Words of Consolation
A Memorial Service
For Bronwyn Stacy Reynolds-Joplin

June 1, 1961 -– January 4, 2010

Bromwyn is home with our son Declán Xavier O'Brien Joplin

Download: DVD of Memorial Service
Download: Photo Presentation Presented During Memorial Service


We come here today not to celebrate death but to celebrate life. Bronwyn’s journey here on earth is over but her life isn’t. We rejoice because Bronwyn gave us so much.

An Opening Prayer Reverend Alan L. Joplin

God of us all, we pray to you in this dark hour. A life we love has been taken from us. Expectations of the years once held have vanished. The mystery of death has struck once more.

O God, you know the lives we live and the deaths we die that are woven so strangely of purpose and of chance, of reason and of the irrational, of strength and of frailty, of happiness and of pain. Compassionate and loving God, yours is the beauty of childhood and yours is the fullness of years. Comfort us in our sorrow, strengthen us with hope, and breathe peace into our troubled hearts.

Assure us that the love we had for Bronwyn was not in vain. Guide us through this time of sadness with the light of your love and the strength of your compassion.
Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ did take little children into his arms and bless them; we thank you that you gave Bronwyn to us, even for a brief time; and we thank you that you caused our hearts to love him. We praise and bless you for the assurance that you have received him to yourself, and that you will keep him now and always.

May the words of Jesus, which reveal his love for little children, speak peace to their troubled hearts. Make them know that the child who has been taken out of their sight is with you, safe in your eternal care, with all suffering passed. May they also have assurance in their hearts that in your own good time they will see him again.

Through your grace that can do far more than we can think or imagine, fulfill in Bronwyn your purpose that reaches beyond time and death. Lead Bronwyn from strength to strength, and fit him for love and service in your kingdom. Hold us in your keeping. Save our minds from despair and our hearts from fear. And guard and guide us with your peace

Receive Bronwyn into the arms of your mercy. Raise Bronwyn up with all your people. Receive us also, and raise us into a new life. Help us so to love and serve you in this world That we may enter into your joy in the world to come. Into your hands, O merciful Savior.

We commend your servant Bronwyn. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock. Receive Bronwyn into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints of light. Amen

Invocation: Mrs. Briann Lippold

Bronwyn’s Friends and Family - within the healing embrace of God's love we have gathered here with our Savior to remember the life of Bronwyn Stacy Reynolds-Joplin and to entrust her into God's eternal care, knowing that God's good purpose for his people cannot be defeated by death. We are all children of God, and in the faith that God has given us, we turn to God now asking for his comfort and his grace to be upon us - and to dwell in a special way on those who were privileged to have loved Her during her stay with us on this earth.

Scripture Reading: Mrs. Connie Howard

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

James 1:12 (New (NLT) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Meditation/Prayer: Jim Reynolds

Today in this quiet place we remember the life of Bronwyn along with all those we have loved and who have gone before. Their faces are before us at this very moment and we remember them and treasure them. There are all the things we should have said and never did, all that we said and should never have said. We may have even missed saying good-by. Yet, they're with us at the sparkle of dawn and dull setting sun. In the unexpected moment they're there. The memories so precious, so warming, touching the heart, shedding a tear. Time seems to dull their face just as it dulls the memories, but the joy and warmth is never dulled. Lord, dry our tears and warm our memories. Amen

Scripture Lesson: Ms. Patricia Fincher

Listen to these words from the Holy Bible, words written by the Apostle Paul as he considered the problems of human life and the sorrows that over come it - and within these - the love of God as revealed through Christ Jesus - who died on the cross that we might live - and rose from the dead that we might never die. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. We know that in everything that God works for the good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness or peril, or sword? No - in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Knowing this - in our sorrow today - we give thanks to God for the inheritance that Bronwyn, has received from God's hands. We thank God, not for taking her from us -but rather for granting her a place with all the saints - a place where, when our time is over - we may join her and know the fullness of that which, in our life here, we had just begun to know. As we continue this service of remembering and of calling upon God to comfort us in our sorrow, I invite any of you who are present now to share any thoughts and feelings you have regarding Bronwyn that may help and encourage us.

Photo Presentation and A opportunity to Remember: Ms. Betsey Gorman



A Message of Comfort and Hope: Reverend Alan L. Joplin

Funeral prayer for the family: Barbara Watson

O God, you do not willingly grieve or afflict your children. Look with pity on the suffering of this family in their loss. Sustain them in their anguish; and into the darkness of their grief bring the light of your love; through Jesus we pray. Amen.

An Irish Funeral Prayer: Mike Goula and Pat Harris

Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything remains as it was. The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.

There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.

