In Memory of Burton Ellsworth Leavitt

Burton Ellsworth Leavitt

Spouse: Michiyo Fujita Leavitt  
Children: Mari Grace
DOB: May 25, 1950
Blessing:  July 1, 1982
Ascension: September 25, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: October 4, 2024 11:00 AM at 3600 New York Ave NE Washington, DC 20002
Livestream on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675
Use Passcode: 2027 

Burton Ellsworth Leavitt was born on May 25, 1950, in Newport, New Hampshire, as the oldest of five children (brothers Timothy and Gordon and sisters Louise and Diana) to Herbert Gordon Leavitt and Alice Mae Roberts (O’Brien).

From an early age, Burt took on much of the responsibility for raising his siblings, especially after his parents divorced. Burt’s mother was a nurse and often worked double shifts to support the family. Although he wasn’t free to socialize given his family responsibilities, Burt did well academically, in great part because his mother raised him and his brother Tim to enjoy various word games. a member of the National Honor Society in high school, Burt received awards in math, English, French, music, and history; was voted most likely to succeed; and graduated third in his class.

Inspired by his parents’ love for music, painting, and knitting, Burt picked up these interests as well. He began playing piano as a child and was able to take lessons starting in high school. He taught himself to crochet and also developed a talent for cutting hair by watching his father cut his siblings’ hair.  Despite being shy, Burt took part in various plays throughout his school years, including the French play La Farce du cuvier, and to sing in and play the piano for choruses.

In 1968, he began studying at the University of New Hampshire, intending to major in math and French but turning to piano instead (thanks to the suggestion of a football player in his dorm). He graduated in 1973 with a BA in piano performance.

During his last year of college, Burt felt compelled to find out what God thought about his life, so he began searching in churches and Christian groups on campus. Nothing moved his heart until he saw the movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon, about the life of Saint Francis, who gave away everything he owned to serve God. Inspired by this example of total surrender to God, Burt decided to give away everything he owned except one shirt and a pair of pants. His friends and piano teacher thought he was crazy, but the next week he met the Unification Church.

The Divine Principle was captivating in its clarity of understanding about the purpose of life, the Fall, and God’s work in history, culminating with the Second Coming of the messiah. He told God he would dedicate his life to helping the Messiah, giving up everything, including the piano, which had meant everything to him. On the very day that he moved into the church center, the church leader all of a sudden said, “Let’s go buy a piano for the center.” He realized that God gave him back his first love because he had given it up in faith.

Daily church life was a challenge for Burt because of his shyness. As time passed, though, it became clear that his experiences were helping him develop a broader character and heart by learning to love all types of people.

In February 1974, he met Father Moon and his wife, known as the True Parents, for the first time, during a public speaking tour. Although he had been in the church only six months, he was asked to be a security guard at the house where they would stay. All he could think was, “How can I protect them when I’m so small and unprepared?”

Later that year he was sent to the Belvedere International leadership training Center in Tarrytown, New York. After a year learning to lecture the Principle with 300 brothers and sisters, he was dropped off alone on his birthday to begin pioneer witnessing in Keene, New Hampshire, beginning with a three-day fast, no money, and no place to stay. As the driver waved good-bye, Burt began lecturing the Principle in the rotary at the center of town. That night he spent on a picnic table next to the town reservoir. It was cold and damp, and he couldn’t sleep for fear there were bears in the surrounding woods. The next day he found a room at a Catholic Church.

In 1977, Burt began studies at the Unification Theological Seminary, where he played piano for daily morning services and the choir and was also the resident barber. In 1979, he graduated with a master’s degree in religious education.

Though sheltered during his early life, he was able to travel widely during his church life, doing spiritual work in nine states across the country as well as in England, Russia, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.

Whereas in the secular world Burt might have had trouble finding a rewarding career with a degree in piano performance, he discovered that God sees possibilities that others may not. At a state leaders meeting in 1981, when Father Moon sought volunteers to staff the Washington Times that he was creating, Burt felt called to help and was chosen. Too anxious to get started during the orientation period, he was made a copy editor at the News World/New York City Tribune instead and served there for 4.5 years. Later he edited for The World & I for 18 years and for the American Psychological Association for 11 years. He also helped to edit God’s Will and the World, the Chambumo Gyeong, As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen, and several of Father Moon’s public speeches.

With a background in piano, he enjoyed accompanying church services for 21 years in the Washington, DC area. Also, while working at The World & I, for three years he played at banquets for the 30,000 Korean guests who came to tour Father Moon’s companies.

Burt was matched with Michiyo Fujita on May 12, 1979, and was blessed among the 2,075 Couples at Madison Square Garden on July 1, 1982. At the time of their matching, he discovered he couldn’t have children, a devastating blow. For seven years he worked on his health in faith that somehow God would open a way to healing. Finally, after an intense course for seven months in Japan, he had a dramatic spiritual and physical healing in Korea in 1986 and they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Mari Grace, born on Easter Sunday in 1987.

Although Burt felt hampered by health issues throughout his life, his two main passions for serving God and True Parents were through music and teaching the Divine Principle, both for guests and for second generation children.

He is survived by his wife Michiyo Fujita Leavitt; daughter Mari Grace; grandchild; brother Timothy Leavitt; and sisters Louise Leavitt and Diana Goodson. Both his parents and another brother, Gordon Leavitt, passed away previously.

In Memory of Bill Thompson

William Henry Thompson

Spouse: Yoko Thompson
Children: Young Nam, Kayoung, Kasun (Eric), and Yeji
DOB: November 18, 1950
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: July 26, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: August 3, 2024
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/0f1bcbbf

William Henry Thompson was born on November 18, 1950, in Bethesda, Maryland. In his younger years, Bill was a very happy and active child. Every Sunday he used to walk three miles to Mass with his mother and sisters. After church the kids always had a banana split.

He attended Montgomery College in Maryland. When he was 18, Bill developed an ulcer in his large intestine which he had to deal with his whole life. Bill’s three maternal uncles were Catholic priests; perhaps this is why God and Faith were always important to him. He was always thinking about God.

Bill was 24 when, in June of 1975, he met a missionary from Germany and joined the Unification Church in Los Angeles, California. He worked for the Washington Monument event in September of 1976 and put his whole heart into it. Shortly after the event, Bill’s mission was changed to Master Marine, Inc. in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. While he was a security guard for Master Marine shipyard, he read hundreds of True Father’s printed speeches which were available at that time. He was so inspired by Rev. Moon’s speeches that he continued to read them up until his last surgery in May 2024. 

Bill’s mission in Bayou La Batre included both shrimping and tuna fishing on the Master Marine built shrimp boat “The Sunrise” which was later converted to a long liner to catch yellowfin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. He continued fishing for about ten years until his health would no longer allow it. One day Bill met True Father who asked him how long he had been working on the fishing boat. Bill told him “Ten years.” True Father told Bill he was proud of him for working so hard. 

Bill was Blessed to Yoko Kuruma October 14, 1982, in Seoul, Korea. They have four children. Bill had a flower business and enjoyed meeting people and telling jokes to make them laugh. His return customers often mention how they enjoyed Bill’s cheerful nature and funny jokes.

Bill departed from this life on July 26, 2024, with his wife, his children and grandchildren around him. He is survived by his wife, Yoko, his children Young Nam, Kayoung, Kasun (Eric), and Yeji, and his two bright and joyful grandsons, Morgan and Rayden Alvarez, as well as two younger sisters and a younger brother.

In Memory of Robert Hall

Robert Edgerton Hall

Spouse: Amanda Hall
Children: Christopher
DOB: January 15, 1945
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: September 16, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 25 at 115-33 Sutphin Boulevard,
Jamaica, NY 11434 (viewing at 10am, Seonghwa at 11am)
Livestream: https://vimeo.com/event/2130831
Burial (Wonjeon): Pinelawn Cemetery, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3fca9544

Robert Egerton Hall Jr., 79, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024. He was born in Guyana, South America, on January 15, 1945; the cherished fourth child and sole son of the late Robert Egerton Hall Sr. and Walterine Fraser-Hall. 

Robert led a life beyond what many could imagine, touching countless lives along the way. He embodied kindness, consideration, and sincerity like no other. As a young man, he attended Queenstown RC School and the Guyanese College of Modern Education. Later, he became a teacher at Agricola Methodist Primary School and then a nurse at Georgetown Public Hospital, a testament to his selfless service. As a teacher, his drive was solely to uplift others. As a nurse, he consistently provided remarkable and attentive care, as recounted by a previous patient of his. 

During his nursing tenure, Robert became a member of the Unification Church and a founding member of the Unified Family Singers in Guyana. His singing career also extended into the New Hope Singers International and the Boricua College Chorus, to name a few. After moving to Manhattan, New York, he was employed as an Administrative Assistant at Noticias del Mundo.

