A New Zealand peregrina dies in Leon

[GettingThere]

I have just come across this article in today's New Zealand Herald newspaper, about a New Zealand pilgrim, Jill Lorch, who died last week in her sleep in Leon while on the Camino: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059994

Jill was walking the Camino Frances with her husband Jim. Such sad news - my heart goes out to Jim and their family.

Go well, Peregrina.

 

[Donna Sch]

That is sad and a huge shock for the family and her camino family but being on the Camino and dying in your sleep sounds like a good death. Living life to the fullest in a wonderful environment with someone you love at your side.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Very sad to here this . I’m in mind with family and friends .

Rest in place Peregrina.

 

[nycwalking]

Oh my!

R.I.P. her.

Blessings and coping mechanisms for her family.

 

[Waka]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

 

[Tui]

Sincere sympathy to the family, R.I.P.

 

[wayfarer]

Our condolonces to her family and friends.
May she rest in peace.

 

[Robo]

Whast sad news.
RIP Perigrina.
Condolences to family.

 

[Former member 49149]

I have just come across this article in today's New Zealand Herald newspaper, about a New Zealand pilgrim, Jill Lorch, who died last week in her sleep in Leon while on the Camino: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059994

Jill was walking the Camino Frances with her husband Jim. Such sad news - my heart goes out to Jim and their family.

Go well, Peregrina.

Yes, yes, yes. Shocking. And, a sign that all of life's experiences are there on the camino. so very sad for those who mourn her.

 

[Anniesantiago]

RIP Peregrina.

 

[Banjo&Matilda]

How devastating. May she rest in peace.

 

[IngridF]

Another star in heaven. RIP

 

[Camino Jim]

My heart and prayers go out to the family …. but what a beautiful way to pass on to our greatest reward that God gave us is to be called home to be in the arms of Christ, on the Camino de Santiago's of Spain ….. That is how I hope I go as well some day <3

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I'm with you, Camino Jim!
I would love to die while in my sleep on the camino! Unfortunatey that is very unlikely to happen, as my camino days are, of necessity, over.
However, my heart goes out to her husband Jim: I cannpt imagine life without my partner.
Blessings from the UK .... and vaya con Dios!

 

[Bala]

So sorry to read this. Rest in peace, peregrina. And may your family and friends find the comfort and strength they most need now.

 

[MTowers]

So sorry to read this. Rest in peace, peregrina. And may your family and friends find the comfort and strength they most need now.

I agree with everyone and send my heartfelt sympathy to her family. If only we could choose. Requiescat in pace.

 

[Former member 49149]

I'm with you, Camino Jim!
I would love to die while in my sleep on the camino! Unfortunatey that is very unlikely to happen, as my camino days are, of necessity, over.
However, my heart goes out to her husband Jim: I cannpt imagine life without my partner.
Blessings from the UK .... and vaya con Dios!

Stephen, forgive me for sidetracking. Sorry to hear that you are now on the sidelines. I am sure you have many memories to replay and keep you on the camino.!

 

[Jim]

For Jill’s Family: my sincerest sympathies! Know that your loved one has passed on to become “An Angel of the Camino.” Undoubtedly, she’ll be active in guiding others out there in so many ways that it’s almost unimaginable until you feel it, as I have, being a 7 time veteran of several Camino trails.
Rest In Peace, Jill.

 

[Desert Bruce]

Buen Camino Peregrina.

 

[pam287]

I have just come across this article in today's New Zealand Herald newspaper, about a New Zealand pilgrim, Jill Lorch, who died last week in her sleep in Leon while on the Camino: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059994

Jill was walking the Camino Frances with her husband Jim. Such sad news - my heart goes out to Jim and their family.

Go well, Peregrina.

Sincere sympathy to the family, may she rest in peace.

 

[gittiharre]

Sincerest sympathy to Jill's family. What a shock this must be for you all. Lots of love Gitti

 

[HedaP]

Vale pilgrim. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Stephen, forgive me for sidetracking. Sorry to hear that you are now on the sidelines. I am sure you have many memories to replay and keep you on the camino.!

