Honoring Sharon Margaret Cizdziel

Sharon Margaret Cizdziel (Kelter) was born in Canada.  She came to U.S.  as a 12 yr old girl.  As a teenager she was a gold medal winner for swimming.  Sharon was a single Mom of Kenneth and Kim Marie, life partner of Robert and step mom of Georgianna and Jennifer.  Sharon devoted her entire life to her kids and grandchildren Joshua and Tyler. Her son Kenneth was born deaf and special needs,  Sharon spent every day with him his whole life. They passed away 9 days apart.  Proving their special connection.

My Mom was the most giving, caring selfless, beautiful woman ever.  If you were her friend she would be there for you in an instant. If you were her child or Grandchild she would move mountains for you. I am who I am today because I had the most amazing mother on the planet.  Sharon loved to look pretty and if it was shiny she had to have it.  I walk this earth without my Mom, my best friend, and with a hole that only she can fill.  Yet I know she’s somehow she is still with me every step...WHEN ONE OF US IS GONE.. AND ONE OF US IS LEFT TO CARRY ON, OUR MEMORIES ALONE WILL GET US THRU. I LOVE YOU MOMMY.

Honoring Jeffrey Jensen

Jeffrey Jensen CASL2018.PNG

Louis Jeffrey Jensen, age Sixty (1956-2016), of Easton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, December 27th, at Yale New Haven Cancer Center in Connecticut. Jeff was born to Louis and Lucille Jensen on July fifteenth, 1956. He attended J.P. Stevens High School and graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

In 1991 Jeff married Marylou Petersen. They began their life together in Metuchen, New Jersey, where both their daughters were born. The family later moved to Cranbury, New Jersey, and then Easton, Connecticut, where they have lived for the last eighteen years. Jeff was a successful advertising and marketing executive, working with several companies such as : News America Marketing, Adspace, ZadSpace, and most recently, Linkable Networks. Jeff was an adventurous man; he received his pilot’s license in 1986, enjoying many flights in cessna aircraft. He was a lover of automobiles, and could be seen driving his 1966 Cobra or his Yamaha Star Motorcycle at every chance he could. A lifelong aficionado of music, Jeff both attended and reported on many international concerts throughout his life. Jeff and his wife Marylou loved attending Jazz Festivals; Montreaux, Montreal, North Sea, Bermuda, New Orleans, Newport-- Just to name a few. Jeff has been a long time supporter of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and enjoyed bringing his loved ones and friends to enjoy the band at every opportunity. Jeff was an Eagle Scout, and an athlete, running in ½ marathons and duathlons for many years. He was passionate about the outdoors and cycling with his wife and daughters. Jeff enjoyed attending the Belmont Stakes for the past thirty-eight years, where he waited for, and was so pleased by, the last two triple crown winners. Jeff took pride in his home and family, and loved to surround himself with friends, enjoying home-cooked meals, and a fine glass of Bourbon. Jeff was a brilliant and well-read man of conviction. No grass grew under his feet. He was a true and excellent friend to all who knew him, and an honorable and loving husband and father till the end.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Marylou, daughters Marlee Rayden Jensen and Callie Lucille Jensen, brother Gregg Lee Jensen, and many wonderful extended family and friends. Jeff was a passionate believer in civil rights and supported charitable endeavors all of his life.

Honoring Kenneth Cizdziel

Kenneth Cizdziel (1960-2017) was born deaf and special needs. He attended St Mary's school for the deaf in Buffalo, NY. He was the apple of his Mom, Sharon's eye and she vowed to devote her life to care for him and give him as normal a life as she could with the help of his grandparents Bud and Doris Kelter. Perhaps that was why he was always smiling. Kenny had one sister Kim Marie , and two nephews Josh and Tyler. He never missed one of their football or baseball games. Rain or shine he was there cheering them on. 

Kenny loved sports especially the Buffalo Sabres. For years he and his Mom had front row season tickets for the Sabres. Kenny met several of the players and was welcomed in the dressing room. He was given jerseys, pucks, and many autographed sticks over the years. He actually passed away putting Sabres jersey on. 

Sadly, Kenneth passed away just 9 days after his Mom, I’m sure of a broken heart because they had spent every day of his life together. This picture was taken the night before his death as he danced to the vibrations of his nephews band playing at his Moms memorial. He was a special angel here on earth and now he smiles down on us. He is at peace with his Mom where he felt safest.

Honoring Stephanie Collins

Many of us lost a loving and compassionate friend. Stephanie Collins, 49. She didn’t take life for granted. She lived and she loved and we all benefited from having her in our lives. Stephanie had many gifts, her smile, her eyes, her love and her compassion. Stephanie loved. Her friends and family were the most important part of her life. How lucky we were to have her in ours.

Honoring Randy Lees

Randy Lees (as told by lifelong friend Erik deBoer)

"I've got to live again." from music written and performed by Randy Lees and Elizabeth Corrigan
Randy Lees and Erik deBoer grew up in New Orleans and were best friends forever. At age eleven, they heard the Beatles’ first performance on TV, and they began learning music together. They played guitar and Lees loved to sing. 