On July 1, 1982, Robert was blessed in union to his loving wife Amanda by Reverend and Mrs. Moon at Madison Square Garden. They then had a son, Christopher Hall. 

Today, Robert is celebrated as an accomplished singer and composer, a talent that emerged in his youth. His latest role was as the Conductor and Director of the Sound of Music choir of the Manhattan Family Church.

Robert was predeceased by his parents Robert E. Hall Snr. and Walterine Fraser-Hall; sister Norma Hall-Ashford; brothers-in-law Robert Ashford, Stanley Harper, Oswald Abrams, and nephews Garry Elliott and Terell Spruill-Hall.

His memories will live on through: his loving wife Amanda Hall and devoted son Christopher Hall; his siblings Sherry Moyce, Lucille Harper, Joan Abrams, Moreen McLennan, Yvonne Prescott (Ronald Snr.), and Cheryl Hall; his nieces and nephews Ronda Nunes (Ricky Snr.), Nicky Pobee Mensah, Scott Spruill Hall, Diann Gerson, Wayne Moyce, Julie Hester, Lydia Kate Hussey (Oliver), Gail Elliott, Leah Canton (Jeffrey), Llouana Harper-Louis (Richard), André Abrams (Katinea Miller), Alexis Abrams (Morris Blake), Antón Abrams, Brian McLennan Jnr., Sophia McLennan, Roseanne McLennan, Sharon Prescott, Ronald Prescott Jnr. (Carrie), Monique Marshall, Douglas Watson Jnr., his god-children Alyssa Blake and others, in addition to his many great nieces and nephews; great, great nieces and nephews.

His cousins Jean Maloney, Celia Gaskin, Venus Carmichael, Malcom Fraser III, Meryl Castello, Patricia Fraser, Elizabeth Fraser, Florence Fraser, Eugene Ward, Claude Ward, Veronica Fraser, Monica Fraser, Peter Fraser, Stay Jacqueline Mitchell, Cecily Barrington, Denise Roach, Patricia Nelson, Yvonne Fraser-Gray, Patsy Dinzey, Anthony Shields, Hyacinth Hall, Sandra Hall, Beryl, Carlotta, Andrea, Jennifer, Agatha, Carol, Nicholas, Bridget, Andrew, Keisha, all of Guyana, South America, and others, too many to mention. 

His friends Fr. Kofi Amissah, Martin Amissah, and additional members of the Black Catholic Apostolate Church; Los Internationales, New Hope Singers International, Boricua College Chorus, and the Sound of Music choir of the Manhattan Family Church, and many others.

Rest in peace, dear Robert! You are now with your Heavenly Father, amidst the Choir of Angels. We love you! 

In Memory of Rosemary Takahashi

Rosemary Takahashi

Spouse: Kazuo Takahashi
Children: Kasumi, Jine, Fumika, Seiko
DOB: January 7, 1954
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: September 12, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday September 21, at 10 am EDT at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
Viewing: Saturday 21, at 9 am EDT
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/d5cabd3d

Rosemary Una Guy was born in Falmouth in Cornwall, England, on January 7, 1954. While growing up, she enjoyed spending time with her older brother Robin and older sister Ruby, and baking with her mother Gwen. Her father Charles was a blacksmith. Rosemary had a great interest in the world and loved learning languages, including French and German. She also enjoyed going to church with her parents and had fond memories of singing in the choir and ringing the church bells.

While in her first year of study at the University of Reading in 1972, Rosemary joined the Unification Church. From 1973 to 1975, she traveled with International One World Crusade and supported Reverend Moon’s Day of Hope speaking tour. Her travels took her to multiple cities in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Rosemary then worked in Europe as a missionary and, in 1978, went to Toronto, Canada to continue her missionary work. She later moved to Edmonton for a pioneering mission. Rosemary loved living in Canada and made some lifelong friendships.

Rosemary married Kazuo Takahashi on July 1, 1982, in the 2,075 couples blessing held in Madison Square Garden in New York. In 1986, they moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where they began running a Japanese restaurant (Mikasa, later renamed Niwano Hana). The restaurant was well-known in the area and was awarded the “Best of Delaware” many times during its 22-year run.

Rosemary and Kazuo had four daughters who had a great upbringing in Delaware, engaging in many activities - going to Japanese language school, taking tennis lessons, participating in the local 4H club, and reading many books from the library. As a family, they enjoyed going out in nature, including picking fruits, hiking, and taking camping trips. Rosemary loved to try out new recipes from global cuisines and the family enjoyed many homemade birthday cakes, mostly cheesecakes. She also loved to spend time with her family cats, Mimi and Lilo.

While raising her children, Rosemary was active in the church community and served as a representative to the Women’s Federation for World Peace. In addition to supporting the restaurant business, she worked various jobs such as delivering newspapers and working at a tax accounting firm. She also studied to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree, which she received from Regents College in 1998, and her Master of Education degree, received from Wilmington University in 2006. Rosemary then began her teaching career, first in the public school system, and then at private schools providing special education. She was so happy to serve in this profession, having had a passion for teaching for many years, including when she taught English to Vietnamese refugees in Canada.

Rosemary was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019, though the disease had already been slowly progressing for some years prior. She spent the last few years under the loving care of her family at home. Despite the pain and difficulty of living with this disease, she maintained her kindness, sense of humor, enthusiasm for social connection, and appreciation of music and nature. On the evening of September 12, 2024, Rosemary passed away with her family at her side. She is survived by her husband, Kazuo, and her daughters Kasumi, Jine, Fumika, and Seiko.

In Memory of Hideo Kotani

Hideo Kotani

Spouse: Mitsuyo Kotani
Children: Yoshia, Hanna, Naomi, Maika
DOB: September 11, 1965
Blessing: October 30, 1988
Ascension: September 3, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Sunday 15, at 10 am PST at the Los Angeles Family Church 2301 Findlay Ave, Monterey Park, CA, 91754
GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-hideo-kotani-support-his-family?utm_campaign=fp_ss_icons_ai&utm_content=amp9v1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Hideo Kotani was born on September 11, 1965 in Shimane, Japan. He is the eldest of 2 sons to Hiroshi and Etsuko Kotani. He was witnessed by a close friend in 1986, soon after which he joined the Unification Movement. When he heard the Divine Principle, he truly believed it was the truth. Around the time, he joined the movement, his father and a close mentor passed. However, instead of staying in his hometown to support his widowed mother, he felt that he had to do God's Will because he could not deny the Principle.
He moved to Hiroshima where his mission was to sell household medicine door to door. After receiving the 6,500 Couples' Blessing in 1988 with Mitsuyo Takano(maiden name), he volunteered to do God's providence in America in 1992. He did MFT in Chicago and managed a Japanese restaurant in Arizona. He finally came to Los Angeles as part of the Japanese Evangelical Association in 1992.

In 1995, his wife joined him to start a family. They were blessed with 4 lovely children, Yoshia(28), Hanna(26), Naomi(24), and Maika(22). From 1996 until the day he passed, Hideo diligently worked for True World Foods (formerly known as Uni World). In 2023, he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. He fought courageously against the illness with the support of his family but ascended a year later on September 3rd, 2024. He took his last breath in his own home, surrounded by family.
He is remembered as a man of few words, but he spoke passionately about his interests and the Divine Principle. His children remember his passion for watching professional wrestling and baseball. He was also remembered for his endurance and lack of complaint. Despite having swollen hands and feet from gout, he would go to work every day for his family. Most of all, he is remembered as someone with a kind, embracing heart. He would tear up when speaking about Heavenly Parent and True Parents, depicting his true love and filial heart towards them. We can feel his joy being embraced in Heavenly Parent’s bosom now.

In Memory of Gregg Smith

Gregg Smith

Spouse: Claudelina Smith
Children: Cassandra and Michael
DOB: January 2, 1952
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: September 1, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3 pm PST at the Los Angeles Family Church,  2301 Findlay Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754
Seonghwa Live Link: https://uci.zoom.us/j/91884198904
Send Flowers: CPS Flowers
2180 S Garfield Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754, (626) 574-5677  or (323) 726-6968
https://www.cpsflowers.com/?y_source=1_MjA4OTE4MDItNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

Lester Gregg Smith, born on January 2, 1952, in San Bernardino, California, had a deep love for music from a young age. Aspiring to be a rock star, he was a rebel at heart, never satisfied with the status quo.

In 1976, Gregg attended a workshop at Camp Mozumdar and joined the church there. He served on MFT becoming a champion fundraiser. He met, married and was blessed to his soulmate, Claudelina, and together they built a life of love and service.

