Remembering Deanne
Deanne Elizabeth Binde, a junior communication and theater major at Goshen College, was killed in an automobile crash while driving home to Lake Park, Minn., on May 22. Deanne is remembered with love by her parents, Dale and Debbie Binde, her five sisters and one brother and many other family members. Students, faculty and staff also will miss Deanne’s friendship and enthusiasm for all she did on campus and in the community.
Please feel free to leave a reflection about Deanne or a note of condolence for her family.
Thoughts and messages:
Our hearts grieve with you in the loss of our friend, student and dear sister in Christ, Deanne. We long for her to return to this life, but are assured of her presence in the bosom of God, which offers us comfort in the midst of deep loss. We pray for your family as you mourn Deanne’s loss and remember her gifted presence with you in life. May God grant you abiding peace. On behalf of all of us at Goshen College, our deepest sympathies.
Posted by James E. Brenneman, President, on May 27th, 2008 at 12:08 pmCreating stuff like this has always helped me to cope with these trying times…hopefully it will help everyone else also.
click on the image to view a larger version
Posted by Amron Colyer, on May 27th, 2008 at 2:42 pmWe will always appreciate that Deanne took time to greet and talk with our 6-year old daughter, Genevieve, who was so impressed with “Step on a Crack” that she saw it 3 times. We will always treasure the picture Deanne took with Genevieve after the final show (and which Genevieve has proudly displayed on her bedroom wall ever since). We don’t even know how to tell Genevieve that “Ellie” is gone from this earth…
Posted by Lisa Guedea Carreno, on May 28th, 2008 at 5:29 pmYour humble presence and company will be greatly missed. May the Lord Bless your family and rest your soul in His everlasting Kingdom.
Posted by Raymond Waweru, on May 28th, 2008 at 5:36 pmDeanne was a delight in the eyes of many, and I personally appreciate her talents of uplifting those around her in times of trials, stress, and just plain boredom. She will always be remembered and loved by those within our a community and so many others whom she touched through her love throughout the world.
Posted by David Magbee, Jr., on May 28th, 2008 at 5:39 pmA truly talented individual, Deanne inspired the hearts of those who knew her — both on and off the stage. I am privileged and honored to have worked with her in Umble this past school year, and while her loss to the world is indeed tragic, we will not soon forget the energy and passion she embodied throughout her time with us.
Posted by Mike Honderich, on May 28th, 2008 at 6:05 pmDeanne was on my floor my first year. I remember her face which seemed to be always smiling. Adding to Lisa’s story above, I was behind Genevieve in line and saw how excited she was to meet Deanne. I remember how excited Genevieve was when I told her I was friends with “Ellie”. Deanne will be greatly missed at Goshen College.
Posted by Analisa Gerig-Sickles, on May 28th, 2008 at 6:08 pmI spent a lot of time with Dee: in class, during Step on a Crack, in London, and simply as friends. She was always friendly, always helpful; talented and cheerful. She brightened my life and, even if I wanted to, I will never be able to forget her. Though it is tragic that her time on earth was cut short, I am pleased to know that she contributed so much while she lived, and made the most out of her time here.
Posted by Tara Hershberger, on May 28th, 2008 at 6:49 pmFrom the moment I met Deanne, I’ve always known her to be warm, welcoming, and upbeat. I’ll always remember her enthusiasm and her smile, which was so contagious. I am very grateful to have been able to meet Deanne. She made a tremendous impact and will be greatly missed.
Posted by Marissa Dooley, on May 28th, 2008 at 6:55 pmto put it simply…she was amazing. I will miss her always.
Posted by Amron, on May 28th, 2008 at 7:42 pmWhen Dee walked into a room it went from black and white to color. She was funny, smart, talented, and kind. Dee was always willing to dig and take charge when no one else would. She stepped and made sure that the 24/7 went on at New World and that the Vagina Monologues were produced, not for praise or money but simply because she thought it was important and it needed done.
I like to think that God allows people to be on Earth until there souls evolve and mature, Dee was one of the most evolved souls I’ve ever encountered. I am sad that I have one less person on Earth who can make me smile, but feel safer knowing that there is someone in Heaven on my side.
Sleep sweet dear one, you’ll never be forgotten.
Posted by Piper Voge, on May 28th, 2008 at 9:17 pmDee was a friend I felt like I had known forever. I met her freshman year, although I don’t remember how. She was as everyone has already said, very passionate and interested in individuals and well-known throughout campus. It will be different coming back next year and graduating without her in the spring, but I have faith that we will be able to support one another. She will live forever in the memories we hold of her.
Posted by Monica Cender, on May 28th, 2008 at 11:48 pmDee was a truly amazing person. She was always fun to be around and truly enjoyed life. I will alway cherish being able to work with her during Absolutely Perhaps and Quilters. She meant a lot to me and many others. I will miss her but find comfort in that she is resting in heaven with the Lord.
You’re missed Deanne.
Posted by Eileen Hilty, on May 29th, 2008 at 2:09 amDee was my roommate during our first year at Goshen and she was a constant light for me in what was a difficult time, smiling and cracking jokes, even reading those ridiculous romance novels of hers aloud to make everyone laugh. The world is a bit dimmer now but, she is with God and I know that in my heart. I’ll miss you Dee and I send my love and prayers to your family and friends.
