Dearest loved ones
Naomi passed at 1:20AM this morning. Surrounded by her mother, sister, brother and husband (me), she slowly and peacefully wound herself down to a final rest.
Earlier this week I was set to post an update on her condition, the details of which are now moot. By way of overview, this past Friday, Valentine’s Day, it looked as though she would pass. Our doctor and nurses were all but certain. But the day came and went, and Nate’s handing out of Elmo-hearted Valentine’s Day cards to his classmates went undisturbed.
On Monday, Family Day came and went. Family gathered, again brought together by my wife, all while she kept fighting.
Hearts and Family, two things Naomi were sure to stick around for — two things that she always stood for.
And ultimately, what Naomi tried her hardest to avoid dying for.
Mother. Wife. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Niece. Cousin. Friend. Doctor. Researcher. Teacher. Student. Hero. Warrior. Light. She did everything to her best and with character and thoughtful generosity.
And now she’s off for a well earned rest, after a courageous battle and a far too short, but otherwise gracious, adventurous and love-filled life.
Funeral planning is in progress. Details to be confirmed after the Sabbath, with services likely held on Tuesday. Stay tuned for confirmations and details.
Hearts
Nate suited up in Red (blanc et bleu) for Valentine’s Day
Us love
Everybody Hearts 
Mitch. So sorrry to hear of your loss. Hopefully she is at peace now.
Take care
So very very sorry. My thoughts are with you, and I offer my condolence and my love.
I’m so very sorry. Thinking of you and your family; sending much love.
Sending love to you and Nate. ♥️
Mitch, my wife and I want to send our condolences, thoughts and love to you. Although, we never had the opportunity to meet Naomi, we have heard what an amazing, woman, mother and wife she was is.
Hello Mitchell,
You don’t know me but I am a friend of Naomi’s from high school. I’ve really only kept in touch with her on Facebook since school but had the opportunity to exchange a few emails when I heard of her diagnosis and this blog. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. Like many kids I had a hard time in my early high school years with being bullied and not fitting in. Naomi was definitely one of the cool kids but unlike so many others, her coolness came from an openness of spirit and a kindness and maturity uncommon in kids her age. One moment stands out in my mind more than any other, when she made a point of inviting me over to her place after school in front of a group of her friends who were being particularly nasty to me. I transferred to another school a year later, and as luck would have it Naomi did the same a year after that. So we had a chance to renew and deepen our friendship. I have so many fond memories of her from my teens and early twenties. She was a study buddy, road trip companion, relationship counselor, dance partner, secret keeper, fashion consultant, postcard writer, late-night-movie-watching-snack-a-thon pal, and above all a dear dear friend.
I last saw Naomi in Vancouver when she was here for your wedding. It was a chance run-in and I choose to remember her as I saw her that day: beautiful, confident, in love and looking forward to the future. I am so glad she continues to live on in her writing, in the memories of all those who loved her, and most importantly in your little boy. She has left such a legacy. I’ve made a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in her name so that Cancer can continue to get its stupid face punched. Between you and me I wouldn’t mind giving it a good kick in the balls for good measure.
Kelly
Sending condolences your way.
Today marks a deep loss, in so many respects, but ultimately it marks an even stronger presence. My amazing friend, Naomi, will be so deeply missed, but she will stay with me, and with everyone who was fortunate enough to be touched by her light, forever. The world is an infinitely brighter, more complex, and wonderful place to be because she existed. Her warmth, smile, sincerity, laugh, and curiosity will never leave any of us. Hearts and family, indeed. ❤
My heart breaks for you and your family, no one ever deserves this. She has taught you the greatest thing of true love and she will live on forever in your heart. My deepest condolence to you and the entire family. I send you prayers and strength during this differculity time.
Dearest Mitch ,soso sorry for your loss,Naomi was brave and determined to stay with you and Nate as long as she could.special. Our sympathies to you and your families. Love Evelyn and mark.
