Maren L. Somers

Condolences

Hi, my name is Marvis Orzek and I work in Environmental Engineering at UI. I have known Maren since she was a student worker in our department. She was a wonderful girl. Always a smile on her face and a cheerful disposition. I know she touched many lives in our department (including mine) and she will be greatly missed.

Marvis Orzek

 

Nancy/Peter,

Tonny and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. May your good memories of Maren carry you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With deepest sympathies,

Dee

 

My thoughts and prayers are with Maren’s family. It was a joy getting to know Maren when she was a student worker in the CEE department. Her desk was right outside my office and we would frequently chat about school and her EWB activities. What a beautiful person and a beautiful soul who literally touched lives around the world.

John Kelley, Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations

 

Nancy and Peter,

Joan and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences for your profound loss. Your family will be in our thoughts. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.

Michael Robinson

 

Dear Pete and Nancy, we are so very very sorry to hear of your precious Maren's death. We are just heartbroken to hear of this tragic news. Please know we are holding you close in our hearts during what is surely one of the saddest times of your lives. We love you both and will be talking with you soon. With much love and compassion, Ralph and Sherry

Ralph and Sherry Foster
Morehead City, N.C.

 

Nancy,

We met briefly in Champaign during a University event. I am Ben Barnes’s mom. I am so very sorry to hear of Maren’s death. She will be remembered and missed by so many people. You and all of Maren’s family and friends are in my prayers.

Sincerely,
-genevieve

 

Nan and Pete—

We are overwhelmed by the news of Maren’s death and can’t begin to imagine your pain at the moment. I remember when she and Mike were very young I once told Nan that one day I hoped to have kids just like them. Maren was someone very special even at that young age. She touched more lives and had more incredible accomplishments in her short life than many people do in their entire lifetime. We will always remember her fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Tim and Jackie Feather

 

To the Somers Family,

Although it has been years since we saw Maren, we always think of her as part of the DeSoto Grade School group with our son Lucas. We are so sorry for your loss. She was a bright and beautiful girl/young woman. We hope you will share scholarship information with The Southern Illinoisan, here in Carbondale, as we know many old friends would like to contribute.

Sincerely,

Fred, Jean, Lucas and Valerie Alstat

 

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all who knew and loved Maren. We will always remember the little girl with blonde pony tails playing ball. Her smile will always be etched into our memories. She was a joy to know and words can not be expressed to ease your pain. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and wish we could be there at the memorial. Please know that Maren touched so many people from childhood thru adulthood and with that she will always be in our heart.

Sincerely,
Greg, Lori Mayhugh & Family
DeSoto, IL

 

Peter and Nancy:

We were so very saddened to hear of Maren's death. She was a wonderful person who brightened every place that she was. We still remember her as a little kid, running around at the ethnic feasts that the Schmidt's used to have. Even then, we could see what a special person she was. It was our pleasure to see her grow into a beautiful young woman.

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.

Dan and Jan — and Justin and Jessica Sitarz

 

Dear Somers Family,

I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Maren’s death. She was a great friend to me and though I haven’t seen here in a few years she will be greatly missed. In all of the memories I have of her in my mind she was smiling big smile of hers. When I hear her name I think of how genuinely sweet and kind she was to me. In a world full of selfish and negative people Maren was a breath of fresh air and was always an encouragement to me. I’m so very sorry for you guys.

My family and I will be praying for you, and should you need anything just let me know.

Andrew Staff

 

Dear Pete, Nancy, & Mike,

I am deeply saddened to read about Maren's untimely passing. Your family holds a very special place in my heart and memories. Please know that Maren will always be fondly remembered by her junior high science teacher in DeSoto, Illinois.

Sincerely,

Renee Lefler
Royalton, IL

 

Pete, Nancy and Michael:

We are so very sad to hear the news about Maren. Her smile lit up a room and her warm heart made her a friend to so many.

The world is a little less bright without Maren in it.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this very difficult time.
Thinking of you all.

In sympathy.

The Longueville
Lori, John, Matt, Julia and Adam

 

Words fail at the time one most wants to dig deep and express emotion...we just learned of your tragic loss and please know that our love, tears, thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your family! WE think of Maren and Michael as children when we knew them....extensive readers and in touch with life and sharing such marvelous experiences with the two of you. What truly creative and devoted parents the two of you always were....and what super kids you launched into this needy world. We have heard of Maren's work experiences and what magnificence she poured into her lifetime...her work was so important and she will be remembered by sooo many around the world. May you find peace in the memories of the life the four of you shared and the success in life that your children found built on the love of such a strong family foundation. Hoping to visit with you soon....

