Ronnie Karlin
Note from Ronnie’s Family
It is with great sadness that we are writing to all of Ronnie’s friends & business colleagues to let you know that on August 26, 2009 Ronnie lost her long fought battle with Ovarian cancer. Please know she was very grateful for all the good wishes, prayers & support you all provided during her illness.
Ronnie requests that in lieu of food or flowers donations be made in her name to the Pace Center for Girls of Broward – 2225 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors, FL 33311 or the ovarian cancer foundation – www.OvationsfortheCure.Org.
The Karlin family, Bobbi Giudicelli & Carmen Elias-Levenson”
The last time I saw Ronnie
Dee Moustakas
There has been a lot of talk in the last few months about Ronnie Karlin. The words that surfaced time and again were: Beautiful. Compassionate. Dependable. Dynamic. Fun. Generous. Honorable. Loving. Passionate. Smart. Stylish. Tenacious. Tough.
My favorite word for Ronnie is “friend.”
From the moment I asked her to serve as my President-elect, she was “all in” for me –– and WEC. When I asked her to make sure there were balloons at my Retreat, she showed up with at least six dozen. Now, that may not seem like a big deal, unless you know Ronnie drove a roadster convertible. She convinced the bag boy from Publix to load the balloons in his van and follow her to the Retreat. Typical Ronnie. She did everything with such flair.
The last time I saw Ronnie, she asked me, “What life lessons do you suppose I needed to learn?” I repeated the words we’ve all heard over the years: Live life to the fullest; surround yourself with those you love; give to those less fortunate; accept people for who they are; and be a good friend. As I said these things, it occurred to me Ronnie didn’t need to learn these lessons –– she lived them! And that is her legacy to us. Let us honor her remarkable spirit by living, loving and giving more.
So, in the future, when I see balloons, rhinestone-studded baseball caps and knock-your-socks-off high heels, I’ll think of Ronnie. When I celebrate a special occasion with a champagne toast, I’ll silently raise my glass to Ronnie, because no one loved a party more than she. When PACE is mentioned, my first thought will be of Ronnie. It was her passion. And when I hear the word “friend”, her soft voice and sweet face will come to mind.
It was a joy knowing you. Peace and farewell, dear friend. You are already missed.
Ronnie and WEC
Ronnie was a member of WEC since 2001. She was President 2005 -2006, and previously chaired the Mentorship Program and co-chaired the fundraising committee. As part of her involvement in WEC, Ronnie served as a mentor to Broward high school students.
Ronnie was active in the community. She was involved with the ITWomen, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of America, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Broward County and served as a host family to a Swedish exchange student sponsored by Rotary Club of Miami Lakes. Ronnie was on the Board of PACE Center for Girls and United Ways Women’s Leadership Executive Committee.
“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”—————————————–
Ronnie was instrumental in creating the relationship that WEC has with PACE today. In our August 2009 newsletter, WEC announced the Ronnie Karlin PACE Scholarship.
Memorial services were held for Ronnie on Saturday, August 29.
My phrase for Ronnie, “kindred spirit’. Ronnie and I touched each other on both work and philosophical levels. When we spoke on the phone it was about dealing with people in our businesses as well as striving to expand our spiritual selves to embrace the Universe. I’m glad to have known her!
What a beautiful tribute to Ronnie! She would have loved it and been very proud. You ladies all meant a great deal to her, we will all miss her…I already do.
Carmen
In the last couple years Ronnie and I finally bridged the 3000 geographic miles between, and became sisters in the true sense of the word. Thank you for acknowledging all she has done for others. That makes me even more proud.
Bobbi
Two weeks ago I had a wonderful visit with Ronnie. As I admired her home, we talked about her successful house remodeling and the phases of rennovation. Even in her final days, she was proud and eager to share the video of her construction project with me. This was another one of her successful accomplishments. She had so many of them.
I feel fortunate that our paths crossed in this life time.
