Friends and Family Pay Last Respects to Sargent Shriver

Friends and Family paid their last respects to Sargent Shriver at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church January 22, 2011 in Potomac, Maryland.   Robert Sargent Shriver Jr., a politician and Activist who was the first leader of the Peace Corps and was involved in other social programs, died this week at the age of 95.   Sargent Shriver lived a long life dedicated to helping others.  A devout family man who was married to the late Eunice Kennedy (who died in 2009), he is survived by his Five Children: Robert Sargent Shriver, Maria Shriver, Timothy Shriver, Mark Kennedy Shriver, Anthony Paul Kennedy Shriver; as well as their spouses and a host of Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and friends. 

Maria Shriver and husband Seargant Arnold Schwartzenberger carry Sargent Shriver’s Casket along with memebers of the Kennedy Family.

Anthony Shriver and other Members carrying Sargent Shriver’s Casket

Lenny Kravitz’s Video Tribute to Teena Marie

Celebrities are taking to the Internet to show their reaction to the shocking death of R&B Legend Teena Marie who died yesterday.  Lenny Kravitz’s posted this moving tribute  video in memory of his Mentor Teena Marie.   I didn’t know that Teena Marie had been so influential in Lenny Kravitz’s life and Career, but it is not difficult to believe that she had such a big heart that she just reached out to those in need.

Teena Marie Dies at 54

I am absolutely hurt through and through that it has been reported that R & B Singer Teena Marie has died at the age of 54. 

 A source close to the family of Teena Marie says the Grammy-nominated R&B singer, song-writer and producer has died. She was 54 years old.Details of her passing are not readily available however sources close to the family tell KTLA that the singer died in her sleep and was discovered by her daughter, Alia Rose who sings under the name Rose Le Beau.

Marie was best known for her work with the late funk legend Rick James. Marie was signed to Motown in 1976 and was one of the most successful white artists to record for the label.  Born Marie Christine Brockert, Teena Marie rose to prominence in the late 70s and 80s.

She released 13 studio albums, six of which went platinum on the US R&B chart. Two of her albums went platinum, and six altogether were gold.  Marie’s biggest hit came in 1984 with her single ‘Lovergirl,’ which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

 Teena Marie has been one of my favorite Artists since she first came on the music scene  in the late 1970’s.  She was such a tremendous talent!  Her Concerts were so entertaining that I tried to see her everytime that she came into the Bay Area.  My biggest problem with Teena Marie when I saw her was that she didn’t have enough time to sing all of her songs!  Portuguese Love, Fire and Desire (with the late Rick James), Dear Lover, Midnight Magnet, Young Love, Irons in the Fire, etc…. I loved them all!  She will be missed.

Lady GaGa Pays Last Respect to Grandfather

 Stefani ‘Lady Gaga’ Germanotta attended her Grandfather Giuseppe Germanotta’s Funeral.   Church Services were held for her 88 year old Grandfather who she described as ‘Perfect’ at the St. Pius X Church in Montville, New Jersey.  Lady Gaga was supported by her on again then off again Boyfriend Luc Carl. 

On Sunday, Lady Gaga tweeted, ‘Having a Perfect Manhattan for my Perfect Guy.  Love you Giuseppe.

Mr. Giuseppe is survived by his wife Angeline of 57 years, his son Joseph and his two Granddaughters Stefani and Natali.

Family and Friends Say Goodbye To Lena Horne

PallBearers Carry the Casket  into the Church of St. Ignatius in New York, New York on May 14th for the Funeral of Lena Horne.

Lena Horne’s Daughter Gail Buckley (2nd from right) and Granddaughters Jenny Lumet (far right) and Amy Lumet (4th from right) are surrounded by Friends and Family after the departure of the Casket.

 

Lena Horne Dies at 92

Legendary Singer and Actress Lena Horne has died.  She was 92.  Lena Horne battled Racism during her Career and broke down Color lines in Hollywood, becoming the first African American Sex Symbol.  Her Son-in-law Kevin Buckley reported that Ms. Horne died Sunday Night at Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. 