Words of Committal: Reverend Alan L. Joplin

As Christians, it is our conviction that Bronwyn has moved on into the nearer presence of God, where she shall hunger no more, either thirst any more; the sun shall not strike her, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Having this faith, we now commend into God's keeping, our daughter, here departed. We commit his mortal remains to the elements from which they first arose: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, trusting in Gods great mercy by which we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. God's peace is his. God's peace will be ours. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benediction: Reverend Alan L. Joplin



My Prayer for this New Year 2010
Bronwyn Stacy Joplin and Reverend Alan L. Joplin

God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows. We praise You for Your unequaled greatness. We Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.



• for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass.
  
  
• for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers.
  
  
• for all the many times, when our burdens were so heavy to bear,
  and how oue faith slipped away from me but somehow You were always standing there.
  
  
• for another new year and for new chances every day.
  
• for giving me a new chance and a new life every time
  
• for letting me partake in your holy flesh and blood.
  
• • for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends.


Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us:



• be a worthy servant of You; to teach our children to laugh by laughing with them; to teach others to love by loving them.
  
  
• live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way.
  
  
• • serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed.
  
  
• remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.
  
  
• keep God of our own understanding in our hearts and to chant God's name each day.
  
  
• lead the world from darkness to light, from lies to truth and from wrong to right.


Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise, in the chripping of sparrows, in the stories of our elders, and the fantasies of our children. Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs, so that we may know You better and better.

Forgive us for falling short this past year. We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us. We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..
May There Be Peace Within. We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.



• you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be...
  
• you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
  
  
• you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you...
  
  
• you be content knowing you are a child of God...


Dear Lord, please give me



• A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
  
• A work to do which has real value,
  
• A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail maay not be blazed;
  
• An understanding heart;
  
• A sense of humor;
  
• Time for quiet, silent meditation;
  
• A feeling of the presence of God;
  
  
• The patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to recognize them when they come.


As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends. For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible.

May our new year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. Help us to understand you better purify our heart and motives and let us be worthy servants. Grant us a heart opened wide; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thorn bush is aflame with your glory. My Savior, there is nothing we can do to repay you for all you have given us and continue to generously bestow upon us. All we can do Lord is to continue to love you. Amen.

Guest Book Comments-The Arizonia Republic Newspaperr

January 17, 2010

Dear, dear Bronwyn; her life was not easy and she faced many challenges regarding her health, beginning in her twenties. I am saddened by her death and have so many special memories of helping to raise the "two little ones" when she and Briann were very young. Although, as sisters, we traveled different paths in adulthood, I watched her take her first steps, walked with her Trick or Treating in her Pilgrim outfit, sat on the edge of the bed as she said her bedtime prayers, and had her in a stroller whenever I was hanging out with my friends. I am at a loss for words about how sad it is that she was robbed of her life at age 48. Nancy Reynolds Drabik and Nancy Drabik, Wyckoff, New Jersey


January 15, 2010

Bronwyn was like a 2nd mom to me when I started college in a new city, Philly. Every time I walk past her bright red door, her face has filled my thoughts. She brought me soup when I was sick, encouraged me when I was sad, helped me move furniture, laughed with me, and dozens of other little and big things that meant so much to me. She is a brilliant, beautiful soul that touched me forever. My thoughts are with her family, particularly Alan. I will never forget either of you and the goodness you have brought to the world. I love you both. Mandie Aymin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


January 14, 2010

Bronwyn my friend it's hard to believe you are gone. You were a beautiful kind person, and friend. I've never forgotten when you helped me with my 24-hour emergency move when Isabelle was on the way. You are a wonderful soul and I'll always keep our photograph close (it was in all my offices since you gave it to me). I am so happy you are rejoined with Declan. We'll miss you, but we'll dance again. My thoughts and prayers are with Alan and Briann at this time. Tracy Self, Baltimore, Maryland


January 12, 2010

I can't find the words to express the feelings of loss that I, and many others, am experiencing. My cousin, Bronwyn, was an important rock in my life that has now left a hole in my heart. The rest of my heart goes to Briann at this time. I love you both. Barbara Watson


January 11, 2010

I hope that Bronwyn knew how special she was to so many people. I will miss her genuine friendship, sense of humor, and thoughfulness. I am blessed to have had her in my life over the last 25 years. Kathy Yeager, Scottsdale, Arizona


January 11, 2010

I also met Bronwyn through my dear friend Kathy. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I am grateful to have known her. Thoughts and prayers are with her family. Maureen Shannon, Lorain, Ohio


