Ginger if you're serious, I've got a connection with someone who also knew ita back in TT (not Buffistas) and she's telling me there is private group on FB filled with people who had lost touch with ita but care a great deal about her passing. They want to know about where to send cards, flowers, donations, etc. and I told her I would let her know once the details are sorted out. I am certain many of them would like to send stories/photos so if you're going to be the recipient please let me know when it's okay to give your contact details out.

I'd have volunteered to do this but I was point person like this for another friend who died in October and I am still reeling from that. So I can help but not spearhead.

I have no photos but a lot of ita memories to share. And I can help with anyone who wants to write something and needs words.

there is private group on FB filled with people who had lost touch with ita but care a great deal about her passing.

This, in addition to io9? I'm not surprised, but I am kind of overwhelmed at how loved she is.

Allyson, I think it's a splendid idea, and while I don't have the time to help coordinate, I'd be happy to chip in a small donation if that would be useful.

Ginger, thank you.

Allyson, you're already doing so much. It's not at all dramatic or bad that you're recognizing both something that needs to be done, and that it's something you're not able to do that we can get done. 300 footprints, and all.

This, in addition to io9? I'm not surprised, but I am kind of overwhelmed at how loved she is.

Yep. My friend Michele saw my post on FB and immediately texted me with WTF. She didn't even know ita and I were friends. It's another group of people who did the TT, WX, PF thing and then went their own way to create another forum. And then a bunch of people left that forum and are now just on FB but in a secret group. I have been invited to that secret group but I am wary of letting people I haven't vetted personally know my real name.

If Allyson is okay with my doing it, I'd be fine with y'all giving out my profile addy.

Another option would be for the members of that group to join the Facebook Buffistas page, because I would ask people to post pictures there.

Allyson, that's a damned good idea. I'll help if I can. I have collected all the photos that have been posted on the Buffistas FB today. They're all available for use, as long as their owners don't mind.

I keep remembering the b/w one of Betsy and ita and her cane at Deb's.

I don't post very much, but I do try to keep up with people's lives.

I've been following this community since it was back on Table Talk, and ita has always been a part of it. She shone, but never overshadowed others. When it was needed, she gave of her time and effort to make this place, and help it grow. She had hard times, and strange times, and she stayed with us through them.

The only thing left to say is, I wish I'd made the effort to get to know her better.

Yes, there are two other online groups of which I am a part that ita was involved in (one still exists, one defunct but I am still in touch with people) that I broke the bad news to.