As many of you know, Meena Lee, Dan Koh, and Audrey Koh performed a beautiful instrumental version of Fake Plastic Trees at the memorial. Here's a link to an early practice session...I love it for it's rawness and intensity. https://youtu.be/S5nIwfLNsAY?si=klDcNecGQo4MuaHn
1
I met Calista when I visited UChicago. I happened to be on campus on the same day as the club fair, and I was lucky enough to stop by Calista’s table as she beckoned me over. I was immediately so warmed by her vibrance and passion. She made me feel like I belonged right there in front of her, and without me having to ask, she offered me the coveted college advice I was too shy to ask for. I left Calista’s table smiling and with so much energy, and I knew I had just met a very special person who showed me love when we had just met. She made me feel like I belonged at that university. I was accepted to UChicago last month, and although our conversation was somewhat brief, I knew I wanted to be in a place with people like Calista. I’ll be attending the college a year from now, and I want to show people the same love Calista showed me.
2
Dear the Lee family: sincerely hope that you're doing well. I only knew Calista for a short time (same SOSC class, winter 25) but her passing deeply saddened me. I still remember the first time I joined the section on Zoom she dm'ed me on Zoom to invite me to the section group chat - small acts like this, no matter how simple they might seem, made the class seem much less intimidating and truly testify to her kindness and warmth. I was always so inspired by her contribution to the class discussions - so eloquent and knowledgeable, oftentimes referencing passages from books a few hundred pages ahead of the assigned readings :) Our paths didn't cross often but I truly wish I could have known her better. My deepest condolences - I hope she's at peace.
2
May God give you comfort as you grieve the loss of one of His beautiful children. Children that are on loan from Him to love, treasure, and never forget. As a friend of Calistas’s Grandmother, Cheryl Lee, I’am heartsick at your loss. I’m sure Calista was a brilliant, fun loving, creative woman like Cheryl… the stars we will always remember. Dear family, thank you for keeping Cheryl with you, I’am so happy to know she’s cared for. Calista, Rest in Peace, God has you in His arms.
0
Winter
Dreamy fire in my soul
The heart fluttered
Whispers cluttered
Snowflakes whirled
Dancing oddly in the wind
How cold was this winter day
Lonely solitude
Envelop the warmth
You are not alone
Go gentle in the night
You are kind and
Oh so sensitive but brave
You conquered the air
Allow. Release
Tears. Flow
You found peace
My love
Forever
Ever
Be
Lubomir - winter 018'
5
Dear Jonas, Heather and Noah, my heart goes out to you all for the loss of Calista. The service was an amazing testament to her energy, humor and the love that she spread. Thank you for having me be a part of her memorial, it was an honor. She was always an artist of unique creativity and a ball of energy during art class at Grace. I'm glad she unexpectedly came to roam the halls of Grace this fall to visit and chat. She was giddy with excitement to drag one of her friends around her old school:)
1
Calista was so loved and left everyone with so many good memories. Our deepest condolences.
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Dear Jonas, Heather and Family: With a smile I remember little Calista joyfully running around the roof deck playing with her brother and friends. My heart goes out to you, all, in this time of such sadness . Be well and stay close to each other. Pat
1
Calista was a vibrant and funny, but most memorably, an original thinker. This worked out well in an art class. I really appreciated her creative energy and talent when I taught her at Grace. Sending my deepest condolences to the Lee family. Calista is truly missed.
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In 2021, I was at the CVS by Astor Place during the out-lunch period with one of my friends, looking for snacks. Over the pop music on the speakers and the beeping of checkout machines, I heard "Jessica!!". At first, I couldn't see who called my name, but then Calista came walking towards me. She was taller than when I last saw her in middle school, with sharp eyeliner and her hair partly dyed a pinkish-red, wearing a black outfit with boots. She looked awesome. I remember my mouth dropping open; I was so happy to see her after the pandemic had extended our grade's spring break and then effectively squashed out the prospect of an in-person graduation ceremony. Since then, I had barely seen anybody else from middle school who hadn't continued on at Grace Church High School. Calista gave me a hug and I introduced her to my friend, who seemed just as awed by her as I was, despite not knowing her beforehand. We caught up before going our separate ways. I don't remember all the details of what we talked about, and still I remember smiling for a long time after leaving the store. Even though we kept in touch, later ranting about college admission anxiety (with her managing to make me feel better in spite of her own nervousness), it was the last time I saw her in-person. Yet it was the best last few minutes to spend with her. Thank you, Calista. ❤️
4
Dear Noah, Jonas and Heather,
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I still remember her upbeat energy, always positive, original, creative and artistic. She was so unique and special.
Sending love, strength and light.
Warmly,
Leslie (Ms. Pena)
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The entire Lee family is in our thoughts and prayers. And forever thankful to be a part of the incredible Grace community. May we always lean on each other in times of need. Sending love. 💕
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Jonas, Heather, Noah, Eileen, Heidi, I'm thinking of you all today. I only met Calista a few times, and each time she struck me as such a pure and mesmerising soul. I remember compiling the Queen video for Eileen's big birthday and giggling when I saw Heather and Calista throwing some funny moves in the living room, and "having a good time". Here's the link to the video, and they appear in 2m10.
https://drive.google.com/file…
With much love, Amy
2
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