January 11, 2010

I met Bronwyn many years ago through a mutual friend. Her sense of humor, spirit, and compassion for others was amazing. She was truly a unique and lovely individual and I was so sad to learn of her passing. I am keeping Bronwyn and her family in my thoughts. Emily Iglehart, Ann Arbor, Michigan


January 10, 2010

So sorry to have received the news. I knew Bronwyn for such a short time, but was drawn to her energy immediately. It was a joyous day when she came into my shop to design her wedding invitations and I looked forward to seeing her each time she came back. Alan, I never officially met you but felt I knew you from Bronwyn's beautiful description of you. She loved you deeply, as I'm sure you know. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Briann and the rest of the family as well. Dana Jean, Gilbert, Arizona


January 09, 2010

Thank you for your love that you shared with all of us. I know that you are in a better place and out of selfishness, we will miss you. Thank you for serving. God Bless your family and friends.

Tim Warren


January 09, 2010

I miss my wonderful, witty, clever, kind, and generous friend Bronwyn Reynolds Joplin already. She always had a great idea, a creative solution, a generous gesture, a witty retort. I am so sorry for Alan, Briann, and her family. Thanks, pal, you were always there for me. Kitty Kurth, Chicago, Illinois


January 08, 2010

Bronwyn was a generous person, providing kindness, compassion and support that made a difference in many lives. I’m saddened to learn we have lost her far too soon, and extend my deepest condolences to Alan and the rest of her family. Pat Elliott, Phoenix, Arizona


January 07, 2010
I feel very fortunate to have known Bronwyn. It is rare to find such kind, loving, and good-humored individuals in this world. Bronwyn was all of those things and more, and I, once again, feel so lucky to have known her. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to her family and close friends during this difficult time. Nicole Zdunowski, Syracuse, New York


January 07, 2010

I feel very fortunate to have known Bronwyn. It is rare to find such kind, loving, and good-humored individuals in this world. Bronwyn was all of those things and more, and I, once again, feel so lucky to have known her. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to her family and close friends during this difficult time. Nicole Zdunowski, Syracuse, New York


January 07, 2010

Bronwyn you will be greatly missed. I will pray for you & your family. Tara Gaherin, Denver, Colorado


January 07, 2010

Maria and I are going to miss your company & thoughtfulness so much. I was looking forward to watching you grow into your own creative business and from the moment I talked with you knew you held immense talents. Reading this obituary makes me wish we would have had time for that $4 cheesburger night; there was still a lot for me to hear. We are burning the candle you gave us for Christmas with heavy hearts; you will be missed. Garden of England Flowers-Kellee Goodman, Phoenix, Arizona


January 07, 2010

Hugs and kisses to you Bronwyn. You are so going to be missed. I can still hear you saying to me, "Shut Up!" while we were laughing about whatever came off the top of our heads!! It was meant for me to work for FDA at the time and you to work for ADA just so we could meet. We became fast friends. I was blessed to have you touch my life. I know you are watching over all of us. Bronwyn always spoke so highly of her family and how much she loved you all. Be in comfort that she is among the angels!!
Chandra Smith-Collier, Atlanta, Georgia


January 07, 2010

What a loss to earth and beautiful gain for heaven and the angels. Bronwyn was a bright light with a beautiful spirit . . .I am blessed to have been connected with her. All of her dreams will come true now. Sincere Emphathy Angie Krause, Hermosa Beach, California


January 07, 2010

It was an honor and privilege to be your big sister..I will miss you Stacey Ringlets..You are one special lady who touched many many lives..You fought a good fight and are now rewarded with the crown of life. See you again my Stacia..Much love, Conkie


January 07, 2010

So, has Bronwyn organized Heaven's press operation yet or should we give her another day or two before we start receiving talking points from God, white papers from angels and press updates on miracles? Will Stone, Washington, District of Columbia


January 07, 2010

I am having trouble believing this! Bronwyn had such energy and vitality when I last saw her just over three years ago! My husband and I lived together with Bronwyn and Allen in the D.C. area for about a year. Her generosity and fabulous sense of humor are still so real to me. Tears are streaming down my face, and will be for some time. Ann Hunter, Silver Spring, Maryland


January 07, 2010

No more health issues, no more grieving over losses, no more seemingly impossible challenges . Bronwyn has surpassed all hurdles now. We are all blessed by her having touched us. Love is all there is and all that matters. And she will always be simply a thought away. Eric Butler, Bay Village, Ohio


January 07, 2010

Bron, I still can't believe you're not here! We're going to have some party for you on Sat. Wish you were going to be there with us. I love you with all my heart, my Bronwyn Reynolds, and I miss you with all my soul. You were the best sister a girl could ever ask for! Bri

Briann Lippold, Maricopa, Arizona