Mitchell, I have been thinking about you guys ever since I heard Naomi wasn’t doing well. What an incredibly heartbreaking and difficult thing for a family to go through. However, it sounds like you all made the best of the situation, and had some very high quality time in the end, which is what so many people hope for and never get to have. Although we’ve only crossed path at family events, I always thought Naomi was such an awesome person, and such a fighter. You have written on her behalf beautifully. I am sure she is still here with us in spirit, now free of pain, and watching over you and the family. Sending my love, hugs, and prayers to everyone. Hang in there. ❤
Thinking of you. I’m sorry for your loss. What a beautiful person your wife was; she touched so many. I’m glad to have “known” her.
May her memory be always for a blessing.
Thinking of you, your beautiful son and families. I’ll always remember the way you spoke of Naomi, with so much love and respect. Wishing her peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It must have been so hard to say good bye. 😦 I’ll never forget what an amazing person Naomi was. Such beauty and grace, such a huge heart, such a happy spirit. I feel lucky to have known her.
I am so sad. My deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. I was introduced to Naomi through our nurse navigator at PMH and I am so truly blessed to have had a chance to meet her, even for a short while. We kept in touch and Dec 12 was the last time I saw her. We were at our orientation for a mindful course at PMH. She had told me she was going to see her doctor to explain her further headache issues she was experiencing. We hugged as we cried and that feeling of having her close will forever be in my heart. RIP to a beautiful, inspirational, smart, uplifting, marvelous woman! Naomi, you will always leave a long lasting memory in my heart. I’ll miss you and will be forever grateful to Shelley Westerguard at PMH for bringing us together. With much love and hugs, Trozzo Family.
My deepest condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss Mitch. All my love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss Mitch. All my love, thoughts as prayers are with you and your family.
I do not know you or your beautiful wife Naomi but your post and obvious love and respect for her nashama prompted me to comment. Baruch Dayan Emeth.
My sincere condolences to you , Mitchell and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. She was a beautiful soul.
So sorry to hear the news. Sending you and Nate lots of courage and smiles.
Sending you and Nate lots of courage and smiles.
Mitchell – my deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. While I haven’t seen Naomi in years, we were friends in high school and I’m truly shocked and saddened by her early passing. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace.
Mitchell, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. So sorry to read about the loss of such a beautiful human being, mother and wife. May you be comforted by remembering all the precious moments you shared together.
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you..
Glenn
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I graduated high school with Naomi and it’s been probably 10-ish years since the last time I saw her…which was on Main St here in Vancouver. Nothing had changed. She’s was such an amazing person. I have never forgotten about her through all these years. Her wonderful and beautiful legacy will truly live on.
We are so sorry to hear the sad news. We never had the pleasure of meeting Naomi in person but her courage throughout her fight has been inspirational to all. May you find the love and support of those close to you provide the strength needed to face the challenges ahead. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Naomi, you will be so missed. Thank you for touching so many lives. I am very sorry for your loss, Mitch and Nate and Naomi’s mother and sister and all her family. My prayers are with you.
My dear Mitchell, my heart goes out to you for your loss. In your overwhelming grief, try to remember the happiness that Naomi generously gave you and Nate.
Be well,
Sophie Kakouratos, ( your old vice- principal)
To Susie, Leonard, T’ai and to the rest of Naomi’s family. I only met Naomi once, but she is a face and a feeling one can never forget. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you, Phyllis, Howie, & Jake Kozer.
Mitch…how well I remember you that first yer of LaurenHill…..this is indeed a very sad moment. My thoughts and prayers are with you..your son and family. Gail Ewing
Hi Mitchell, our deepest condolences to you and you’re family. We haven’t met , I am Rachel one of the owners at Nate’s daycare. We are all heart broken and saddened by the news of Naomi’s passing. Naomi was a loving and caring mother to Nate. Nate loves his mom infinity and beyond. He told us every day how Naomi was doing and it made us all cry.
Susie, Hansuel and Fabi have all been there for Nate during this difficult time. Nate is loved by everyone and we will continue to support you both in any way that we can. We all admire your strength and courage during this difficult time. Big hugs to Nate from his Distillery family.
