Deja un an... c'est difficile de concevoir que Fleur n'est plus la. Son depart si soudain nous a beaucoup marques. Nous ressentons une tristesse profonde pour Estelle et Lea, Arnaud, Marie, Delphine et le reste de la famille. La tristesse est aussi personnelle- savoir qu'elle n'est plus des notres... elle reste jeune alors que le temps continue a passer pour nous. Le passage de Fleur dans nos vies nous a tous marques, meme a travers le temps et la distance.

Grosses bises,

Sylvie et James

The news of Fleur's passing was met with disbelief, denial and much sadness. She had been a long time friend since our kids were at Montessori. And friendship reignited when they became our crushtomers at food pop-ups. Fleur + Arnaud, plus their two girls, were always eager to find out next week's menu as she left with her current week food orders. And always, always with our signature Pandan Chiffon Cake and Krack' Samosas when available.

They were super adventurous to sample Malay, Indonesian and all our offerings of South-East Asian dishes. Also, the first to text in thankful replies how it suited their palettes, and mostly to challenge herself of secret ingredients in those dishes.

Her sunny disposition helped to calm my chaos during pick-up. And in return when asked how the family was getting on, a megawatt smile spread across her face. Full of gorgeous pride, gratitude with eyes half closed, and praises for her two girls, as she recounted their accomplishments. She also chose to take the last pick-up slot, so we can share a cup of tea, a new cake to try, and life's momentous catch-up. 

Our favourite memory shall remain this tickling story that took place almost a decade ago: We arrived at the appointed party place on Robertson's for Lea's birthday. Fleur was busy putting last minute touches, and expressed the absence of birthday girl. Rang Arnaud to find out their location, and in walked Arnaud, all smiles at having made it. Only to be met with Fleur's exasperation when they realised that Arnaud had left both kids back at their house!

Oh Fleur, you'll be missed.

Our love to Arnaud, Lea & Estelle as they cruise through their journey, gently nourished by loving memories of Fleur ..... 

We had completed most of the upgrades to the house. One of the last items remaining was replacing the front doors. I asked Fleur and Arnaud to go to a nearby showroom and order the doors they liked. About a week later the doors were ready. I went down to the place where they loaded the doors on to my truck. Same day I trimmed them to size and hanged them in place. When Fleur and Arnaud came home from work, Fleur took one look and said, "These are not the doors we ordered." I called the supplier and told them they had given me the wrong doors. They had the correct doors but told me I had to pay for them again. The wrong doors could not be returned since they had been modified. Fleur, who had overheard the conversation, told me "Don't bother, we'll keep these doors." I tried to reassure her that it wouldn't cost her anything extra, again she said, "We'll keep these doors." She made this sacrifice to save me the expense. 

Kindness...  Just one of her many attributes. 

I met Fleur five years ago when she joined the company where I worked. My desk was up a short flight of stairs, and on her first day, I turned in my seat to offer a welcoming hello. Fleur stood up immediately, walked up the stairs and offered me her hand to shake. How charming, I thought.

“I’m Qyn”, said I.

“I’m Fleur”, she replied.

“Doesn’t that mean flower?”

“Yes. Do you speak French?”

“Nope. That’s pretty much all the French I know”.

We both laughed and a new friendship was born.

I am so grateful that I was able to get to know Fleur, and to work with her for the last 5 years. She showed me a level of support, and integrity that is not easily found. We spoke nearly every day - either about work, or our lives, or just to have a laugh or share a silly text or meme. My life has been enriched, and I feel blessed to have shared this time with her.

One of my Spiritual teachers recently said that Heaven knows us by our color, our sound, our vibration. I think Fleur’s colors would be bright and warm, and her sound would be her laughter. Her vibration was of acceptance, and loving support. While Heaven now tends for this sweet Soul, I will remember her in exuberant colors, hear her laughter in playful breezes, and remember the strength of her kindness and open-hearted support.

I would like to say thank you to all those who made the live stream of Fleur's funeral available to those of us unable to travel to L.A. at this time. The photo montage and the online memorial has helped to process the loss of my dear friend. It helps to see how bright and full her life has been, and that she is so deeply loved.

I am sending my deepest condolences to her family, Arnaud, Lea and Estelle, and to all who loved her.