Ronnie had a huge heart, a captivating smile and a contagious laugh. She enriched our WEC membership and her PACE family by inspiring us to work harder, stretch higher and always to have more fun. Her spirit lives on in all her friends and colleagues. Kathleen Ryan
ronnie was a five star person in all aspects of her life…when i joined wec, she was prez and never failed to have a pleasant word to say to me at every meeting…i loved her retreat at the red door and xmas luncheon at trina’s…i admired her courage for doing hospice at home…she was a role model for all of us!!!!!!!!!! vh
I find comfort in knowing how purposeful Ronnie was in contributing to this world, she never saw life as a spectator sport. I miss her dearly
When I think of the word I, there comes into my mind the word WE . . . our Ronnie Karlin who is the memorable soul who gave so much to WEC and to the world. She chose to shine her light out to so many people; and has always created more purpose to my life. She seemed to make everyone around her feel so special, with a hug, a smile, and a touch.
Ronnie’s love is a bright light for our own souls. To me, she is THE CELEBRATION that we too deserve. Ronnie is every woman and man trying to find HOME. A power of example of womankind.
Let us HONOR her with everything good within ourselves. For she knew that there was a “Time to every purpose under the sun”. I am so grateful that she was a part of my life. All my love, Joni
I was deeply saddened to hear that Ronnie was gravely ill again. Although I didn’t have the type of friendship with Ronnie where we called or wrote often, whenever we did, you always felt so embraced by her both verbally as well as presence. Because of Ronnie’s true act of selflessness by sharing with all of us what she was going through several years ago when she first was diagnosed, she helped me to find the voice inside to take care of myself as well. For that, I will be eternally grateful to Ronnie.
Her passion and excitement for life is a lesson to all to look at the positive and learn from the other items in life that are not pleasant or fabulous. She is a true woman and I am very grateful to have known and learned from her.
Continue to make us proud Ronnie in the next life!
Ellen
Ronnie was such a dynamic person. Her enthusiasm was infectious for any task she set before her. I was President when she applied for membership. We accelerated her application so she could come to my retreat and the rest they say is history. WEC will always be grateful for inspiring us to support the PACE program and fulfill our mission to help girls become women and have a second chance in the world. What I most admire was her courage. She told me once, “You can live with cancer and not be afraid”. In the end cancer won the battle, but not after a long fight. I will always remember her elbow handshakes. She was beautiful inside and out. My prayers are with her and her family. She will be missed.
Ronnie was such a dynamic person. Her enthusiasm was infectious for any task she set before her. I was President when she applied for membership. We accelerated her application so she could come to my retreat and the rest they say is history. WEC will always be grateful for inspiring us to support the PACE program and fulfill our mission to help girls become women and have a second chance in the world. What I most admire was her courage. She told me once, “You can live with cancer and not be afraid”. In the end cancer won the battle, but not after a long fight. I will always remember her elbow handshakes. She was beautiful inside and out. My prayers are with her and her family. She will be missed.
Bobbie
You wonderful people have said it all. I have always been proud of my daughter from the day I first saw her in the delivery room till I saw her valiantly fighting “till the end.” Thank you WEC.
My deepest sympathy to all of Ronnie’s family. I am saddened by this news and hope that you can draw some comfort from knowing that she touched so many lives in wonderful ways. My thoughts are especially with you Larry, Bobbi and her dear “Auntie Ellin.”
– Rita Hirschhorn, Austin, Texas
I will never forget the day that Ronnie called me and asked me to serve on the WEC Board with her. Her enthusiasm was so contagious that I could not refuse. Because she believed in me I was able to step out of my comfomt zone and do many things. Ronnie was my angel and I told her that the day I was privileged to see her in her home. Although I was heartbroken on how she looked during that visit, I could still see in her eyes all the wonderful things she always was, like she never changed. The good old Ronnie was still in her figthing each step of the way. Her courage was an inspiration! I am blessed to have known her and will always remember her with great love. I miss her already too. Bye Bye my friend.