Gregg served as the Long Beach City Leader in the mid-1980s and later dedicated ten years as a Sunday School Teacher in Los Angeles. In 2006, he became the church State Leader for Southern California and the LA church pastor.

In 2010, Gregg and Claudelina moved to Las Vegas, where he started the first band and music ministry. He also served as Secretary General for UPF and laid the foundation for Ocean Providence activities. He became a boat captain and established connections for True Parents at Lake Mead.

In 2018, Gregg co-pastored the Las Vegas church with Claudelina and Jonathan Jesper. His passion for music greatly impacted the Las Vegas community.

Gregg’s last performance was for True Mother in Las Vegas on October 7, 2023. He was hospitalized the next day and diagnosed with bladder cancer, passing away peacefully on September 1, 2024, surrounded by family.

Gregg was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. He impacted so many lives. He truly was a rock star.

He is survived by Claudelina (wife), Cassandra (daughter), and Michael (son) and their families.

In Memory of Richard Wiltermood

Richard Wiltermood

Spouse: Kazuyo Wiltermood
Children: James, Daniel, Rebecca
DOB: April 15, 1942
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Passing: August 7, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Friday, August 16 at 9:30 AM at BAFC WonJeon:  Friday, August 16 at 12:30 PM at Lone Tree Cemetery -  24591 Fairview Avenue, Hayward, CA 94542
Seonghwa Live Broadcast Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86139175309?pwd=DT4lxGzQvyWgcHdPHACpHsEgrbtImo.1 

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-richard-wiltermood
Send Flowers: Can be ordered through Monika Kellet at 510  853 1703 or  any local florist
Card and Donation: Check payable to Kazuyo Wiltermood

13570 Mount Rainier Street Reno, NV 89506

Richard Alvin Wiltermood was born in Peoria, Illinois on April 15, 1942. He was the son of Joseph and Zena Wiltermood and was the youngest of six siblings: Mary, Edna, Joanne, Lee, and Joe. Richard grew up on a big farm in Illinois where his dad worked as a pony trainer. His father was a prominent figure in the horse and pony community, even having the opportunity to meet President Eisenhower. With a profound love for animals, his father claimed he could communicate with horses, a gift Richard inherited. He developed a deep affection for all living things, often talking to trees as his father spoke to horses. Richard's mother, deeply devoted to her faith in Christianity and her love for Jesus. Both of his parents instilled in him a yearning for a profound relationship with God, Jesus, and nature.

During high school, Richard’s family relocated to San Pablo, California. After graduating and leaving his family’s home, he sought to deepen his connection with God and creation, living on a sailboat at a marina and later moving to the mountains. His focus was solely on his spiritual and natural pursuits, with little interaction with others.

While in the mountains, Richard had a vision of a large cross. He felt that God was revealing to him that while he had a strong relationship with God and Jesus (represented by the vertical part of the cross), he was lacking in his relationships with others (represented by the horizontal part). He understood this as a call to engage more with and develop genuine connections with people.

Soon after, Richard traveled to Colorado to share his vision with his sister, Mary. While in Colorado, in 1979, he encountered The Principle for the second time, was so touched and moved by its teachings, and this time, joined The Unification Church. He became involved in various activities, including the witnessing and IOWC teams, where he created butterfly domes for fundraising.

In 1982, Richard and his wife, Kazuyo, received the 2075 blessing. Shortly after, he attended the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) from 1982 to 1985. Their first son, James, was born in 1984. After graduating from UTS, Richard became the city leader of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, later advancing to the Alabama state leader and then Kentucky state leader, where their second son, Daniel, was born in 1990.

Richard and his family then moved to the Bay Area, California, in response to fulfill the hometown providence request from Father Moon. There, Richard worked for Golden Gate Seafood Company (now True World Foods) and University Marine, constructing large fish tanks. Their third child, Rebecca, was born in 1993.

In 2004, his family relocated to Reno, Nevada. Richard began working as a school bus driver, where he worked for 20 years. He loved his job, the students, his coworkers and bosses, and was loved by everyone in return. He was so happy to be driving the school bus, he wouldn’t take any days off, even if he was sick, and never had the desire to retire.

Beyond his job, Richard enjoyed visiting churches and engaging with the community, visiting people house-to-house alongside Kazuyo, fulfilling the tribal messiahship. He was also so grateful and proud of being able to receive the CheonBo award together with his wife in 2020.

In February 2024, during a routine checkup, Richard was found to have dangerously low blood levels and was told to go straight to the emergency room. There he was diagnosed with a rare leukemia affecting his bone marrow. Despite the diagnosis, he was determined to heal so he could continue serving God and others, especially his wife who he loved so deeply. His compromised immune system prevented him from working or visiting people. Through medication, diet, and prayers, Richard’s blood levels began to rise and he regained the ability to visit churches and people, which brought him great joy. However, on July 31, 2024, Richard unexpectedly suffered a stroke and, unable to recover due to complications from his leukemia, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, at 11:42 am, surrounded by his family.

Richard's life was a testament to his deep connection with God, True Parents, and Jesus. He loved his wife and children endlessly and unconditionally. Richard built meaningful relationships wherever he went, touching many lives through the love he shared.

In Memory of Elsa Maria Rylands

Elsa Maria Rylands

Spouse: Alan Rylands
Children: Arthur, Albert, Adele, Alfred, Edward
DOB: December 18, 1953
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Passing: August 8, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday, August 17, 8:30 AM EST Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home
Viewing: Friday, August 16, 4:00 pm-11:00 pm EST

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7d0327c4
Prayer Vigil: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZM1WVCd0Pa_4MaKlQezxUT58HFAGdgAo3pa4s7w2iZw/edit?usp=sharing
Send Flowers: https://www.edwardsdowdle.com/obituaries/Elsa-Mar-A-Rylands?obId=32651573

Elsa was born in Bogota, Colombia on Dec. 18, 1953. She was six when her family moved to Guaduas, a country village nearby, where her mother Sara got a teaching job. Elsa’s father, Carlos Parra, had just passed away. For eleven years she and five siblings traveled to the big city on weekends for plays, music, dance, and other social activities. Elsa enjoyed basketball and sports in general. She participated in choral events and was a theater/drama director for her fellow students. Everyone said that she was a very gentle and a sweet soul. She graduated High School in 1971 with two sisters. Elsa then worked with grandpa in Bogota and visited Tio Jorge in Puerto Rico before coming to the USA by May of 1974.

Elsa was then a governess for well-to-do families, ending November 1977 as she joined the Unification movement full-time in Tarrytown, NY. She did missionary-type work in the Bronx, NY until 1986, the start of her family. Elsa became a mom. She also was a naturalized USA Citizen and got the academic equivalentof Associate from CUNY Hunter College from 1997 – 1999. In 2000, the Rylands family moved to Ossining and Elsa was a Teaching Assistant at Ossining High School where she taught special education kids for twenty-three years. The kids and teachers adored her. Elsa also loved trips abroad with her sisters, daughter, and grandson. Lastly, she was involved in a communal garden and homeowners group from 2020. The fellow residents appreciated her so much.

She was introduced to Alan W Rylands, of Chicago, IL, on Dec. 30, 1980 and they became engaged at once. On July 01, 1982, Elsa and Alan were blessed in marriage at NYC’s Madison Square Garden, a Unification mass wedding with 2,075 couples. In 1985, about five years from when Elsa and Alan first met, they conceived twins. Arthur and Albert were born in 1986. After that came Adele, then Alfred, and finally Edward. It was five children in six years. Oh boy, the number of diapers seemed unlimited! They lived in a Manhattan apartment for three years before moving to a rental house in Forest Hills, Queens. The kids walked everywhere before Elsa got her driver’s license. Parks and reading were their favorite activities. Plus, Elsa and the kids relished the numerous driving vacations they took with Alan. At last, on Jan 01, 2000, the family moved into their own house in Ossining, NY, totally paid with help from Alan’s dad. It became a real home not just for Elsa’s family, but also provided an emergency home for close relatives and to welcome guests, mi casa es su casa. She lived there for the rest of her life.

Her husband Alan; her five children, Arthur, Albert, Adele, Alfred, Edward; her five siblings, Stella, Sara Patricia, Juan Carlos, Richard, Zelma; last, but certainly not least, the apple of her eye, her two-year-old grandson Robin; as well as an extensive extended family. Elsa is moving on to the third level of life, and will continue to bring love and light to the earthly and heavenly worlds.

