A few weeks ago we came to know that our dear friend Annie Vaughan had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It is with profound sadness that I must inform you that Annie lost her battle with cancer last evening.
I want to thank everyone who took the time to call, write, or visit these last few weeks. CVT was an important presence in Annie’s life, and it meant the world to her to be reminded of how truly loved she was. Annie was a fighter, and remained in good spirits until the end. I have no doubt she is smiling down upon us today.
It was Annie’s final wish to be cremated. Her family has asked that we arrange for a celebration of life in her honor, and we are working now to secure a location. We will pass along the details as soon as possible. In the meantime, please keep the Vaughan family in your thoughts and prayers.
I only got to spend a week with her. I feel a loss. She was such a great person. Fun, loving, and so caring to me who at the time was a stranger. After the week at the beach was over felt like we were best friends. Miss you Annie.
Rest In Peace Annie. The world, especially CVT, has lost a gentle soul. but the heavenly father has gained one.
Annie was a very special lady; I am so sorry the world has lost her. My thoughts go out to her family and friends.
Annie was a trailblazer to the end.When I visited her last Sunday, even in her weakened state she spoke of her desire to go back to Cumberland Island. That made her smile.
I will miss my dear friend immensely!
I can’t remember exactly when I met Annie, probably eight years ago. Just being fellow hikers, we became good pals and started to hike together, enjoying each other’s company. She was one of the most comfortable people to be around; not a phony bone in her little body. I liked her humor, a little wicked like mine. I remember when she met my daughter, she told her I was a nasty old lady but she loved me. Shocked, my daughter told me what that little lady said about me. I looked at Annie and we both burst out laughing. As time went on our one on one relationship became even stronger. When we were in Ashville a couple of years ago, we brazenly got up and danced in a circle of drummers at a town square while a big crowd looked on. Boy, was that fun! When I was with Annie a lot of my inhibitions melted away. Her spirit of enjoying life was contagious.
My fun-loving friend was a very wise person too. Once she told me not to let everyone know what you’re thinking. As a person who wears her heart on her sleeve too often, this was definitely a valuable piece of advice.
This past year Annie told me she was slowing down. I thought it was just age creeping up on her (and me). Instead of hiking and backpacking we would meet at Dutch Gap, Pocahontas or Powhattan State Park. She would bring Abbey and we would take walks and eat lunch. She reminisced about her younger years, boating out by Dutch Gap, maybe even before Daniel was born. She told me stories of fond memories being a mom to Daniel during his younger years. He turned out to be a wonderful, loving son that she adored.
So, Annie wherever you are, let’s meetup at a circle of drummers when my time comes and dance through Eternity together.
Until then…. Love from Your Nasty Old Lady Friend, Carole
I love that memory from Asheville!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!