Author: the lilypad

by Yu Pingan She hasn’t left; she will be the twinkling stars, the moon in the darkness, the sunlight shining down upon you. When a gentle breeze blows toward you, that’s her wanting to embrace you. She hasn’t left; she’s just accompanying you in more ways than one.

by Lillian Barden In December of 1991, Lillian wrote her “Credo,” her statement of beliefs, in a class on Building Your Own Theology.  Here’s what she wrote: I believe:

by Lillian Barden The cat was very orange and bigger than most of the other cats around; I’d seen it a few times in the basement by the garbage cans but never before in the courtyard. It lay among the low bushes alongside the step where I usually sat; I wasn’t allowed to leave the…

UUSM’s “Connections” Podcast Series These two interviews are from UUSM’s awesome Connections Podcast Series hosted by Jac Brennan.

A celebration of Lillian’s life was held at the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, Saturday, October 12, 2024. Thank you to her friends, family and extended family who attended – our family appreciated the presence and kind words of each of you. A video recording of the service will be shared here at a later…

from Michele Epstein I had the joy of being Lillian’s “Ed McMahon” sidekick on ZOOM during the pandemic’s shelter in place and beyond. Lillian was the highlight and beacon on light for a dozen lonely housebound women over 60 every Tuesday at 11am. It was the first discussion group on Zoom for Peninsula Family Service…

by Roberta Gonzalez Gregg Lillian Barden, facilitator of Lets Talk Coastsiders,showed leadership that never made us fell as outsiders. She reached out to communities in the San Mateo West,by sharing insights that were always the best. We’d grown in fondness to weekly see her smiling face,Zooming us all in friendship to share a well-being space.We…

from Rev. Wendy Bartel Lillian was part of the intern committee when i was an intern minister at UU San Mateo in 2008-09. She was supportive, funny, and present as I made my way through a challenging year of learning and growing, as did the congregation. I am so grateful our paths were connected for…

from Carol Hughan September 28, 2024

 Dear Alice, Chris, and Dan, I loved and admired your mother for so many reasons. Lillian was a woman who was secure enough in herself to be a leader, a follower, a writer, a number cruncher, and above all, a deeply spiritual creature. Lillian loved deeply and she loved…

from Suzanne DuFore Lillian. An absolute GEM of a human being. We will remember her dry sense of humor, her wicked intellect, her generous spirit, and her forever friendship. As our mom’s BFF, she provided companionship, friendship, and joie du vivre! She led the Aging and Saging group, the memoir group, and participated in endless…