In Memory of Betsy Orman

Betsy Orman

Spouse:
Larry Orman
Children: Sam and Virginia
DOB: February 11, 1954
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Passing: August 1, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 10:00 am PST, 101 Colusa Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Seonghwa Live Broadcast Link: https://www.viewlogies.net/sunset-view/TsCBeiCZs?pin=555051
Send Flowers: You can send flowers here: https://www.sunsetviewcemetery.com/ and use https://www.goldenpoppyflorist2.com/

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/betsy-orman
Prayer Chain: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M2EPjYrjwRFrzgV6SzfjAcBA0lHCsXwafveKwLsa8zM/edit

Betsy Orman was born on February 11, 1954, and raised in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Richard and Ruth Halpert, sister of Lewis Halpert, and the identical twin sister of Edy Iversen. Because of the difficult life she experienced growing up, at 16 years old she began seeking a place where people of goodness could be found. This led her to a spiritual search in Hawaii, where she lived an ascetic lifestyle in the mountains for three years. At age 22, Betsy had the amazing fortune to meet the Unification Movement and learn the teachings of Rev. Drs. Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han Moon. They spoke of building a world of true love, so joining them was the beginning of a life filled with personal transformation and adventures.

In 1976, Betsy began her first foray into fundraising to help develop a financial foundation for building "God’s Peaceful Ideal Kingdom on the Earth," the goal of the Unification Church. For nine years, she pioneered the ginseng business and natural health movement. Traveling across America, she realized the unique beauty of each state. God provided her with extraordinary leaders and mentorship along the way.

In 1979, Betsy was called to New York for the matching ceremony, where True Father paired with her future husband, Larry. In 1982, they were blessed in the 2075 blessing ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Despite both being Americans, Betsy was a lively Jewish woman from Los Angeles, while Larry was a quiet midwesterner from North Dakota. They committed their lives to blessing and building an ideal family together.

Moving to Northern Virginia, she worked in the Mid-Atlantic Regional HQ as the Special Projects Director. During this time, AFC was responsible for providing education about freedom, faith, and family on Capitol Hill to over 30,000 leaders nationwide. Also, as a CAUSA director, she helped educate over 200 clergy as well as several high-ranking military officers who were former CAUSA graduates. She accompanied them to Korea, where they learned first-hand the dangers of the atheistic ideology of Communism. She also began working to bring character education into the schools of Northern Virginia.

After nine years, she moved to her husband's hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, where she raised her beautiful twins, Sammy and Virginia. With the unconditional support of her husband, Larry, she worked as the American Family Coalition state director. She continued her work as state coordinator educating political, religious, and community leaders, and lobbied to help create National Parent’s Day. Her outreach extended from the highest halls of Congress, reaching even presidents, senators, and congressmen, to the humblest disenfranchised populations from throughout the world, including Native Americans, the Hmong community, and Kurdish, Sudanese, and Iraqi refugees. Her work in education extended overseas for 40 days in China and Hong Kong and included three trips to Japan with the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Korea as a missionary, and England with the Professors World Peace Academy. Through her outreach, she was able to conduct several Holy Wine Blessing ceremonies including to Larry’s extended family in his hometown.

The Ormans were called in 2002 to help strengthen the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Realizing the need to raise the next generation of leadership, Betsy returned to college to finish her degree and graduated summa cum laude in her 50s. She then earned a master's degree in counseling in her 60s. As a professor, she created a curriculum to help students succeed in life and become leaders of goodness. She also wrote a weekly newspaper column, “For Your Inspiration”, which provided parenting education throughout the region. Together with her husband and children for sixteen years, they created a refuge in their home for students from all over the world and watched the University of Bridgeport thrive.

After a brief transition in West Virginia, they moved in 2020 to their home in Lorman, Mississippi on the beautiful campus of Alcorn State University, the first historically black public land-grant college in America. There, Larry became Vice President for Marketing and Communication. During the past four and a half years, Betsy had been unable to work as a professor due to her health. Instead, she felt her mission was as a prayer warrior for the success of the school. During this time, she was also able to complete her inspirational life story, “The Pathway to Peace, Hope and True Love, A Spiritual Journey," which was published on Amazon. In her book, she testifies to the incredible teachings and accomplishments of Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, whom she considers her Messiah and True Parents, as they provided her the impetus, inspiration, prayer, and guidance necessary to help transform humanity.

Before her passing, she wanted to acknowledge all those who supported her throughout her life, especially the mentors who guided her along the way. She also wished to recognize the incredible leaders and members of the Unification Church who dedicated themselves to saving America and the world. She planned to continue her mission of serving God and True Parents in the spiritual world.

In Memory of Robert Robert Kitchens

Robert Kitchens

Spouse: Hiromi Kitchens
Children: Jeremy
DOB: August 1, 1957
Blessing: October 14, 1982
Passing: July 12, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 8:30am EST, Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Seonghwa Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86570384420
(Please text or WhatsApp message Will Jacobson at (914) 357-3332 if you are having any issues with Zoom)
Viewing: Friday, July 19, 2024 from 4:00pm to 11:00pm EST. Memorial Service @ 7:00pm, Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Send Flowers: https://edwardsdowdle-funeral-home.tributestore.com/sympathy-landing?oId=32335501&source=tco_description&_cdx=GA1.1.655426734.1721119436%3AGS1.1.1721119436.1.0.1721119436.60.0.0
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/c71c2df0
Prayer Vigil Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ik88HxFvcbPPx6NSrk-mWEmRnizvN4DYq-bnjo8OFRc/edit?usp=sharing

Our beloved brother, Robert “Rob” Kitchens, of the Belvedere Family Church in New York, ascended to the spiritual world at 8:10am Friday, July 12, 2024.

Rob was born August 1, 1957 in Newport Beach, California. Rob was always a true artist at heart. He played the trumpet in his youth, followed by the flute and the guitar which he played for many, many years. Rob always had a great ear for music. He could listen to a song once and piece it together from memory. He was always a unique free thinker and willing to look at things from many different angles. He enjoyed talking with others and sharing stories. He carried conversations with enthusiasm and great interest. Rob also took a liking to art. A high school course in ceramics lit a spark in him; after high school, he worked for others as a production potter, then bought and installed his own kiln at his house in Costa Mesa so he could do his own ceramic work. With his ceramics experience under his belt, he studied at Humboldt State in Northern California and played in the school’s Marching Lumberjack band.

In 1980 Rob first encountered the Unification Movement in San Francisco on the way home from college. Shortly after he joined, he started working at Ned’s Loft with a small team and helped develop Ned’s Loft into a wood inlay studio. He played an instrumental role at the company as he pioneered their marquetry production process.

Rob received the Blessing on October 14, 1982 in Seoul, Korea to Hiromi Kitchens (Hiromi Ogata at the time). He continued to work at Ned’s Loft until they moved to Farmingdale, NY in 1983 where they rebranded as Creative Designs. Rob was still involved in production then and in 1987 Creative Designs moved to Ossining, New York. There, he spearheaded the digitization of production as well as the implementation of laser cutting into their production process. 

In 1989, Rob and Hiromi settled into family life in Ossining, NY. After years of trying to conceive, they received a son, Jeremy, in December of 1995. Rob was a kind-hearted husband and father and always made time for family. Rob, Hiromi and Jeremy spent many vacations with Rob’s family in California and upstate New York as well as Hiromi’s family in Tokyo and Miyazaki, Japan. 

In the mid to late 90s Creative Designs had rebranded again under a new name, Hudson River Inlay, where Rob continued to work in marquetry production and occasionally sales. Rob also continued to pursue his passion for music by singing in the church choir as well as playing the guitar and flute with his other musically gifted friends and coworkers. He later became well known for playing the guitar at Sunday service for the Belvedere Family Church. Rob had an infectious smile and fun-loving personality that welcomed all. People have been moved by the kindness and sincerity he offered to those who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Jeremy, and his siblings, David, Susan, James and Thomas, as well as a large extended family. Rob is moving on to the third level of life, and will continue to bring love and light to the Earthly and Heavenly worlds.

In Memory of Vince Young

Vince Young

Spouse: Su Young
Children: David, Alexander, Theresa, Ethan, Yitchak
DOB: March 5, 1954
Blessing: 10/14/1982
Passing: June 22, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: July 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM, Scarlet City Church,
114 Morse Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43214
Broadcast Link: 
www.youtube.com/@ScarletCityChurchColumbus
Cards, Flowers, and Donations can be sent to:  Su Young, 114 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214

We celebrate the life of Vincent Leon Young, a remarkable man whose presence enriched the lives of those around him. Born in 1954 in Columbus, Ohio, Vincent was the second son and fifth child of Andrew and Elizabeth Moon Young. His journey through life was marked by unwavering dedication to God, family, and a better world.