Vic Latham had a club in New Orleans called Pierre's. He put an advertisement in the paper for a blues guitarist. Eighteen year-old Randy Lees auditioned and got the job. He brought in Erik deBoer. They played until the club closed. Latham moved to Key West (later opened the Full Moon Saloon). Randy Lees became the lead vocalist in a nine-piece band in New Orleans called Randy and the Rhythm Aces.

In October 1971, deBoer contacted Vic Latham in Key West. Latham set him up with some work playing in Key West. The cost of living was low, and they thrived. Lees was playing with the Rhythm Aces, dividing up the revenue, barely surviving. Eric deBoer suggested Lees come to Key West. 

After Lees arrived, they hooked up with guitarist Andy Johnson. The band was built around Lees and Johnson. They played at Howie's on Duval, the Lantern Inn, and Crazy Ophelia's, (currently Antonia's). 

In 1978, Erik deBoer became a general contractor, and finally, with Richard Manley, opened the lumber yard, Manley deBoer. 

At Christmas, deBoer usually received a card containing a cassette with a song that Lees had recorded for him. In 1996, Randy Lees died at forty-five. After Lees’ death, deBoer went through a box of tapes of his music. With the help of Lees’ son Christian, he produced a CD of Randy's music—the perfect tribute to his best friend.

Eric deBoer recalls a gig with Randy Lees and Andy Johnson performing. The bar was empty. No one showed up. They decided to record Joni Mitchell's song River on a cassette recorder in the quiet empty bar room. It was beautiful, and deBoer, with Mitchell's permission, put it on the tribute CD.

Honoring Jason Britton

Jason Paul Britton was born in Bethesda, Maryland on 9/17/81 to Susan Quetel Britton and James Roy Britton. He lived in many more places than most of us and brought joy to them all. He probably loved St. Thomas, BVI most of all since his Mom lived there. Along the way Jason also discovered his love of cooking. He found his way to Key West in 2013 and continued his skill at cooking as well as his ability to find friends through his humor and his "all friends allowed" attitude. He became sous chef at Firefly Restaurant here in Key West as a result of his love of cooking. Everyone he met here in Key West realized how special, funny, and unique this man was. He had a beast mode and earned the nickname "Diesel", although that name probably followed him for quite a while. It barely covered the sweetness of his soul and you saw this when you spent more than 10 seconds in his company. He would speak quickly and you better be able to keep up because what he said was hilarious and spot on with the day to day nonsense we all deal with. He knew the big picture and made you laugh and realize you better enjoy the moment. He would dismiss that nonsense with phrases like "words and verbs", "stuff and things", but he would always finish with "Love Love". He will always be loved here in Key West and anywhere else he chose to spread his joy. He will never be forgotten. 

Love Love to Susan Q. Britton

Honoring Marsa "The Bug Lady"

Marsa Lynn Matheny, “The Bug Lady,” 57, of Big Pine Key passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 1, 2017.

Marsa was born in San Antonio, Texas on Aug. 15, 1959. She is survived by her father, Sam Matheny, mother, Sandra Austin, brother, Greg Matheny and her three beloved black cats. Marsa was married for a short time to Vincent Geraldo in 1992. Marsa was a veteran having served in the U.S. Navy.

She will be greatly missed by all. Marsa truly loved the Florida Keys and they loved her back as she ventured out “killing bugs” for her friends and neighbors while operating her exterminator business.

Honoring Judy Wood

It was in the early eighties when Judy traded the cold of Minnesota for the warmth of the Keys. She fell in the love with Keys and remained in Bay Point until her passing. Though she tried other endeavors, her favorite job was as bartender at the Sugarloaf Lodge from the late 80's until 2008. That job provided an endless supply of entertainment from her patrons that included many wonderful characters - the kind often written about from a different era. She loved being a part of that era - she loved visiting at Mallory Square when there were just a few locals and musicians hanging out, she loved going to the Monster, the Sands and P.T.’s Late Night - she loved to boat and fish - she loved the friends she made.

In the later years, Judy worked as a supervisor and bartender at Tavern and Town. In the seven years she worked there, she gained the respect and love of her employer, co-workers and patrons who quickly became her friends.

Judy was a kind and good friend who leaves behind her two great loves - her son Michael and her dog Bunny. We miss you Judy Wood. Until we meet again...

Honoring Jillian Anderson

Jillian Natalie Anderson, 30, of Summerland Key, Florida passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Kendall Regional Hospital in Miami, Florida.

Jillian was born Feb. 10, 1986 in Spring Lake, New Jersey. She graduated from Sugarloaf Elementary School and Savannah Country Day School, Savannah, Georgia. Jillian earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Miami in 2008. She was currently enrolled in nursing school at Florida Keys Community College.

Jillian loved the outdoors, especially the beach. She enjoyed watersports and was scuba certified. She was a hard worker, never liking to be idle.

Jillian was the beloved daughter of Linda Farrell Anderson of Bradley Beach, New Jersey, and Mark Roy Anderson of Key West; beloved sister to Graham Anderson, niece to Kevin and Debbie Farrell; aunt to Archer Anderson; and maternal granddaughter to William and Elza Farrell.