From Matt Forstater

Our hearts are heavy with grief and sorrow to have lost our friend Shona.  We feel fortunate to have shared our lives with such a wonderful person these last fifteen years.  Our boys, Harris (21) and Raymond (14) have grown up with Shane and Alina, first in Red Hook, NY, from 1997-99, where Randy and Mat worked together at the Levy Institute and where Mat and Shona both taught at Bard College, and since 1999 in Kansas City, where Randy, Mat, and Shona all taught at UMKC.

Our families have shared many times together, including traveling to Italy, and several trips back to New York since moving to KC.  We shared many dinners, cookouts, swims, walks, and conversations.

Shortly after we all arrived in upstate NY in August 1997, we celebrated Alina’s first birthday all together as new friends, Gail six months pregnant with Raymond. Our kids trick or treated in their Halloween costumes and we shared the first of many meals, friends, and interests.  We got to know Randy’s Mom and Shona’s parents, and they got to know our parents (three of the four of whom have since passed away).  And we got to know Maggi as well. And the Minskys, the Kregels, the Harcourt/Sardoni’s, and so many good friends. And Heather the (male) cat!

We can’t recall anyone ever saying an unkind word about Shona (how rare is that?). She was a generous friend who never asked a favor, yet who could be relied upon in a pinch. Our deepest, sincerest heartfelt condolences go to Randy, Shane, Alina, Maggi, and all the Wrays and Kellys, and everyone who knew her.

Please do not hesitate to call on us for anything!

The Forstaters – Gail, Mat, Harris & Raymond