Vincent’s love for learning was evident from a young age. He was an avid reader, often found with a book in hand, particularly on topics of history and philosophy. This passion for knowledge and duty shaped his character and fueled his commitment to education and civil rights. While in Franklin Heights High School, he was offered a scholarship to the Naval Academy, but he chose a different path, one that led him to Purdue University and the Black Panther Party. Vincent’s activism in the civil rights movement was deeply rooted in his desire to make the world a more just and equitable place. Throughout his life, he would speak out when he witnessed injustice, and could not abide when people were taken advantage of. He would later graduate with his bachelor’s from New Mexico State University and continued learning. 

Vincent’s spiritual journey was equally profound. Raised in a Pentecostal church, he developed a deep love for God and the church community. In his younger years, he was known to spend days at church saying how he loved being in God’s house. His quest for spiritual truth led him to study Asian philosophy and martial arts, where he excelled in Taekwondo and Kyukushin karate. His dedication to martial arts was more than physical; it was a way to connect with his inner self and develop his character.

One of the defining moments of Vincent’s life was his joining the Unification Church in 1974. He was blessed in holy matrimony through his wife, Su during an international matching ceremony in Korea in 1982 in honor of world peace. Together, they committed to building a wholesome family for the sake of building a better world. Their union was blessed with five children, and Vincent took great pride and joy in being a father. He was deeply committed to his children’s spiritual and educational growth, personally homeschooling his children and inviting other teachers, extra-curricular instructors, and community experiences to ensure that they became well-rounded, self-made individuals.

Vincent’s commitment to community service was exemplified through his work with the Ohio Chapter of the Washington AIDS International Teens. As the director, he used the performing arts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote abstinence, impacting many lives and organizations across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. His passionate support of this group and cause was fueled by his drive to foster the development and well-being of local youth and the wider community. 

Throughout his life, Vincent faced many challenges, but his faith and resilience were unwavering. He believed in the power of prayer and often sought God’s guidance in his endeavors. His time on the mobile fundraising team, called MFT,  took him to the most racially challenging places in Texas, where he felt the protective hand of God in the face of life-threatening danger and racism.

Vincent’s love for martial arts and Chinese philosophy extended to his family. He ensured that all his children learned martial arts, instilling discipline, respect, and the importance of self-defense and hard work. His hands-on approach to parenting was evident in the numerous activities he involved his children in, from Boy Scouts to community service projects. Some of his children’s favorite memories are camping with their dad. 

In the early 2000s, Vincent’s role as a community leader took on a new dimension with his involvement in international peace marches in Israel and religious cultural exchange pilgrimages in Korea. These experiences deepened his understanding of global issues and reinforced his commitment to fostering peace and understanding among different cultures and faiths.

Vincent’s life was not without its trials. Supporting Washington AIDS International Teens was such a joyful endeavor, and the dissolution of the team in Ohio was a significant blow to him, leading to a period of depression. However, his spirit remained unbroken. He founded a new initiative, Choice, to continue his community service and youth engagement mission. Despite the challenges, Vincent’s legacy of service, love, and dedication to his family and community activism remains a testament to his character. His sense of how deeply loved he was as God’s child, compelled him to share that feeling of deep love, care, and belonging to others. This truth was at the heart of Vince’s life and choices, and he could not but extend that sense of being included in one beloved family to all, regardless of where he met them or what they looked like.

Vincent Leon Young was a man of many talents and passions. His love for God, commitment to honor, and dedication to his family and community have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. As we remember and honor his life, let us carry forward his legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith.

Rest in joy, Vincent. Your journey on this earth has ended, but your spirit lives on in the hearts of those you touched and in the world beyond. Thank you for the love, wisdom, and inspiration you have given us.

In Memory of Henry Christopher

Henry Christopher

Spouse: Katsuko Okada Christopher 
Children: Enryka
Birth Date: January 20, 1947
Blessing Date: January 12, 1989
CheonBo Induction: October 20, 2020
Date of Passing: June 21, 2024
Seonghwa: June 26, 2024

Henry Christopher was born on January 20, 1947, in Bayshore, New York. His parents, Milton and Elvira Christopher, raised him along with his siblings, William and David. He graduated from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

A true idealist, Henry dedicated his life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the realization of an ideal world. He and Katsuko Okada received the Holy Marriage Blessing on January 12, 1989 as part of the 1,275 blessing held in Korea.

Henry was introduced to the Unification Movement in 1973 by Tirzi Shilgi Martin who met him at the campus of Boston University. Tirzi recalled encountering him during an open market day where Henry was selling hippie accessories. Like many of his peers during that era, Henry was searching for meaning and purpose in his life. He attended a Divine Principle workshop and after several spiritual experiences made the decision the following year, 1974, to join the Unification Movement. “God poured pure love down my entire body from the top of my head right to the bottom of my toes. It literally washed away my sin, fears, and sadness—everything. I took this extraordinary experience as a sign from God that I was in the right place doing the right thing for Him and myself,” he said.

In November 1975, Henry auditioned for and joined the New Hope Singers International. He was a member of the tenor section and performed in a barbershop quartet. Henry was involved in the grassroots mobilization campaign and the on-stage choral performance for the historic bicentennial events at both Yankee Stadium (6/1/76) and the Washington Monument (9/18/76). Part of the choir’s activities included selling subscriptions to The News World in New York, which was founded in December 1976. Henry consistently came back at the end of the day with a story that reassured everyone that God was working.

In 1978, after being accepted into the Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) program, the entire UTS student body, along with Henry, traveled to London for a summer of Home Church activities personally directed by Father Moon. At the seminary, one day he was painting a classroom wall when Father Moon suddenly appeared and suggested what colors were better for studying. He also went fishing with the Founders in the nearby Hudson River. He graduated in the class of 1980.

On January 1, 1982, Henry was chosen as a founding member of The Washington Times. He worked as a Metro reporter and then as an information graphics artist for a total of about 20 years. Fulfilling his desire to teach the Divine Principle to university students living under communist rule, Henry volunteered to spend the spring of 1992 in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea.

From 1991 to 1996, he and Katsuko resided and took care of Jefferson House in McLean, VA, where Father and Mother Moon stayed when in the Greater Washington, D.C., area. Henry and Katsuko welcomed their daughter, Enryka, into the world in 1993. True Parents and many True Children, especially Hoon Sook Nim, stayed at the house.

From 2002 to 2004, the family moved to Korea where they are fondly remembered for taking care of the young Western students in Korea’s GOP program. The young people felt cared for and the Korean Administration and parents had people whom they could trust in the Christophers.

Returning to UTS in 2005, Henry served in various capacities including as Community Relations Director which resulted in inviting the local community to walk on “Father’s Trail.” In 2006, the hiking path later officially became part of the New York State Greenway Trail System. He took leadership in many community programs, including holiday food drives, iceboat activities on the Lagoon, opening the labyrinth loop to the public, and caring for the historic Massena house.

Henry also served as Director for Recruitment and Admissions, and most recently as Financial Aid Director. His tenure as Financial Aid Director was particularly notable during a challenging period when UTS/HJI faced issues with financial aid compliance. Henry’s expertise and diligence restored the school’s standing with the U.S. Department of Education, demonstrating his invaluable contribution to the institution.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Henry played a crucial role in securing significant funding for UTS/HJI, navigating complex paperwork and liaising with government authorities, resulting in over $700,000 in support.

The Christophers were recognized as a CheonBo couple in 2020, a significant recognition in the Unification faith for their dedication as Heavenly Tribal Messiahs.

In 2024, Henry continued to make significant contributions, notably with the Higher Purpose Forum where he organized a compelling series on the “Unity of Science, Spirituality, and Religion.” His March 12 presentation on human origins, advocating for a theory of “theistic evolution,” exemplified his deep integration of faith and intellectual inquiry.

Henry was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2020. One kidney was removed at that time, then, in the spring of this year, the other one became cancerous. In late June, he was admitted to Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury, MD, due to complications from pneumonia and a bacterial infection. It was there, surrounded by his loving wife, Katsuko, and daughter Enryka, that Henry passed away at 2:50 pm on June 21, 2024.

The family expresses profound gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support they received during Henry’s illness. Known for his humble yet determined and bold spirit, Henry’s contributions to advancing Heavenly Parent’s work in America were cherished by all who knew him.

Cards of support can be mailed to:
Katsuko Christopher
3193 Meridian Dr, Greenbackville, VA 23356

The Seonghwa will be held at 4:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

Location The Arbor Ballroom of the Washington Times Building

It will also be live-streamed on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675
Use Passcode: 2027

In Memory of Sun Hyang Willett

Sun Hyang Willett

Spouse: Joe Willett
Children: Sunder Willett
Birthdate: July 31, 1952
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: May 07, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: May 11, 2024

Sun Hyang Willett (family name Hwang) was born on July 31st, 1953, 4 days after the Korean War ended, as the youngest child in her family. One day when she was 15 years old, she was hiking up a mountain with some friends and felt the need to use the bathroom, but for some reason, instead of just going off the trail like she always did she felt like she wanted to use an inside bathroom so she pushed her friends to hike back down the mountain and look for a house. The first house she came to, she knocked on the door to ask to use the bathroom. It was at this house that she had her first encounter with the Unification Church. After this she continued to come back to learn about the teachings of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and converted to Unificationism.

