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Lenore Gaudin

4/13/1933 - 9/02/2020

Posted

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others” - Pericles


Pauline Lenore Gaudin of Sun City, AZ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 with her daughter, Theresa and her son, Paul by her side.
Following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in March of 2019, Lenore opted to forego traditional treatment and live her life on her own terms. Surrounded by her beloved partner, John Cline, her dog Pringles, children, grandchildren and close friends, she lived each day with an indomitable spirit that included much joy and an infectious laugh that touched all those lucky enough to be in her presence. She had no fear, and in her words “looked forward to her upcoming adventure” knowing she would be reunited with loved ones, beauty, and the lightness of being. Thus, she joyfully departed her earthly plain to join her late husband, Mordecai, parents, Frances and Ernest Felix, daughter, Karen Byerley Kazan and many dearly departed friends.
Lenore obtained an RN from Parkland Hospital in Dallas, TX in 1955, a BS in Psychiatric Nursing in 1957 and married Jay Byerley the same year. By 1968 they both completed Master’s Degrees from Pepperdine University, had three children and resided in Los Angeles, CA. By this time she readily expressed her passion for natural childbirth and prenatal nutrition. In the ensuing years, although she mainly worked as a school nurse, she would freely educate any expectant parents with an ear to listen!
Lenore will forever be revered for the passion she lived by. Her legacy is her fifty plus years as an educator and lecturer on prenatal nutrition and natural childbirth. Countless letters of thanks are found in her archives from parents who attribute their healthy born children (many of whom were high risk pregnancies), to the advice they received from her teachings. This role, her greatest joy, continued well into her 80’s.
From all those left to cherish her memory, Lenore was an exuberant, kind and loving woman. She was always an advocate for peace, justice and equality. In 1986 at the height of the Cold War, she and her husband, Mordecai embarked on a nine-month trek from California to Washington, D.C. joining the Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament. In a small camper that doubled as a first aid station and portable dental office, Lenore and Mordecai were the designated nurse and dentist respectively. They were both deeply loved and appreciated for all they selflessly gave to the cause for peace and to the marchers on this journey of a lifetime.
Following the march, Lenore and Mordecai settled in Sun City, Arizona and shortly thereafter joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Surprise. In the ensuing years they would become active members and lived by the principles of the UU Church daily. Among these principles are: the inherent dignity of every individual, compassion, equity, justice, and the goal of liberty and peace throughout the world.
Lenore loved to sing and was a member of the church choir for many years. She was also a lay pastor, visiting and aiding members in need.
Lenore’s other passion were her family and friends. Never a fan of “idle chit-chat” she loved to get to the heart and soul of all in her presence. Having a heartfelt conversation was one of her biggest joys. Some of her fondest memories were from trips she had taken on separate occasions with her three grandchildren. Erica, Colton and Danielle. Although the adventurous part of these excursions were enjoyable for her, what she loved the most was the one-on one time and in-depth conversations she shared with her grandchildren.
Lenore was a woman of strength, beauty, wisdom and compassion and will be missed by so many. She is survived by her sister, Elaine Alei (Mo), her daughter, Theresa Janecek (Dennis), son, Paul Byerley (Shirili), grandchildren, Erica and Danielle Byerley, Colton Janecek, Luellen Kazan Delorem (Louis), Micah Roth (Wyatt), Sarah Riabov (Roman), and Samara Roth. Great grandchildren, Arielle, Robin and Timotee’ Delorme, Masha and Rory Riabov and many beloved nieces and nephews.