Hello Kirkie! I've walked on about 5 camino routes, and have over 3,000 photos to remind me of those wonderful days. But I am now in my 80th year and problems with breathing and kidney function limit walking to about 5 kms.
I wrote this poem some time ago:
O I would go
How gladly I would go
Were feet and limbs not aching with old age.

O I would go
Relive those times now past
When walking on the old, well trodden paths
Gave me such joy

O I would go
Meet up again with fellow travelers
Enjoy their company – their love – whilst on the road
Leading me onward to that golden shrine
Of Santiago.

O I would go
To walk again those quiet ways
Beside the rivers, over Roman paths
Under the welcome sun of northern Spain
To Santiago.

O I would go
But now the years have come
When pain prevents the onward path
To Santiago.

Yet even now, I bless those travelers
Still in their young or middle years
Who walk the paths pre-trodden by a million feet
To Santiago.

© Stephen Nicholls

I hope other forum members will forgive me going "off track" a bit. But let me assure you that my thoughts and prayers continue with Jim. Indeed, he will be in our church prayers next week. Blessings to all our readers - and to Ivar!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Prayers and condolences to the Family. I believe that I met Mr. and Mrs. Lorch between Puenta de la Reina and Estella. They were enjoying the day, warm but cloudy. There was a good climb ahead to reach a small town called Maneru. They had stopped to adjust their packs.

Pilgrims make this journey for very special reasons. Anyone who leaves us while on the Camino, has a special place in Heaven.

 

[Bala]

Prayers and condolences to the Family. I believe that I met Mr. and Mrs. Lorch between Puenta de la Reina and Estella. They were enjoying the day, warm but cloudy. There was a good climb ahead to reach a small town called Maneru. They had stopped to adjust their packs.

Pilgrims make this journey for very special reasons. Anyone who leaves us while on the Camino, has a special place in Heaven.

Beautifully said, Michelle. So nice to think of them having a lovely day together. It's a nice memory to share.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hello Kirkie! I've walked on about 5 camino routes, and have over 3,000 photos to remind me of those wonderful days. But I am now in my 80th year and problems with breathing and kidney function limit walking to about 5 kms.
I wrote this poem some time ago:
O I would go
How gladly I would go
Were feet and limbs not aching with old age.

O I would go
Relive those times now past
When walking on the old, well trodden paths
Gave me such joy

O I would go
Meet up again with fellow travelers
Enjoy their company – their love – whilst on the road
Leading me onward to that golden shrine
Of Santiago.

O I would go
To walk again those quiet ways
Beside the rivers, over Roman paths
Under the welcome sun of northern Spain
To Santiago.

O I would go
But now the years have come
When pain prevents the onward path
To Santiago.

Yet even now, I bless those travelers
Still in their young or middle years
Who walk the paths pre-trodden by a million feet
To Santiago.

© Stephen Nicholls

I hope other forum members will forgive me going "off track" a bit. But let me assure you that my thoughts and prayers continue with Jim. Indeed, he will be in our church prayers next week. Blessings to all our readers - and to Ivar!

Such a beautiful poem, Stephen! It brought tears to my eyes. We will all relate to your story one day, some of us sooner rather than later. I'm glad you have your many memories and photos of numerous Camino experiences.

And thank you, Kirkie, for inquiring of Stephen. I had the same question, but you were quicker on the draw to ask.

 

[Russnikovsky]

Why am i crying ? sleep well Peregrina x

 

[Angelo]

Very sad.
Rest in Peace.
Condolences to the family.

 

[Maple Leaf Walker]

Hello Kirkie! I've walked on about 5 camino routes, and have over 3,000 photos to remind me of those wonderful days. But I am now in my 80th year and problems with breathing and kidney function limit walking to about 5 kms.
I wrote this poem some time ago:
O I would go
How gladly I would go
Were feet and limbs not aching with old age.

O I would go
Relive those times now past
When walking on the old, well trodden paths
Gave me such joy

O I would go
Meet up again with fellow travelers
Enjoy their company – their love – whilst on the road
Leading me onward to that golden shrine
Of Santiago.