When she was older, she enlisted in the South Korean army to support her family, ultimately becoming a sergeant. In 1979, she was matched and engaged to Joe Willett, a young security guard at East Garden in NY. Joe later said he was a bit nervous upon hearing that his fiancé was a both sergeant and a marksman in the South Korean army. She moved to America in 1980 to start missionary work sharing her faith, and would be Blessed in marriage to Joe with 2075 couples at Madison Square Garden on July 1, 1982. They stayed in New York for many years before moving to Georgetown, Kentucky, near Joe’s hometown of Lexington. Soon after she was extremely grateful to adopt her son, Sunder, in 1993.

After moving to Georgetown, she tried to get a job at the local Toyota plant but was unable to. Following the example of many of her friends she determined to start her own business of selling flowers and continued doing so for 25 years. She felt that speaking English as a second language was actually an advantage in making sales because it helped her get past people's guard and also made it harder for her to take no for an answer.

While maintaining her business, she always continued to share about her faith to friends, neighbors and customers. She would later say that her business was an extension of her ministry and that she tried to teach her customers how to live good lives. She often shared with her customers that being honest in business was more important than making quick money and that God rewards honest work. Ultimately, the value of marriage was most important to her and she always shared about it. She always told her customers to listen to and respect their partners and that they should always try to work things out instead of separating.

Later in her life she felt called to share marriage rededication ceremonies with others. She visited numerous churches and met with clergy from multiple denominations and faiths to share with them the value of the marriage blessing. In 2017, she and her husband Joe were one of the first Unificationist couples in America to bless 430 couples in rededication ceremonies. After hearing about the stress and job pressure first responders often face and the correspondingly high divorce rate they experience, she and Joe embarked on a years long project to visit all 120 counties across the state of Kentucky and offered marriage rededication ceremonies to hundreds of police officers, firefighters and other first-responders across Kentucky.

She was driven by a desire to share God's love with others and felt that this was her way to make a contribution for God to the world. In her private life, she devoted herself to studying God's word and praying for her family, friends, neighbors, and everyone she met in her ministry. Sometimes her prayers would go long into the night to include everyone on her list. Her other passions included gardening and cooking, especially for others. She was always trying to serve others and was known for bringing gifts or food when she visited others.

In 2023, she was overjoyed by the birth of her first grandchild Eli and was able to hold him a few weeks after his birth. She was always so excited to hear updates about how he was doing and looked forward to seeing him grow up.

Sun Hyang Willett experienced a sudden heart attack on May 6th and ascended to spirit world early in the morning on May 7th, 2024. Shortly after her ascension, her daughter-in-law woke up from a dream in which she was told that Sun is just fine now and not to worry about her. While her family is shocked by her sudden ascension, they also know that she is probably looking forward to continuing her ministry and sharing about God's love in the spirit world.

Sun is survived by her husband, Joe; son, Sunder; and grandson, Eli.

The Midwest Subregion will be hosting her Seonghwa Ceremony this Saturday, May 11, at 3 p.m. EST (2pm viewing). See the address below.
If you are unable to attend in person, you can join us via Zoom 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82336631628Meeting ID: 823 3663 1628

Those who wish to help Sun’s family with the cost of funeral expenses may go to the following fundraiser.
https://gofund.me/75b54d1e

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, May 11th, 2024 at 3:00 PM EDT (2 p.m. viewing)
Location: Johnson's Funeral Home 641 S Broadway Georgetown KY, 40324

In Memory of Caleb George Neale Thompson

Caleb George Neale Thompson

Spouse: Renee Elaine Pearson
Children: Carena Nicole
Birthdate: August 12, 1949
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: April 20, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: May 2, 2024

Caleb was born August 12, 1949, and Christened George Neale. He departed this physical plane on April 20, 2024, after a six-month battle with ill health.

Caleb was born in Milwaukee to Kenworthy James Thompson Jr. and Catherine Jane Ewell Thompson. KJ Sr was a Rhodes Cambridge Scholar in Chemistry. In Ohio, he worked for a company that created cording, nylon, etc. underneath the tire tread, reinforcing the tire so that it did not burn out. KJ Jr graduated from Purdue University and had the highest GPA for many years. He worked for Rex Chain Belt as a works manager.

The Thompson family moved to Fullerton, CA before nursery school through first grade where Caleb learned to swim in the pool in his subdivision and the family would go to Huntington Beach. A memorable incident that led to Caleb becoming a nursery school dropout was when Caleb was playing in the sand box and another child hit Caleb over the head with his shovel. Caleb's Mom was then called in and they spoke with her about Caleb's aggressive behavior. Caleb's mom said, “Excuse me, I understand the other child hit Caleb first. So Neale hit him back. What is wrong with that?” After this incident, she told Caleb, “OK, get your stuff, we are out of here!”

Henceforth, the family moved back to Milwaukee Wisconsin. However, Caleb grew up in the city of Wauwatosa and attended the Wilson Elementary School through sixth grade, and continued to Hawthorne Junior High, graduating from Wauwatosa East High School. Caleb attended Cornell University, graduating with a bachelor's degree. Alan Seher who was a high school and college colleague of Caleb at Cornell, took a bicycle trip through New England with Caleb, and then, not on bikes, the two made their way to California. At the UC Berkeley campus, Caleb met someone in our church who invited him to dinner. Alan wanted to tag along and the two joined the Creative Community Project. At one point Caleb was stabbed in a strange altercation somewhere in Berkeley. He had to go to the hospital and his mother came out to be with him. Recovering from this life-threatening experience, Caleb became a full-time member of Unification Church. In addition to being engaged with construction projects on Camp A, and Camp K, Caleb renovated a bus for nonstop travel from California to bring members to the Yankee Stadium Rally in 1976. Caleb was a great storyteller and everyone who listened to hime would be spellbound when he told them about his daring deeds.

At Madison Square Garden, Caleb and Renee were Blessed in Holy Matrimony in 1982. Renee attended seminary from 1980 -1983 and Caleb from 1983 – 1986. Caleb wrote his thesis on Christian Ministers in Political Office and worked with CAUSA – USA with Mark Clevenger. While Renee worked with CAUSA – International. In 1989, Carena was born and in 1991 the Thompson Family moved to Wisconsin to be closer to Caleb's family. In 1990 Caleb and Renee were both in Moscow at the time of True Parents meeting with President Mikhail Gorbachev. It was while working with Mark Clevenger that Caleb developed a love for Country music. In 2022 he took Renee to a George Strait concert, and Saturday night was heralded as the night for Country, with Austin City Limits.

In Wisconsin, Caleb took a position as Director of the Weatherization Program for Community Action. There, began a never-ending series of programs, innovations, and projects as Caleb worked on groundbreaking efforts to develop solar power for homes to save energy through insulation and better design of homes. Caleb started solar power work in 2001 and eventually became a solar consultant. By 2007, Caleb was proud to be the first home on Forest Park Blvd to have solar panels on the south-facing roof. He installed three different solar systems, two on the roof of his house and one on the carriage barn. During this time, Caleb worked as a housing specialist in the Rock County Planning and Development Agency.

In an interview by Anna Marie Leif, a journalist with the Janesville Gazette, on February 4, 2007, Caleb is quoted as saying, “Solar energy can happen in your house in this city. It is just amazing to me that it works, even in winter. The concept is beautifully simple. Everyone knows the difference between standing in the sun and the shade!”

Caleb installed a domestic hot water heating system in 2001. He installed a photovoltaic system in 2003 to produce about a third of the household's electricity. He also installed a solar thermal system which added supplemental heat to the family's forced air furnace. Caleb and his family also used energy-efficient appliances, including their super-insulated moisture-free basement. In addition, Caleb drove one of the first hybrid gas-electric cars in southern Wisconsin. Caleb also drove a diesel Volkswagen which ran on recycled vegetable oil. In the summer, during the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair, Caleb presented information on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living.

Caleb founded his own business, Janesville Home and Solar, LLC. In 2007 Caleb's home was open for a state tour of solar buildings and was put on the National Tour list of solar homes. In recognition of his organization's innovation and leadership in sustainability, Caleb received the Sustainable Energy Award and the prestigious Pearl Certification, which was awarded on July 23, 2023. This platinum award is the highest award for a high-performance energy-efficient home. Further innovations of Caleb’s include designing and building a 1,000-gallon rainwater tank and successfully designing a moisture-free basement.