Love,
Rachel, Lucy and Susie
Mitchell,
Sabina and I are deeply saddened for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family at this time and send our condolences. You are all in our prayers.
Hey Mitch,
I’ve only recently read about what’s been going on. I just wanted to pass on my deepest and sincerest condolences. My father passed away when I was less than 4. I was lucky to have a ton of love and support, and my reality although not ideal, was still wonderful. It really seems like your surrounded by a ton of love and support. Use it well… My thoughts are with you,
Jy
Mitchell,
Deepest condolences to both you and your son Nate and the rest of the family. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Dale and family.
Mitchell, I am so sad to hear about Naomi’s passing. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are all going through. You don’t know me but as a breast cancer survivor who’s just finished treatment, I had been following her blog and was so upset to hear that she wasn’t doing well. Today as I read of her passing, I was shocked to realize that I actually kind of know you – I am friends with your dad and mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your son and the rest of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. She seemed to be quite an amazing woman, mother and wife!
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. While I haven’t seen Naomi in years, we worked together in Japan back in 2000 and I’m truly shocked and saddened by her early passing. My deepest condolences to you, Nate both families and the many friends.
Sending deepest sympathies to you, Nate (+ bunny), and both the Angel and Praw extended families and friends. Warm thanks for your updates, Mitchell. You’re in our prayers and thoughts. Much love, Mary, Ben, Sydney and Sky
Brian and I send our deepest condolences to you Mitch and your son Nate. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Lewena and Brian Steinberg
Mitchell:
You don’t know me but I was friend of Eva, Susie’s sister and have known the family for a long time. Of course, I have met your father in law on many occasions and still facebook with T’ai. My heart goes out to you in a big way. I wish you only sweet and good things for you and your son and your whole family to come. With deepest condolences, Phyllis, Howie and Jake Kotzer.
All of us at NYU are devastated by the loss of such a radiant, brilliant, and courageous woman. Naomi was adored at MCC. Please know we are thinking of you and Nate, and sending our deepest condolences.
So sorry for your loss. With my most sincere and deepest condolences.
Dear Mitchell,
I was so sorry to hear of Naomi’s passing. She and I were good friends in Tokyo back in around 2001-2002. She was always such fun to be around, so kind and generous. We went to Karaoke with friends and I remember her as always smiling and laughing a lot. I had no idea she had been so ill these last months and my thoughts are now with you and your son Nate. I send you my deepest sympathy, Thomas Horsley
Mitchell – I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to you, Nate and your families. The world is a better place because of Naomi.
On behalf of the Nanny Angel Network volunteers, moms and Board of Directors, we are so grateful to be selected as the charity of choice to honor Naomi’s beautiful life. We have created the “Naomi Fund” in her memory. The money raised will be used to provide specialized training for our volunteers so that we can better help young children manage having a mother with cancer, specifically a mother in palliative care and through the bereavement.period The Nanny Angel Network has helped over 300 mothers with cancer, provided 4200 hours of free childcare and creatively entertained 520 children while their mothers attended crucial medical appointments or just had some much needed rest. With your help, we will do even better. Please visit http://www.nannyangelnetwork.com or please feel free to call me directly.
With immense gratitude,
Audrey Guth
Founder
Nanny Angel Network
Mitchell – I am so sorry for your loss. I remember hearing you speak about Naomi in our pod at work and how your face lit up when you did. Your adoration and love for her so apparent to those around you. My heart goes out to you, Nate and your families.
Dear Mitchell, I was so very sorry to hear the news yesterday. I was out of the country and offline from Feb. 19th until then. Naomi’s passing is a great tragedy; she was one of the kindest, most graceful, brilliant human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing. My heart aches for you and Nate. All love, warmth and light,
Heather
Hi Mitch, I am another friend of Naomi’s from high school I wanted to extend my sympathies to you and your family. I was shocked to hear of the news and I hope that with time healing may bless your family!
Hi Mitch, I knew Naomi in high school. She was always a warm, friendly and genuine person. Her sudden loss at the prime of her life was such terrible news to hear. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May the moments you were granted together bring you solace.