Charlie & Joyce Myers

Carbondale, Il. 62901

 

Dear Family of Maren Somers,

The members of our department are deeply saddened by Maren’s death. We enjoyed very much having her as a graduate student, colleague, and friend in our department. Our thoughts are with you. If there are things we can be of help, please do not hesitate to let us know.

With deep sympathy,

KC Ting

 

Peter & Nancy,

We were stunned to hear the news of Maren’s passing. It’s been many years since she brightened our home, spending time with our daughter Victoria, during their years at CCHS. Her smile and enthusiasm promised great things and her delightful presence remains clear in our memories. We ache with you and extend our thoughts and prayers.

Chris & Beth Moore
Fairview Heights IL

 

My sincerest sympathies and condolences on your tragic loss. I am a friend and former classmate of Maren's from CCHS. We sang together at our high school graduation. She is leaving an astounding legacy and will be missed the world over. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything I can do, even from across an ocean.

Victoria J. Moore

National University of Ireland, Galway

 

Nancy and Pete:

Please accept my heart felt condolences to you and your family for the loss of Maren. I remember her when she was very young and hard to believe that a young life would be cut short. As a parent, I understand the difficulties that you are encountering. My prayers are with you and know Maren is at peace.

Brian Klubek

 

Dr. Pete and Nancy,

Words cannot express our sorrow for what you are going through. Please know that you have been in our thoughts. If there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to ask.

With love,

Brooke and Missie
Dexter, MO

 

I cannot be there to share this with you in person, and I don't think that I'll tell you anything that you don't already know, but I needed to tell you how much your daughter meant to me and how much she will be missed! I first met Maren in EWB (surprise surprise). I was always amazed by her amazing dedication to the project and the organization and the cause but most of all to the people we were helping. Her spirit made so many things possible and I know it will continue to do so even now that she's no longer with us. Maren's smile and laughter made every project meeting that much more fun and her dedication and hard work made everything come together. Outside of EWB, Maren introduced me to so many new and interesting ideas!

I am heartbroken that Maren left us so soon but I will do my very best to make sure that everything she taught me and all of the things she worked so hard for will stay in my heart. I know that this is trivial, but you are all in my thoughts in prayers!

As ever~
Jessica Krogstad

 

Peter, Nancy, Mike and Erin,

We were so saddened when Josh told us the news. Our thoughts and deepest
sympathies are with you. We were remembering that evening you all came over
to our house for a BBQ shortly after the kids graduated. We remember Maren
fondly.

Dick & Connie Steffen and family.
ElPaso, IL

 

Dear Pete and Nan,

Cathy Schmidt called us last night to let us know of Maren’s death. Our hearts are full of sadness; we can not even imagine the pain and suffering you are both feeling right now; the loss of a child is incomprehensible. Maren’s death at such a young age tears at our hearts. Both Rich and I are so very sorry for your loss and want you to know we are thinking of you. Please know that your friends near and far have you in our thoughts and prayers and wish we could be there to shoulder some of your intense pain and anguish. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you as well as Mike.

All our love and prayers to you,

Pam and Rich Christ
Sherwood, OR

 

Pete, Nancy, & Mike:

I'm so sorry to hear of Maren's passing. Maren will always be remembered by me as a sweet and caring person. While in my Fourth Grade class in DeSoto, she was always conscientious, had a love for learning, and would consistently work hard. Maren was that "ray of sunshine" I would look forward to seeing everyday! I will be praying for all of you during this difficult time.

Mary Beth Reiman
Makanda, IL

 

I am in Canada now. But I'd like to express my deep condolence to her family and ABE members. Maren was a shining girl, and always bring laughter and happiness to our office. We couldn't forget her.

May she find peace in heaven.

Hai Wu

 

I was a Knight with Maren, and I probably would've been too shy to send a message if I hadn't recognized that the picture on the website as from our knight's ball in 2007. While there are really no good words to express condolences, I wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you. I still knew of her and her constant work to make the world a better place long before I knew her personally. I was impressed at how far her visions reached, but how friendly she could be in person to anyone on any continent. Even knowing her for such a brief time, I have no doubt that Maren's spirit will live on in the many, many lives that she touched.

Truly,

Marie Mayer

 

Maren was a truly fantastic person. I feel very fortunate to have known Maren and to have been friends with her. She is truly unforgetable, whether it was having a very late night chat about the world and philosophy around a bonfire, watching random South American films, or just listening to her describe her great work with Engineers Without Borders. The world is a far, far better place from Maren's presence, and I think that everybody who knew her is also a better person as a result.

