Our hearts are broken from the tragic news of the loss of Courtney Lonergan and her two oldest children, Ali and Almira Geer. Our love and concern for Aracelli is ongoing and we hope she knows how much we love her and care about her well-being.
If you didn’t know Courtney, and her children, you can find the photo montage shared here. You can find the obituary here. Courtney’s interview with Pat McMahon on “The God Show.” Golden Rule family article here.
We would like to dedicate this page on our site to collect our prayers, and cherished memories of this precious family. Truly, the good they did in their too-short lives can inspire us to take a stronger resolve to make more of a difference for good around us. In so many ways, this family LIVED THE GOLDEN RULE. Each child was a recognized Golden Rule Student and had wonderful examples to share. They demonstrated the wonderful job Courtney did as their mom.
Please email to us your prayers and stories, and we’ll be honored to add them to this page as a cherished tribute to the dear Lonergan family. (Please check back to share in them with us.)
Many of us met this dear family when the children were small. I (Anne) remember first meeting Courtney when Aracelli was so little she snuggled on her lap at one of our Faith Forums. It was such a joy when we got to meet Ali and Almira once Courtney joined our AZIFM Council. She brought the children to our monthly meetings and we all immediately got a hug from each one of them. We all agreed they were the best behaved children. They quietly played a game or later did their homework. Each of them were growing up to be such good citizens and give back just like their mom – she taught them so many valuable life skills so they could make a difference in the world. And they were.
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Rev. Dr. Mitzi Lynton, Unity of Tempe today (June 13), is about honoring and remembering Courtney, Ali , Almira and Aracelli and their time with us at AZIFM. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/m19KBc3uVmU Blessings of love and peace, Mitzi
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My heart is breaking! I am praying right now! — Elizabeth, Christian
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I am so saddened to read this terrible news. Baruch Dayan Emet, may her memory be a blessing.
Karolyn, Jewish
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Inna lillahe wa inna allehe rajaoon … “To Allah we belong and him alone we must return … “Muslim prayer upon the passing of a person … I am deeply shocked and saddened .. Sid, Muslim
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Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Very sad and tragic news. They will be sorely missed.Our prayers are with the family. May the Lord give them strength at this very difficult time.
Sincerely,Roy and Patricia, Hare Krishna
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So, so sorry to hear this tragic accident. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing her; I looked up her picture on AZIFM website. I pray that her youngest will find support and loving guidance. If there is anything I can do, I’m here to serve.
Pr. Ray, Seventh Day Adventist, Tempe
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Courtney has been such an integral part of AZIFM’s Experience Interfaith event for years and she was looking forward to getting back to organizing it next year, when it could be held in person. She will definitely be remembered by many in the valley, as a vibrant, ever smiling, creative, knowledgeable person, who always had a beautiful flower in her hair! She managed to touch so many youth and adults through her workshops and conferences, and I had the pleasure of attending some of them over the past few years. It is truly a huge loss for all the communities and organizations that she has lovingly served for several years. We pray for Courtney’s, Ali’s, and Almira’s soul to rest in peace, and also for Aracelli’s health and well-being during this difficult time. May the Lord’s blessings be with her, to give her the strength to cope with this huge loss at such a young age. — From Anita (Hindu)
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May the Lord’s peace and comfort be with all the family as I send my sincere condolences and prayer to those who are mourning the huge loss. – Rev. Sanghoon Yoo
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Very saddened to hear the news about Courtney, Ali, and Almira.
We pray to God for the peace of these beautiful and noble Souls and His Grace and Blessings for Ariceli and their family. Courtney’s life has been of pure, selfless service to humankind, particularly the underprivileged population including children, teens who had no one and nowhere to go. She had been an integral part of Arizona Faith for years along with their children. Her presence in many of Arizona Interfaith events and celebrations including Experience Interfaith, Golden Rule Banquet will be missed immensely.
Please give our love to Aracelli
Piyush and Varsha (Jain Faith)
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My most heartfelt expressions of sympathy go out to the Lonergan family.My heart sunk when I heard of this tragic accident. – Fr. Jorge Eager
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I’m in shock to learn about this tonight, Courtney Lonergan was a dear friend and her heart was so big to end injustices in this world. Her children were always by her side and also had such big hearts to help others. I’m speechless. Every year I would help Courtney host the experience interfaith event and she always carried such positive and uplifting energy that the attendees would carry away with them at the end of the event. She told Rana and I we were her warriors to stand up to injustice. We are deeply saddened with this news and will continue to support Araceli and her family. We are blessed to know Courtney and her wonderful family. – Holly, Nick and Ella, Falun Dafa
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We will keep them in our prayers…Rich, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
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Our sincere condolences to Aracelli and all the family and friends this dear family impacted. Many prayers have been going out in this precious family’s behalf and will continue. One universal prayer from our texts that gives me comfort and I hope it comforts Aracelli: Psalm 23: “[Divine Love] is our shepherd, I shall not want. [Love] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: [Love] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense]: [Love] leadth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for [Love] is with me; [Love’s] rod and [Love’s] staff they comfort me. [Love] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine ememies: [Love] anointeth my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [Love] for ever.” (From The Bible / Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy) – Anne, Christian Science
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Courtney accomplished so much good in the lives she touched. She raised her children beautifully and whenever her family attended our meetings and events they brought an uplifting energy that touched us all, a true example of living the Golden Rule. Courtney, Ali and Almira will be missed. Aracelli will always be welcome. — Les, Scientology
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Even though I am “trained” to give words of comfort in moments like this, I have to admit to my limitations. God gives life and we are called back at some point. Courtney and her kids were and are wonderful. Big-hearted and doing good for others. What else can I say but a prayer for them? – Rev. Staffan, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
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I regret that I did not have the honor of meet Courtney and her family. There are no words that are adequate to express the sadness this brings. My prayers are going out for them. Mike Wold, Franciscan Renewal Center
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We love you Courtney, Ali and Almira and know that you are in heaven with God. Courtney, I remember our contact during the “experience Interfaith” gathering at heritage square. You were instrumental in nicely organizing and implementing the event. Your helpful and hardworking nature, smiling face and follow thru will be my remembrance of you. I remember when Jain prayers were recited at the event by two young girls, you went to that family and congratulated and praised for wonderful performance. I will surely miss you and wish you peace.
Mahendra Jain Faith
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Aracelli, Please remember that you are loved by many, including me and you are in my prayers. Love, Sybil Eppinger, Protestant Christian