In addition to the inordinately groundbreaking efforts to promote sustainability and harvest energy from the sun, Caleb was also engaged in the internal work of healing the human heart. Caleb studied and facilitated inner nature integration as taught and developed by Dr. Solihin Thom since 1991. Most recently Caleb traveled to Turkey with Renee to attend a 21-day workshop for Inner Dialogue, also taught by Solihin Thom.

Caleb lived a life full of activity, innovation, and creativity. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, his efforts in energy efficiency, weatherization, sustainability, and solar harvest have him at the forefront of the future that will harvest the vast resources of the universe. And yet, it is his love for his chickens, who lived in a positive chicken palace, designed and built by Caleb, his dogs, as well as his many friends and colleagues, and mostly for his beloved wife, Renee, and beloved daughter Carena that make Caleb a man of all seasons, all climates and all times.

Caleb is survived by his wife, Renee, his daughter, Carena (Rob), his sister, Leslie Ann (John), and nephew, Prescott (Molly) and grand nephew, Linus. Caleb is predeceased by his parents, and his nephew, Taylor.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at 10:00 AM CST
Location: Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, 21 S Austin Rd Janesville, WI 53547

In Memory of Mary Battilocchi

Mary Battilocchi

Spouse: Antonio Battilocchi
Children: Francesa, Natasha,
Vitale
Birthdate: March 18, 1953
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: April 13, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 20, 2024

Mary Battilocchi was born Mary Gambal on March 18, 1953 in Passaic New Jersey, the daughter of Aleksandra Planka and Michael Gambal who both emigrated from Poland. She passed away on April 13, 2024 at Yale New Haven hospital surrounded by family and her congregation.
In her youth Mary was an avid book reader and she spent many hours reading any book she took an interest in. She also loved to bake with her mother and she once made a 10 pound fruit cake at the age of 9 just for fun. Also, she was a clarinet player in her youth and part of her school’s marching band.
Mary spent many years working for her family and her church which she valued dearly. She was a devoted member of the Unification church for 50 years having joined in 1974 and witnessed to many. She served on the Mobile Fundraising Team (MFT) in Chicago for 5 years while also spending some of that time in New York.
With a lifelong willingness to help others who were ailing, she went on to pursue alternative medicine. She had always known she wanted to be a professional from a young age. She would become the first in her family to receive a college education and thought that becoming a doctor would be the field where she could most benefit the lives of people in the world around her.
Upon receiving her masters in Biology from Hunter College of New York, she went on to further her studies in homeopathy (holistic medicine) and received her Naturopathic Doctorate from Bastyr University (1989-1993) in Kenmore , Washington. During this time, she was blessed to her loving husband Antonio of 35 years and soon settles down on the East coast where she decided was a good place for her to raise her family and start her naturopathic practice; first at her residence in Stratford CT, the place where she called home for 25 years. Then later she moved her practice to Milford CT in 2002 where she spent the remainder of her career happily helping the many people seeking guidance on their personal health journey.
Many times, she would hear patients say they didn’t know what to do and were all out of options. Mary would step in and spend a great deal of time finely tuning the exact remedy for the individual she was treating. Her motto was “Treat the cause, not just the disease.”
In her free time, she loved to be outside sitting in the sun, reading a book or spending time near the water. However, she would still also make time to volunteer for the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) with her husband Antonio; organizing and helping prepare prayer breakfasts for clergy. On days when she wasn’t outside, she would watch movies and revisit Star Trek, her favorite childhood TV show; she knew all the episodes by heart. Given the dedication to her field and her passion for the lives around her, she lived by the words of Leonard Nimoy to “Live long and prosper.”
She is survived by her husband Antonio Battilocchi and her children Francesca , Vitale and Natasha.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST
Location: Lester Gee Funeral Home, 1390 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605

In Memory of Karl Zambon

Karl Ludwig Zambon

Spouse: Katharina Thiessen
Children: Michelle, Michael, Abigail, Glorianna
Birthdate: January 31, 1940
Blessing: July 1st, 1982
Ascension: March 21, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 30, 2024

Karl Ludwig Zambon was born in Kiel, Germany in 1940, to Tamara & Alfred Zambon. Karl had one sister, Gitta. Being born during a time of war in a seaport town, his formative years were surrounded with hardship and the family showed strength as well as levity amongst adversity. As a young man Karl was known to love an eclectic array of music. He played piano by ear, figuring out how to play his favorite tunes, and music has always been a source of joy for Karl.

He left home at a young age to work in different places, traveling to many countries. Being the spiritual seeker, Karl saved all his money to buy a motorcycle, complete with a sidecar. That motorcycle took him on the journey of a lifetime from Germany, through the Middle East, India, island hopping through Indonesia, all the way to Australia. He was in search of answers that took years of testing which religion or spiritual practice could fulfill God’s plan for him and the world as a whole. Ultimately, he found what he was looking for once he arrived back home in Germany. After a lot of prayer and fasting to confirm if this was the way, Karl joined the Unification Church in 1978.

In 1979, Karl was matched by Rev. Moon to Katharina Thiessen and was Blessed in marriage on July 1st, 1982. They moved to Alabama and lived there for 14 years, creating a beautiful family with four children: Michelle, Michael, Abigail, and Glorianna.

Karl’s life has always been tied to his love for the ocean. From the seaside of his hometown in Kiel, Germany, to where he raised his family on the gulf coast in Bayou la Batre, Alabama and later Bridgeport, CT, Karl has always found peace by the water. Karl insisted on being included in the church seafood business in Alabama, starting on a shrimping boat and later as a salesman for rock shrimp to retailers across the US, cementing his love for seafood.

In 1997 he moved with his family to Paraguay to join Katharina in establishing a latin branch of the newspaper The Washington Times. With only a basic grasp of Spanish from his time in Spain, he ventured into the unknown, knowing that God had called them to this land for a purpose. During this time, he discovered his passion for building a point of connection to the Mennonite community, of which his wife, Katharina, is originally from. He felt compelled to create a yearly celebration commemorating the arrival of the Mennonites in Paraguay. Their port of entry is located on the land that had been purchased by the church. These efforts helped to build a bridge between the Mennonite community and the Unification church.

As the time came to leave Paraguay, each child made their way back to the US, one by one, followed by Karl as Katharina finished her role in Paraguay. This period showcased Karl's resilience as he started anew in New Jersey, working small jobs to make ends meet.

In 2004, Katharina finally joined Karl in Bridgeport, CT where they established their roots until today. Karl served as a dorm parent for BIA and building manager for the Seaside building, where he worked tirelessly and with unwavering loyalty until his retirement at the age of 77.

During this time, his children all got married and had children of their own. Karl was a loving and playful grandfather to his six grandchildren. (With one more on the way!)

Karl was a man with spiritual fortitude, living his life by spiritual inspiration and a desire to serve a higher purpose. He was incredibly bold and steadfast, and he lived his life by heaven’s principles until the very end. He had a creative mind, and if you were lucky, you could catch the twinkle in his eye with a cheeky grin. He was surrounded by family during the last phase of his life, and they were by his side during his last breaths.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST (Viewing begins at 9:00 AM)
Location: Saugutuck Rowing Club, Regatta Room (521 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880)

Luncheon & Testimonies at 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

To join the ceremony via livestream: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88302553057

We ask you to please RSVP, especially if you're traveling from out of state so we can accommodate everyone at the venue. Due to limited seating we kindly ask that you make other arrangements for your children. If you need to be bring your child, we ask that they sit on their parents lap.

Flowers can be sent to the venue (521 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880) with delivery by 9 AM.

Dress code: Dark suits for men, white or light colored semi-formal attire for women.

In Memory of Angela Terrell

Angela Terrell 

Spouse: Nathan Terrell
Children: Onrai, Richmon
Birthdate: November 4, 1954
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: March 17, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 23, 2024

Angela Terrell was born on November 4, 1954, to her parents David and Ima Rivera in Bridgetown, Barbados. She is the eldest of five siblings: Betty, Cheryl, David, and Helen. She attended St. Paul's Primary School and later enrolled in Springer Girls' Memorial Secondary School.

At the age of 18, she was chosen to be an exchange student through an American Field Scholarship, spending one year with an American family. She later worked at the American Embassy in Barbados. Angela joined the church in 1975.