Justin Koepke
Urbana, IL 61801

 

Dear Pete, Nancy and Mike,

I was so saddened to hear of Maren’s death and wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathy. It was a privilege and a joy to teach Maren. It has been almost 20 years but I remember how much she loved to learn and how she approached all tasks with great enthusiasm. She was an unforgettable student and a truly special person. I am so thankful to have known her.

Maren’s third grade teacher,

Bobbe Lenzini

 

I was saddend to read about Maren's death. She was such a special person to me and to Carbondale Community High School. I had not seen Maren in several years but had never forgotten her. Maren was the type of young lady one will always remember. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Shirley Miles-Gename

 

 

Dear family of Maren Somers and all near and dear,

We had the privilege of meeting Maren in Orissa while she was working on developing a solar lamp that would benefit those living in areas without electricity or with frequent power cuts. We are shocked and very sad to learn of her death. We fondly remember her as a very bright and friendly girl, putting her skills and ideas to use for the society and the environment. It is a great loss to humanity and we can only imagine all the good she would have done if she were not snatched from this world at such a young age.

with deepest sympathy,

Aravinda & Ravi
Association for India's Development
Deonar Maharashtra 400 088
INDIA

Dear Pete and Nancy,

We were deeply saddened to read of the death of your daughter Maren. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Barbara and Ray Stotler
Makanda, IL

 

To the Somers family,

We knew Maren briefly in Carbondale, and are very sorry to hear of her passing. Even as a young girl, we knew that she was a sensitive, insightful person.

Our sympathy is with you at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

John, Judy, and Martha Martinko
Carbondale, IL

 

 

Dear Nancy,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. From what I read of Maren, she was a shining ray of hope for making this world a better place. May God give you strength and love during this time of sorrow.

Cori Brown
US Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore

 

 

"To Maren's family. We all loved her. She touched all of our lives so
much in so many ways. She was bright and intelligent and inspired me
to dream big. She was a trail blazer and a woman of wonder. You will
be missed maren."

"Good bye Maren. You are beautiful. You will continue to inspire the
world with your beauty. Your heart is as endless as the sea and so
will be your soul and the love you continue to deliver to the rest of
us grounded here on land today."

Kate Peterson
Albany, NY



Pete and Nancy: So sorry to learn of your daughter Maren's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ken and Eunice Chilman

To Peter, Nancy, and Mike,

I cannot even begin to explain how saddened I am to hear of your loss. It is an understatement to say that she will be sorely missed. I cannot help but feel disappointed that I allowed for so much time to have passed without actually speaking with Maren. Every time that I look up at my desk, I am reminded of her (a moose that she gave me over a decade still sits above my computer) and I cannot help but smile at the memories we shared. Please let me know if there is -anything- that I can do.

Lots of love,

Amy (Ramsey) Martell
CCHS 2002
Nova Scotia, Canada


Dearest Peter & Nan,

We cannot imagine the horror that you are living through right now. There are no words that will bring comfort but please know that our hearts and prayers are with you and your family in this most terrible time in your lives.

Your friends,
Doug and Julie Garman

Las Vegas, NV

Maren's smile will live on in everybody she touched throughout her life. I had the privilege of sharing the experience as a Knight of St. Patrick with Maren. Although I only knew Maren for a short time, the enjoyment and pleasure she shared in our activities was infectious. She had a wonderful spirit. My thoughts and prayers go out to Maren's family and friends during this difficult time.

With heartfelt condolences,

Kelly O'Boyle
Seattle, WA



Dear Pete, Nancy and Mike

The proper words escape me, but please know that your loss of Maren is shared by all who knew her, Diane and myself included. I may not have seen her for some time, but your extended family has kept me abreast of her jumbled itinerary so that is easy to understand. The world will be a lesser place without her. Please let me know if there is anything I can do in addition to the scholarship fund.

Rick Holt
Christopher, IL

 

 

I want to send my deepest condolences to Maren Somers´ family and friends.

I met Maren at the University of Illinois while we were grad students and project leads for different EWB projects.

Her talents, qualities, achievements, values and exemplary life will certainly make her a legend at EWB-UIUC.

I will miss her.

Luis Martinez,
San Salvador, El Salvador

 

 

Peter and Nancy,

I am overwhelmed by sadness upon learning of Maren’s death. I will always remember her as a happy super smart lady.

I can’t imagine the sense of loss you must feel. Please accept our most sincere condolences and many hugs and prayers.

David and Beth Ponce
Carbondale, IL

 

Dear Pete, Nancy, & Mike,

I am deeply saddened to read about Maren's passing. Your family holds a very special place in my heart and memories. Please know that Maren will always be fondly remembered by her junior high science teacher in DeSoto, Illinois.

Sincerely,
Renee Lefler