Growing Pains Actor Andrew Koening Found Dead

The body of Andrew Koening was found today in Stanley Park in Vancouver.  He was 41 years old.  The troubled Actor went missing almost two weeks ago and Friends, Family and the local Authorities have been searching for him in hopes of finding him alive.  Andrew is probably best known for his 80’s role as Kirk Cameron’s Best Friend ‘Boner’ on the hit Television show ‘Growing Pain’.  He is also the son of  Walter Koening, Alumnus from the 60’s ‘Star Trek’ series. 

“My son took his own life,” Walter Koenig said, trying to keep his composure at a news conference Thursday night. “The only other thing I want to say — I’ve already said what a great guy he was, and good human being — he was obviously in a lot of pain.”

The Vancouver police would not give details on cause of death but “have no reason to believe that foul play was involved at all,” Constable Jana McGuinness said. The case has been turned over to the British Colombia coroner’s office.

Koenig’s father went on to mention “hundreds of e-mails” he had received from depressed people and their loved ones and express hope this tragedy would help them.

“If you’re one of those people who … can’t handle it anymore,” he said, breaking down in tears, “if you can learn anything from this is that there are people out there that really care. You may not think so, and … ultimately, it may not be enough. But there are people who really, really care. And before you make that final decision, check it out again. Talk to somebody. And to families who have members who they fear are susceptible to this kind of behavior, don’t ignore it, don’t rationalize it. Extend a hand.”

Koenig’s mother, Judy Levin-Koenig , echoed those sentiments: “There is love out there.”

My Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  I was really praying that he would be found alive.  I really enjoyed him on ‘Growing Pains’, it’s so sad to know that he was obviously in so much pain.

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Tila Tequila’s Fiance Casey Johnson Dies at Age 30

 

TMZ is reporting that Johnson and Johnson Heiress Casey Johnson has died at the age of 30.   Her body was discovered this morning, but it appears that she had been dead for several days.  The cause of her death is unknown at this time.

Casey made the news recently when it was reported that she was engaged to Reality Star Tila Tequila.  Of course, always the one to use a tragedy to her advantage, Tila tweeted about Johnson’s death:

R.I.P my Angel. @caseyjonsonJnJ u will forever be in my heart! I love u so so much and we will Marry when I see U in Heaven my Wifey about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter

I’m still in shock! Once again thank U for the outpour of love and support. I just wish to have some privacy at this heartbreaking time. about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter

I know u can feel me Casey! Dot let go! I’m almost home baby please hang on! We have a beautiful life planned out for us! I LOVE u! Hang on! about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter

I just got news that my fiance is not dead but currently in a coma!!! Omg please pray that she will make it! Hang in there my love please!!! about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter

This is a very heartbreaking time for me. I just want some pricacy as I deal with the loss of my Fiance Casey Johnson. I’m heart is shredded about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter

Everyone please pray 4 my Wifey Casey Johnson. She has passed away. Thank u for all ur love and support but I will be offline to be w family about 5 hours ago from UberTwitter

My thoughts and prayers go out to Casey’s real Family.

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Alaina Hall Reed Dies at 63

Alaina Hall Reed passed away on December 17th at the age of 63.  She battled Breast Cancer for several years before her death. 

Alaina was first a Broadway Actress who starred in ‘Hair’, ‘Eubie’, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band On the Road’ and ‘Eubie’.  She was featurered on ‘Sesame Street’ as Olivia for 12 years.  In 1985,  she starred as Rose on ‘227’. 

She was definitely an actress who had a very sweet spirit.

She is survived by her husband Tamim Amini and two children.

My Prayers go out to her Family.

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Brittany Murphy Dead At Age 32

Rising Star Brittany Murphy died suddenly today at age 32.  It was reported that she died of a Cardiac Arrest. 

At approximately 8am, Brittany’s Mother found her unconscious in the shower.  The Paramedics were called and several unsuccessful attempts were made to revive the actress.  Her Mother reported that her daughter had a history of Diabetes.  She was pronounced dead at 10:04am  at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. 

There will be an autopsy performed although her husband Simon Monjack requested that no investigation be conducted.  Murphy married the British Screenwriter in 2007.    Her rep released a statement for the family “In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support.  It is their wish that you respect their privacy”.

Very Sad news at Christmas time.  My heart goes out to her Family.

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