so hard to beat this cancer (many years) that it was difficult to finally come to that place, but once she did she embraced the thought of leaving this word wholeheartedly. She said she was excited to leave this world and go to heaven, she was ready. There were several things she wanted first... to go on vacation with her children and husband (she did), to know that her husband and children were also accepting and ready (they are) and that I was ready (I am).
She spent the last few months with a family member always within reach, she was able to say goodbye to several friends, and she grew closer to her sister (something she had always wanted). Toni and I were with her a little less than a month ago, she told me it would be the last time I saw her alive (but she plans on haunting me and others after she leaves this world) and that all she was waiting for was for her daughter Alicia/aka Lili, to get engaged (she did on Mother's day).
Please don't grieve for Karin, she is once again healthy and happy, surrounded by all the things she loves, she is no longer in pain or trapped in a body that failed her, she is looking down on her family with love... and knows she did a good job. One thing about Karin, she was a fighter, she was strong and bullheaded, once she made up her mind about something... she made it happen. 2 1/2 years ago she was diagnosed with melanoma for the second time and told she had 6-12 months to live (she said that wasn't enough time), she chose to fight it. During this time she was able to see her second grandchild born, and get to know him, she was able to spend a lot of quality time with her family and they all grew closer, she made some great new memories for herself and all of us during that time, she still had things to do she didn't give up the fight.
But then once she made up her mind that her work here on Earth was done, she began her fight to leave, she called it "going home". Passing away with her family at her side, and at peace with her life, is the way she wanted to leave this world. Last night we all lost a friend, but her wish was granted, she was ready, and I will not grieve today, I will celebrate her.
A good friend told me... she saw her video and prayed for her release. Thank you. I did too.
Fly free like the owls and the butterfly's you loved so much, glide to your babies. I love you Karin.
Alicia aka Queenduck, Bentley's Nana
We need role models who are going to break the mold ~ Carly Simon
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: queenduck]
#1343777 05/30/1310:55 AM05/30/1310:55 AM
My heart, thought and prayers go out to Karin's family and loved ones. All the babies at the bridge have another very special angel watching over them now. Fly high on your wings of gold, Karin. And bless you for all the help you gave to so many over the years.
I'm so sad to see Karin go, but so glad she's no longer suffering! She was loved by so many and I will be missed by so many as well. My thoughts and prayer go to her family as they go through this difficult time. Until we meet again Karin <3
April Wife to David Loving mom to 9 glider fuzzbutts My little : Skittles, Herky, and little Mr. Pickles
I pray her family has peace knowing Karin is in heaven watching down on them and is now flying as an angel among all of our gliders.
Keeper of Handprints on my Heart, You left your Footprints on my soul. My precious loves that left to quickly, Peanut, Katie Isabella, Kiwi, Bonnie and Monroe.
Spread your wings and glide free of pain, Until the day I see you again.
God speed my precious angels. I love you. Mama.
Re: Karin Leonhardt (Glider Daydreams)
[Re: queenduck]
#1343784 05/30/1311:42 AM05/30/1311:42 AM
My thought and prayers are with Karin's family and friends.
She put up one heck of a fight and is very deserving of this peace she has found where there is no more pain and suffering (although she will be deeply missed by family, friends and many members of the glider community).
My heartfelt prayers go out to Karin's friends and family. I'm sitting here crying over the loss of a women I've never met but heard so many good things about.
Last night was the anniversary of Pops death, so I hope he was there to see her come home.
I did not know her, but at last years SGGA my husband and I bought a bunch of the bracelets being sold for her and I've worn them almost everyday since.
We lost my husbands Dad to melonoma right before the SGGA so it was especially poignant to see so many people rally around her. I enjoyed being a part of the picture they took, and was hoping she could beat it.
Mama to The Trio: Riddick, Rafiki and Baby The Family Colony: Khaleesi, Drogo, Toby and Jamie The Boys: Joby, Tyrion and Momo
Karin glide free you are a beautiful Angel. Many thoughts and prayers for Karin's family and friends. Alicia thank you for introducing me to the kindest person I have ever known. I will never forget you Karin nor will Mr. Magoo for making the best glider pouches ever the Angel Pouch.
Have a Good Day Brenda & Mr. Magoo
Friendly Reminder please have an e-collar ready before you need it......
Karin was one of the first vendors I bought glider stuff from and I am so glad I still have those sets in use today! She did awesome work and was an awesome person. She will be missed greatly by all she touched in the community but I am happy she was at peace & will no longer be in pain! "I'm Free"
Don't grieve for me for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow: I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full I've savored much, Good times, good friends, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, he set me free.
Savannah reminded me about Karin and the bear in the shed at Linda's get together. That was funny! Joe reminded me about a few things about Karin I probably shouldn't put in writing (nothing really bad at all, just funny) I have some of my own memories as well.
Karin, God's speed on your journey to the ultimate destination.
I am sorry for all our loss but have to celebrate Karin's release.
620-704-9109 Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.
I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance
The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
My deepest condolences to Karin's family and friends.
Karin, you will forever be remembered by so many of us in the Glider Community. May the light of love, joy, and peace forever shine. Thank you for all that you have given us.
"Never forget that Hay Bails are round too........." :-)