O I would go
To walk again those quiet ways
Beside the rivers, over Roman paths
Under the welcome sun of northern Spain
To Santiago.

O I would go
But now the years have come
When pain prevents the onward path
To Santiago.

Yet even now, I bless those travelers
Still in their young or middle years
Who walk the paths pre-trodden by a million feet
To Santiago.

© Stephen Nicholls

I hope other forum members will forgive me going "off track" a bit. But let me assure you that my thoughts and prayers continue with Jim. Indeed, he will be in our church prayers next week. Blessings to all our readers - and to Ivar!

Stephen: I start my second Camino in less than two weeks. I’ll be walking one of those kilometres for you.

 

[VNwalking]

Heartfelt condolences to the whole family.
It is very sad when a loved one walks ahead on paths we cannot yet tread.
RIP, peregrina.

 

[Former member 49149]

Hello Kirkie! I've walked on about 5 camino routes, and have over 3,000 photos to remind me of those wonderful days. But I am now in my 80th year and problems with breathing and kidney function limit walking to about 5 kms.
I wrote this poem some time ago:
O I would go
How gladly I would go
Were feet and limbs not aching with old age.

O I would go
Relive those times now past
When walking on the old, well trodden paths
Gave me such joy

O I would go
Meet up again with fellow travelers
Enjoy their company – their love – whilst on the road
Leading me onward to that golden shrine
Of Santiago.

O I would go
To walk again those quiet ways
Beside the rivers, over Roman paths
Under the welcome sun of northern Spain
To Santiago.

O I would go
But now the years have come
When pain prevents the onward path
To Santiago.

Yet even now, I bless those travelers
Still in their young or middle years
Who walk the paths pre-trodden by a million feet
To Santiago.

© Stephen Nicholls

I hope other forum members will forgive me going "off track" a bit. But let me assure you that my thoughts and prayers continue with Jim. Indeed, he will be in our church prayers next week. Blessings to all our readers - and to Ivar!

Stephen, I have just re-read your poem, and printed it out. It is a testament to human striving and - finally - acceptance and there is something of Simeon there, and of the generosity that blesses without selfishness.

 

[Marbe2]

This must have been very difficult for Jim and the rest of the Lorch family .but a beautiful way to go for Jill. Your family is I’m my thoughts and prayer.

 

[Koidream]

Our condolonces to her family and friends.
May she rest in peace.

 

[Russnikovsky]

You just never know in this life, i have walked the camino every year for the last 10 years, i leave England and either walk the Frances or one of the others (Camino Levante i highly recommend) any way getting back to this thread, i met a Japanese man and wife (Just before Leon) walking all of the camino From St Jean to Santiago...he was 91 and she was 86, they both had rucksacks and never took a taxi or bus and they had such big smiles on their faces, we never know what is in front of us and tomorrow could be the last day of anybody in this world..keep moving

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Dear Jill, rest in peace, my sincere condolences to your family. Buen Camino...

 

[BeeHodge]

I have just come across this article in today's New Zealand Herald newspaper, about a New Zealand pilgrim, Jill Lorch, who died last week in her sleep in Leon while on the Camino: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059994

Jill was walking the Camino Frances with her husband Jim. Such sad news - my heart goes out to Jim and their family.

Go well, Peregrina.

I have just returned from my Camino France... my thoughts are with the family ... xx

 

[andylm65]

Hello Kirkie! I've walked on about 5 camino routes, and have over 3,000 photos to remind me of those wonderful days. But I am now in my 80th year and problems with breathing and kidney function limit walking to about 5 kms.
I wrote this poem some time ago:
O I would go
How gladly I would go
Were feet and limbs not aching with old age.

O I would go
Relive those times now past
When walking on the old, well trodden paths
Gave me such joy

O I would go
Meet up again with fellow travelers
Enjoy their company – their love – whilst on the road
Leading me onward to that golden shrine
Of Santiago.

O I would go
To walk again those quiet ways
Beside the rivers, over Roman paths
Under the welcome sun of northern Spain
To Santiago.

O I would go
But now the years have come
When pain prevents the onward path
To Santiago.