Ronnie and I joined WEC at almost the same time. The first event I went to with her was Bobbie Stanley’s retreat. From that moment forward Ronnie was one of my favorite WEC friends. We joined the WEC board at the same time and I had the pleasure of serving on the board with her for several years. We had the fun of organizing many WEC activities together. She was always cheerful and thoughtful and caring. She and I talked a long time on the phone 3 weeks ago. I told her how much I was looking forward to seeing her after I got back from my vacation. I am so sorry that I didn’t get to see her one last time but I will always remember her with huge affection.
What a tribute to Ronnie. Although I only knew Ronnie a few short years, your comments make me wish that I had known her a lifetime. I know she will greatly missed by her WEC family and her loving family. They broke the mold after they created Ronnie!
Ronnie was a beautiful person inside and out. I’ll never forget her passion for Pace and WEC. She was a great role model not only for the Pace girls but for me as well. I’ll treasure the times we had and always remember her. You will be missed…
I feel so honored that I got to know Ronnie.
I spent a few hours with her about a month ago and we just laughed and talked about fun things. What an inspiration her life was!
And now, she is in a much better place than the rest of us; a place with no pain and sadness…
I will always miss Ronnie. She was my mentor.
The first time I met Ronnie was at the WEC High Tea when she came as a guest. As she was walking to our table all I could see was this very large hat being carried by a very petite lady who was dressed so smartly. Then she raised her head and there she was,smiling,that wonderful smile while quietly introducing herself to Carol Jones and me.Instinctively,as we chatted and Carol and I answered her questions about WEC I knew she was special, she would join our group and make a lasting impression. As time went on Ronnie embraced our group, lead the members through significant change as a member and President. She was a visonary to the nth degree but more than that Ronnie knew how to be a friend.She always had time for friendship.When I had deep sorrow she called, she came by and she lifted me up. When I visited her these past few months it was a challenge but my goal was to try and do for her even half what she had done for me and I know for so many others; just be there, be a friend and listen. Ronnie……easy to know and never forgotten.
I am thinking of Ronnie today, as I do everyday since August 26. I miss her, but find comfort in knowing Ronnie’s lovely spirit will continue to live on in all of our hearts. She brought such joy and passion to this world. Her death reaffirms that I need to live life to the fullest, spend more time with people I love, give back to my community and laugh more!
Dear Ronnie – What a gorgeous, lovely person, inside and out. I had the honor of taking her to lunch to interview her about joining WEC – my first and only! A special and successful business woman who talked so passionately about her Rotary exchange student and being a Big Sister, that I knew we would love her and she would love us. Two years later – she was president! Her love of life, beauty, fitness, flair, and fun were an inspiration to us all. The valuable relationship with PACE (for them and us!) and the innovations with assisting and mentoring the FX women are just scratching the surface of Ronnie’s gifts to WEC and to us. And her valiant fight against a relentless foe, was awesomely courageous. I was able to see her on a rainy, rainy day in the last weeks. She was so thin, so delicate, so beautifully peaceful in her incredibly lovely home that she renovated. I will always feel honored to have been her friend and eternally grateful that she was mine.
Her friend Carmen’s unbelievable support and care and the support and visits of her family, Steve, and the foreign exchange student were beautiful special gifts to a beautiful special lady. She knew she was loved and that she had made a difference, as she had lived, loved, and given as Dee, Ann, and so many others have said. Her dad’s tribute was a testimony to her vitality and legacy to us, her friends and family. I know she’s totally healed now and watching over us – sending more love and life into our lives. Farewell, my sweet sister – until we meet again in glory.
Ronnie was a wonderful person who touched so many people in so many ways. Her zest for living life to the fullest and always rising to the moment are memories that I will always cherish. Her commitment to those in need and persistent energy in “never giving up” is an inspiration to us all. Though she is gone Ronnie continues to live in our thoughts.
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