Posted by Tanya Rhodes, on May 29th, 2008 at 1:02 pmI was so grateful for the memorial service held on campus today, to have the chance to pray with those gathered there and to hear their fond memories and stories of Deanne, and the joy she brought into their lives. I didn’t know Deanne quite as well as so many others did here on campus, but each and every time I saw her across campus or interacted with her, she always had a beaming smile on her face, a sparkle in her eye, and a hop/skip in her step – an inspiring reminder to us all of the importance of a child-like love for people and life. I smile at the thought of Deanne still smiling, laughing, and hopping/skipping away in heaven, as she is in our hearts.
Posted by Thushan Hemachandra, on May 29th, 2008 at 1:55 pmI only knew Deanne since the beginning of May term. Deanne took “Creating for the Web”, which I taught.
Every class seems to develop its own collective identity–most of which is a gift from students to the class that a professor has only limited control over. The group this May was fulfilling to teach–students were throwing out their questions, I received a lot of playful assignments, and folks were helping each other inside and outside of class. It takes just a few students to get that kind of positive energy going, and Deanne was one of those who made that happen.
One assignment was a rather open-ended one–the goal was to assemble a small site with images and text to teach something (*anything*) to someone else. Deanne decided to show how to make a Mother’s Day card. Deanne wrote so simply and essentially about the relationship she had with her mother…
“When preparing a Mother’s day … card the most important element to think about is of course, your mother. Make it personal! It doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect, she knows that you aren’t either of those…. Card making is a small and inexpensive way to show Mom just how much you LOVE her”
http://www.goshen.edu/~deanneeb/teaching/home.html
To Deanne’s parents, thanks for bringing your daughter into this world, and filling her heart with love that spilled out to so many others!
Posted by Paul Meyer Reimer, on May 29th, 2008 at 4:11 pmI remember Deanne very clearly from Intro to Theater my first semester at Goshen College in 2005. Although I never got to know her very well, she never failed to bring joy to those she came into contact with. We will miss her smile and light-heartedness, but her memory will always remain. Thank you Deanne.
May God’s grace and love, as well as all of our prayers be with your family and friends during this difficult and painful time.
Posted by Daenielle John, on May 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pmI will always remember Deanne our first day of May term last year, on the charter bus into the heart of London. We all were jet lagged to the max and sitting at the back of the bus laughing ridiculously because we were so tired. Deanne was a key part of that laughter. The entire time we were making up new words and declaring that British cows and sheep were SO much better than American. She lived in Roof house last year during the summer and was one of my favorite people to visit during a very lonely summer and always had time to talk and laugh and make sure that not only I was well, but that I was great. What she doesn’t realize is that in those times she was the one that made me great. Thank you for being an amazing person, Deanne. You are loved and missed by all.
Posted by Celesta, on May 30th, 2008 at 10:17 amI did not have the pleasure of knowing Deanne, but am touched by her story and saddened by the tragic ending of such a talented and loving girl.
My prayers are with the family. I plan to request a mass for Deanne at my church, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community, Indialantic Florida.
Lovingly, Celia Phillips, an admirer
Posted by Celia Phillips, on May 31st, 2008 at 9:35 amDeanne was my friend. Deanne was Angélique’s friend. Deanne was our friend. Deanne was the one playing with food at the rot. Deanne was the one smiling all day long. Deanne was the one able to do a road trip like that. Ask to Gina !
Deanne was one of these persons that welcomed me July, 21rst 2007 when I first arrived. Deanne was taking pictures and some of them can be seen on Merrill’s website. Deanne was with me in Creating for the web. Deanne was awesome.
Deanne died friday afternoon. I’ll never forgiven. And I hope she’s one of these little stars somewhere up there. I’m not a believer at all. I just know she’ll stay in my heart and in my head.
I miss you Dee.
“Since you’re somewhere up there, the angels had never been so beautiful…”
Posted by Simon H., on May 31st, 2008 at 12:30 pmPersonnal translation of Damien Saez’ “Montée là haut”.
Deanne was such a wonderful person. Her smile and laughter never failed to brighten my days just a little bit more. Whenever she saw me, she would always smile and ask me how I was. It always made me feel special when she would acknowledge me. So many people knew her and I felt so priveleged (and still do) to have known her (even if it was only for a short time).
I love you Deanne and I’ll miss seeing your bright smile on campus. Thank you for befriending me like you did. I appreciate it more than you could have ever known.
Posted by Mallori Norris, on May 31st, 2008 at 2:48 pmDeanne is forever stamped into my memory.
Posted by Sarah Renee Noah, on June 1st, 2008 at 1:34 pmI can’t remember a time that I saw Deanne and didn’t burst into laughter because of something she said or did. She was truly a blessing to all of us. I can only hope that all the students at Goshen College have the abilility to carry on Deanne’s philosophy “live to the point of tears!”
I love and miss you Dee!!
I met Deanne this summer, thanks to a Greencroft orientation day.