Yet even now, I bless those travelers
Still in their young or middle years
Who walk the paths pre-trodden by a million feet
To Santiago.

© Stephen Nicholls

I hope other forum members will forgive me going "off track" a bit. But let me assure you that my thoughts and prayers continue with Jim. Indeed, he will be in our church prayers next week. Blessings to all our readers - and to Ivar!

How lovely!

 

[andylm65]

I have just come across this article in today's New Zealand Herald newspaper, about a New Zealand pilgrim, Jill Lorch, who died last week in her sleep in Leon while on the Camino: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059994

Jill was walking the Camino Frances with her husband Jim. Such sad news - my heart goes out to Jim and their family.

Go well, Peregrina.

How sad for her family and partner. My sincerest condolences. And yet if I had to choose a way and place to pass beyond my Camino would be it. Buen Camino Peregrina!

 

[Maiz]

Condolence Jim and family. Jill is at peace in God’s care. My prayers and thoughts are with you and family. Maiz

 

[llonya]

I have just come across this article in today's New Zealand Herald newspaper, about a New Zealand pilgrim, Jill Lorch, who died last week in her sleep in Leon while on the Camino: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12059994

Jill was walking the Camino Frances with her husband Jim. Such sad news - my heart goes out to Jim and their family.

Go well, Peregrina.

My condolences to her family and friends.
May she rest in peace.

 

[Cuci]

Hello Kirkie! I've walked on about 5 camino routes, and have over 3,000 photos to remind me of those wonderful days. But I am now in my 80th year and problems with breathing and kidney function limit walking to about 5 kms.
I wrote this poem some time ago:
O I would go
How gladly I would go
Were feet and limbs not aching with old age.

O I would go
Relive those times now past
When walking on the old, well trodden paths
Gave me such joy

O I would go
Meet up again with fellow travelers
Enjoy their company – their love – whilst on the road
Leading me onward to that golden shrine
Of Santiago.

O I would go
To walk again those quiet ways
Beside the rivers, over Roman paths
Under the welcome sun of northern Spain
To Santiago.

O I would go
But now the years have come
When pain prevents the onward path
To Santiago.

Yet even now, I bless those travelers
Still in their young or middle years
Who walk the paths pre-trodden by a million feet
To Santiago.

© Stephen Nicholls

I hope other forum members will forgive me going "off track" a bit. But let me assure you that my thoughts and prayers continue with Jim. Indeed, he will be in our church prayers next week. Blessings to all our readers - and to Ivar!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem, Stephen. A good reminder of God's gift of precious time. You continue to inspire us all . We are starting ours in a few days from now. May we be blessed as you have been.

 

[Tikitour]

My heart goes out to her family. I hope there is comfort in the thought that she was doing something she loved and left peacefully.
Arohanui from Aotearoa

 

[Loretta Jane]

Hello Kirkie! I've walked on about 5 camino routes, and have over 3,000 photos to remind me of those wonderful days. But I am now in my 80th year and problems with breathing and kidney function limit walking to about 5 kms.
I wrote this poem some time ago:
O I would go
How gladly I would go
Were feet and limbs not aching with old age.

O I would go
Relive those times now past
When walking on the old, well trodden paths
Gave me such joy

O I would go
Meet up again with fellow travelers
Enjoy their company – their love – whilst on the road
Leading me onward to that golden shrine
Of Santiago.

O I would go
To walk again those quiet ways
Beside the rivers, over Roman paths
Under the welcome sun of northern Spain
To Santiago.

O I would go
But now the years have come
When pain prevents the onward path
To Santiago.

Yet even now, I bless those travelers
Still in their young or middle years
Who walk the paths pre-trodden by a million feet
To Santiago.

© Stephen Nicholls

I hope other forum members will forgive me going "off track" a bit. But let me assure you that my thoughts and prayers continue with Jim. Indeed, he will be in our church prayers next week. Blessings to all our readers - and to Ivar!

What a beautiful poem. So moving.

 

[verber]

The rest of the story is James is on the Camino now finishing the trip he and Jill started 5y ago. He is sharing the Camino spirit with whomever he meets