In 1981, she moved to America, and in July of 1982, she was blessed with Nathan Terrell, whom she moved with to New York. She had two sons, Onrai and Richmon, whom she dearly loved and did her best for. Angela moved from New York to New Jersey, then to Gary, Indiana, and finally settled in Minnesota. She enjoyed music and poetry, and she used to play hockey as a teenager.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 4:00 PM CDT
Location: Minnesota Family Church (3836 Stinson Blvd NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421)

Visitation will be on Friday March 22 from 1 PM - 2 PM at Crescent Tide Cremation Services
(774 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN 55114)

To join the ceremony via livestream: https://zoom.us/j/508018905?pwd=TzNkUCtEOFdxZEVrK2oyditpZ1Rydz09
Meeting ID: 508 018 905
Passcode: 2020

In Memory of Shahrokh Namiranian

Shahrokh Namiranian

Spouse: Manijeh Zahedi
Children: Siavash, Babak
Birthdate: February 24, 1959
Ascension: March 17, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 23, 2024

Shahrokh Namiranian was born into a Zoroastrian family in Tehran, Iran on February 24, 1959 and grew up with three brothers and many cousins.

His cousin, Iraj, told him of his English teacher who talked about a new idea about God and life that was interesting. Shahrokh was eager to meet Susan Fefferman but had to wait until the weekend. His first encounter in June of 1976 changed his life.

The ideas of the purpose of life, purpose of creation, and the four-position foundation presented by The Exposition of the Divine Principle were completely new for Shahrokh. He had never heard anything like it. He describes his experience in his own words:

“Oh God, this truth was what I needed in all of my life. Now the way is bright and the way is [lit] up by such truth. Wow, my heart was hurt and broken. To hear this truth and know that this was for my salvation, and for all people, it was the way to open God’s work on the world level.

“We can finally have True Parents in this world. That truth completely changed my life and my belief. I felt I could have new life. I could feel I was born again, finally new hope, a new way of thinking, and a new life. How wonderful and precious is this time for me and my future. A new vision had been given to me.”

Shahrokh joined the Unification movement and became a beloved brother to all. He had a kind and tender heart and grew in his relationship to God and the brothers and sisters. He faithfully attended many workshops and eventually learned to teach the Divine Principle.

The Islamic revolution that ousted the Shah (King) forced Susan to leave in January 1979. After Susan left, Shahrokh was jailed and tortured terribly for his new faith during the revolution. Other members were jailed too for a time. They lost all their possessions and the members were persecuted and watched continuously as the revolution unfolded. We were underground before, but now the movement was in danger for their lives.

He would have died in prison if an elderly man hadn’t fed him, cleaned him after the toilet, and nursed him after being tortured. His hands were too swollen to use to eat or hold anything. He had been tortured to drag out answers that he didn’t have and many other horrors were heaped upon this kind soul. Somehow, he never gave up because he kept thinking of the torture that Father Moon had to endure in communist prisons that nearly killed him. These memories comforted him and allowed him to continue. He wept many tears and suffered terrible indignities with no end in sight. He was eventually let go, broken and discarded.

In order to protect Shahrokh after he came out of prison, Manijeh Zahedi, a Muslim woman and the youngest child in the Zahedi clan, married him. He had to claim he was Muslim to marry her. They were blessed as a married couple afterwards. They eventually left everything behind and came to the US.

They have two sons, Siavash, 32, and Babak, 26. Siavash has a 10 month old daughter, Niloofar, who Shahrokh got to meet before he became ill. He lived in upstate New York near Essi, Maliheh, and Khosrow Zahedi and their families.

He had a stroke recently, followed by an operation that put him in a coma. He willed to give his organs to those who needed them and asked that his ashes be spread in nature. Shahrokh passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

“He is my hero and the most kind-hearted Iranian brother who suffered much for Iran.” - Susan Fefferman

Shahrokh with his two sons, Siavash and Babak

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 4:40 PM EDT
Location: To join the ceremony via livestream click this link.

In Memory of Michael McShane

Michael McShane

Spouse: Toshie McShane
Birthdate: September 19, 1957
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: February 2, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 9, 2024

Michael “Mike” McShane was born on September 19, 1957 as the oldest son of his father, a Canadian WW2 veteran, and his mother from Michigan. He grew up in the suburbs south of Chicago. He had three younger brothers and one sister.

Early in life, Mike became a member of the Lutheran Church, and he loved going to the church in his neighborhood and serving as an altar boy. Because of his family situation, he often spent his time with his grandparents in their home in northern Michigan. There, Mike had deep experiences connecting to God’s heart and unconditional love through the beautiful nature in the woods. He sometimes talked of his childhood experiences saying that, “Without God, beauty does not exist in this world.”

During high school, his skill was recognized by his art teacher, and he produced many murals, paintings, and drawings. He graduated high school right after the Vietnam War ended and started to travel by hitchhiking from Chicago to California to search for his new life.

He met some Unification Church members in California and joined in 1977. He was deeply moved to hear lectures from Rev. Kevin McCarthy during a 40-day workshop and continued to study the Divine Principle.

Mike served as staff for NY CARP for many art-related projects dealing with design, photography, filmmaking, including projects taking him to Guatemala, Russia, Ukraine. After missionary work in Korea in 1989, he returned to Chicago to support “hometown providence.” He then worked with the movement in Chicago. From 1992 to 2007, Mike supported various speaking tours for Rev. Moon and Dr. Moon.

After attending a workshop for Blessed Couples in Korea in 2001, Mike started to work on a special project about Korea. After 9.11, his goal of filmmaking changed to focus on “The Providence of Korea.” He worked to support True Parents’ Coronation Ceremony in Korea in 2003. Mike also volunteered as a caretaking for a church camp in the Chicago region from 2002 to 2011.

Mike received a B.A. degree in filmmaking at Columbia College in Chicago. During this time, he studied the movie Inchon produced by HSA-UWC, and kept pioneering the new way of introducing True Parents and the Divine Principle to the public. One of his projects was shown at the local theater in Chicago.

He worked as a teacher and served as a volunteer for 20 years in central Illinois. Mike was an independent artist who had a unique artistic eye and mind for creativity. He loved passionately talking to people about beauty and God’s heart and has been always studying and documenting True Parents and God’s words to inspire and create his art.

“His youngest brother, Jeremy was gone with light, and a big brother, Mike was gone with wind around the great lakes, Michigan.”

Mike is survived by his wife, Toshie McShane; mother, Donna McShane (90); two brothers, Kevin McShane and David McShane; sister, Carla Orlandi; niece, Marisa Orlandi; and nephews, Austin McShane and Matthew Rittono.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM CDT
Location: Old Courthouse Museum Chapel, upstairs (103 W. Cherry Street Watseka, IL 60970)

GoFundMe to support the family: https://gofund.me/49fb3ec5

For more information contact Toshie McShane: 779-338-6547
email: mcshatoshi@hotmail.com

In Memory of Kazue Ueda

Kazue Ueda

Spouse: Takeshi Ueda
Children: Miho, Yoshiki, Yukiyo, Marie
Birthdate: November 16, 1954
Blessing: January 12, 1989
Ascension: February 24, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 9, 2024

Kazue Ueda was born on November 16, 1954 in the city of Tsuyama, Okayama prefecture, Japan, to Noriyoshi and Tsuneko Endo, the second of three children.

She attended Nihon Joshi Daigaku, Women’s University of Japan, where she studied Sociology. It was here that her early life in the Unification Church began when she was witnessed to and joined CARP. After university, she made her way to the United States as a young missionary to continue carrying out God's work, witnessing in states across the country including Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York.

In 1989, she was Blessed to Takeshi Ueda in the 1,275 Couples Blessing in Korea. The couple had four children—Miho, Yoshiki, Yukiyo, and Marie. In 2007, Kazue moved to Los Angeles with her husband and children after 18 years of living in the Bay Area of northern California. She was welcomed by the SoCal church community and has called the Los Angeles Family Church her home for the past 17 years.

She was a devout churchgoer, often volunteering at events, attending service with her son, Yoshiki, every week without fail. There was no day that she missed. Many members who knew her testify to her kind, sincere, and gentle spirit. Her humble nature and quiet strength spoke volumes. She had a quiet but impactful presence and her absence will be felt by everyone who knew her, whether they knew her closely or just in passing.

Kazue will remain in our memory as a hardworking mother and a devoted member of the church community. She will always be remembered for her gentle and caring soul that brought joy to those around her. Everything she did was out of love for her family, God, and her community; and even when it went unnoticed, she never stopped. Despite her calm nature, her strength and courage can be seen through the pain she quietly endured. Her warm smile and comforting presence will be deeply missed by the people whose lives she touched during her time here.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM PDT
Location: Los Angeles Family Church (2301 Findlay Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754)

GoFundMe to support the family: https://gofund.me/60b527e8

Link to the livestream via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85187957634?pwd=QlphNEZ6SE5VYk04b0pLbDhEQmpPdz09
Meeting ID: 851 8795 7634
Passcode: 357804