Posted by Angelique Birky, on June 2nd, 2008 at 9:33 amI was only suppose to be there for about 3 months the time of my internship and go back to France.
Deanne is the one who convinced me to stay in Goshen, we have spent most of the summer together and she gave me hope in a life that I wanted to give up, she brightened my days and built me up again, she gave me back the wings that had fallen…
There is so many things to say about Dee.
I will never forget her, never forget our time spent together, nor the happiness I feel at having known her and being good friends with her for the last year.
I love and miss you dearly Dee…and I am not the only one. I suppose she is rocking the house up there, standing at the gate, welcoming the new arrivals with her bright smile, with laughter, singing and dancing.
We will see each other again one day I hope.
I have delayed writing this because I do not want to believe that what happened is real. It is hard being far away from campus and the close knit community there. I knew Deanne from theatre and although I did not know her very well, she was someone I admired and was always happy to see. When I was frustrated with a painting project she helped cheer me up and motivated me to continue even though I wanted to quit. Deanne was definitely someone I was excited to get to know better. I will miss seeing her contagious, beaming smile. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Posted by Laura Nimigan, on June 2nd, 2008 at 8:59 pmDeanne took my general education course in physics, known affectionately as the “Bomb Course,” in 2006. She announced herself to me as “Dee Binde,” and laughed about the fact that I seemed to have trouble initially keeping her name straight. But I got it.
I returned from China to find the notice of her death as I was sorting my email. I was deeply struck by the news. At this time I remember her very well. She brought humor and life to a class that was probably not high on her priority list. The earth is poorer because she has left us.
Posted by Carl Helrich, on June 3rd, 2008 at 10:38 amDeanne,
You have been on my mind constantly for the last week. Last night I dreamed that we were on stage together and you were flying in and out of scenes as if it were a production of Peter Pan. It was good to see your smiling face. I will always remember you as one of the most genuine people I ever knew. I can’t think of single thing ,big or small, that i didn’t like about you. You are loved and remembered by many Dee.
Posted by Allison Landis, on June 3rd, 2008 at 12:30 pmI met Deanne when she was a student in the Marketing class I taught. She always arrived to class early and sat on the front row. As I set up the room for class, we talked. Our conversations often revolved around her latest theater project or some fun activity she was excited about. I loved her simple way of expressing her happy attitude about life … through her braided pigtails, decorated jackets, colorful accessories.
She loved learning. She loved life. And she was loved.
She will be remembered for her joyful ways. Deanne leaves behind many fans. Count me as one.
Posted by Melissa Kinsey, on June 6th, 2008 at 8:11 amLast summer when I came to live in Goshen not as a student but a visitor for a few months, De was the first “new” person I met. She was my housemate, immediately accepting and wonderful, a welcoming presence to anyone in any situation. She was often the only other one there with me during the day, offering me many advice when I needed it, and opening up chances to grow and learn.
I have never seen her as anything less than an angel - than a hug, a kind word, a crazy dance, a funny movie, awesome style, and of course, a kind, uplifting word. She helped me gain opportunities to serve in the area, helped me step out of my comfort zone, and held my hand with laughter the entire time.
Her silly little bike (with faulty brakes!) gave me an odd comfort to ride and I loved to learn how to wear an old tablecloth as a stunning gown (although no one could ever look as stunning as she did).
She was always there when I wanted to tell her anything and everything, and I never really understood why I immediately opened up to her, but she didn’t mind. Even through her late and crazy nights at work at Greencroft, she would love to come home to spread the rest of her love on every inch of the place. The rosary beads hung in her car always reminded me of the love and care she gave to every aspect of life - her life devoted to living fully, surrounded by friends and family. (and I’m pretty sure she could get EVeryone to feel like they belonged in those categories.)
and oh, the days her family came to visit! were some of the most joyful days in our house. I could have listened forever to De talk about her family’s quirkiness, or listen to them laugh for miles. Bindes, I pray, hard and often, that you can feel her smiling down on you everyday from heaven. You too, through Deanne, have taught me a lot in the past year, and I owe you thanks.
I have had many dreams in the past few weeks where De knows and is accepting of where she is, and continues to bless the souls around her. She will never stop being a light to those who knew and know her, even those touched by her from a brief introduction.
I pray that we as a community can continue to feel this kind, silly, and creative, gentleness that Deanne EXUDED, and can pass it on to one another and to strangers we come in contact with. Even though incredibly busy and giving of her time, there was never anyone too small or unworthy of De’s time, as it seems many of us have surely felt. Let us come together in praise of what she has shown us, and continue to remember Deanne’s talents, her love, and her life.
We LOVE you, De.
Posted by meghan hoover, on July 27th, 2008 at 5:56 pmI have been thinking a lot about Deanne the past few days. Coming back to school hasn’t been the same knowing she won’t be here to greet me in my communication classes or sing Rent songs at the top of our lungs. I didn’t know her long and I didn’t know her as well as some, but I miss her…her smile, laughter, and love. She had a beautiful spirit that will forever stay with those that knew her.
Posted by Jessica Bubp, on August 31st, 2008 at 5:36 pm