Rhianna Lynn Morawitz
Morawitz, Rhianna Lynn, 14, Northeast Magnet freshman, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Friends are welcome to come by Downing Lahey Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, 8:00 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 22 and Friday, September 23, to look at pictures and sign Rhiannas guest book. A candlelight vigil to celebrate Rhiannas life will be held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 24 at Sunnyside Elementary, Kellogg Ave. and S. Chautauqua St., Wichita. Survivors: parents, Rick and Lisa Morawitz; siblings, Cody Morawitz, Demi Howe and Danielle Howe, all of Wichita; grandparents, Pat and Jon Jones of Lawrence, KS, Silvia Campbell of Anthony, KS and Rafael Vasquez of Stockton, MO; uncles, Kevin Jones and Kegan Jones; aunts, Katherine Jones, Kristian Jones, Nita Hibshman and Jerrilin Norman; uncles, Hyman Vasquez and Rafael Vasquez, Jr. A memorial has been established with Youth Frontiers, (program to help stop school bullying), 6009 Excelsior Blvd., Minneapolis, MN, 55416.
Friends are welcome to come by Downing Lahey Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, 8:00 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 22 and Friday, September 23, to look at pictures and sign Rhiannas guest book. A candlelight vigil to celebrate Rhiannas life will be held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 24 at Sunnyside Elementary, Kellogg Ave. and S. Chautauqua St., Wichita.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lisa and Rick Here is a verse from Harry Hynes Seasons of the Heart. A death has occurred and everything has changed. We are painfully aware that life can never be the same again, that yesterday is over, those relationships once rich have ended. However, there is another way to look upon this truth. If life now went on the same, without the presence of the one who had died, we could only conclude that the life we remember made no contribution, filled no space meant nothing. The fact that this person left behind a place that cannot be filled is a high tribute to this individual. Life can be the same after a trinket has been lost, but never after the loss of a treasure. Don’t try to destroy a beautiful part of your life because remembering hurts. As children of today and tomorrow, we are also children of yesterday. The past still travels with us and what it has been makes us what we are. First, let me say I admire so much what you have done. Last week the Gov. Brownback declared that it was anti-bullying week. I lost my daughter, Laura as a result of bullying at WSU on Nov, 15, 2010. My daughter Christina is studying elementary education as well works as a para in the Wichita Schools. She said in other schools there has been dialogue with principals and staff. Dialogue is the first step of change. Each month, I have been given a new theme to walk me through this journey. Dec. was ‘Dance in the rain. ‘ Christina’s (Laura’s sister) best friend moved into their first house at the end of Nov. / first of Dec. She wanted something for the walls. Since Christina was deep in school, I went shopping for the gift. I bought a photo collage with the following verses: Believe in your dreams. Life isn’t about finding yourself…. It is about creating yourself. Those who say only sunshine brings happiness, have never danced in the rain. I decided that I need to learn to dance in the rain. I went back and bought a frame for myself. Dec. also had though we are separated by time and space she (my daughter) is still with us. Scott had a neat quote after the ellipse, that Laura got to see it from the other side. Hannah said Laura got to say Happy Birthday to Jesus in person. Also, the seed that falls to the ground so a lot more seeds can be produced and she has planted a lot of us to grow and carry on a bigger purpose. Jan. was that God called her home because he was pleased with her. Feb. has been God has given each person their own role, if you accept it and do not fight it, my yoke is easy. God is weaving a tapestry where the threads of people lives touch and interweave and change. March was ‘Everything starts with one person . . . I don’t care if you’re 5 or 105, God from all eternity chose you to be where you are, at this time in history, to change the world.’ Mother Angelica This week, May 20, Martina Mcbride’s Anyway. In Jan 2010, after we had a negative experience with a grief group. I tried out several, because I wasn’t going to take my daughter back to another bad one. The program I liked the best was a 4 week course called Seasons of the Heart led by a social worker (3 different Social workers rotate. I went to one by myself and then one when my so was home from colllege. I like Maureen Shaheen who has been leading it for twenty years.) at Harry Hynes hospice. They discussed stress and the need to take care or yourself, typical grieving responses and coping strategies. They also have special sessions for coping with the holidays, loss of a parent, support groups and general counseling. 265-9441 There are also general grief support groups through Compassionate Friends (for those who have lost a child) 721-5308 and Good Grief 612-0700 http://www.goodgriefofkansas.org/. If you ever need to talk or how my journey of change is proceding or not, my number is 665-4930. Paula Theisen
Hi, I am so sorry for your loss. No words can express the pain you are going through. I am so impressed with your journey of prevention so far. Bless you!!! Would you care to share the name of the attorney that you are using? I may like to use him also. I have shared my story below. You can email at theisenpaula@gmail.com. My name is Paula Theisen. I lost my daughter, Laura Theisen, to suicide, on Nov. 15, 2010, after she was bullied/harrassed by the grad student who was teaching her studio class. WSU completed an investigation in which they asked open ended questions rather mentioning the persons name. Amazing no one provided info–if they found something there is a chance I could sue for wrongful death. One of her friends came forward and provided 2 1/2 pages of potential testimony. I wasn’t going to sue, I just wanted to cleanup the Art dept. At this point, I am in the process of interviewing attorneys, because I don’t think they will listen without one. WSU used my daughter’s death to hire a prevention specialist, but the first year she is going to focus on suicide prevention and drug and alcohol prevention. Rather than focus on harrassment or bullying. I have contacted the board of regents. They do not have a bullying policy, because that is more a K – 12 issue. (in the K – 12 it is state mandated to have a policy and to have annual inservices for staff.) That may need to be changed, because with out policy there is no protection for students or ‘teeth’ to prosecute the bully. I feel my daughter is leading me on this journey to change things. She has given me time to rest and heal, then gives me nudge to move forward. To deal with this I cling to anything positive. Each month, I have been given a new theme to walk me through this journey. Dec. was ‘Dance in the rain’ and though we are separated by time and space she is still with us. Scott had a neat quote after the ellipse, that Laura got to see it from the other side. Hannah said Laura got to say Happy Birthday to Jesus in person. Also, the seed that falls to the ground so a lot more seeds can be produced and she has planted a lot of us to grow and carry on a bigger purpose. Jan. was that God called her home because he was pleased with her. Feb. has been God has given each person their own role, if you accept it and do not fight it, my yoke is easy. God is weaving a tapestry where the threads of people lives touch and interweave and change. March was ‘Everything starts with one person . . . I don’t care if you’re 5 or 105, God from all eternity chose you to be where you are, at this time in history, to change the world.’ Mother Angelica On May 20, Martina Mcbride’s Anyway, when WSU presented her a post-humous degree and I began to discover how bad the art dept was. Thank you for your time. Bless you in your efforts to create a change. Paula Theisen
I love you Rhianna. you are my boo 🙂 I am making an art project called ‘ Remebering Rhianna Morawitz’ I miss you. You helped me i wish i woulda helped you. The world lost a beautiful ray of sunshine. I know you are looking down with eyes full of love. You are my angel. I miss you and will never forget you. I will make a difference for you. It has been 8 years since the day I first met you. You were my sister and my Best Friend. You made me a better person. We all have gained the most beautiful angel in the world
Rhianna was an exquisite girl and she was fortunate to have such devoted parents, but that she was too good for the Earth. We will miss her terribly, and she is with God and the angels now. Love, your cousins, ~Marsha and Elle
We are holding a peaceful protest in honor of Rhianna to stop bullying at the head of USD259 on 201 North Water Street in Wichita, KS. It is going to take place this Wednesday (one week after her passing), September 28, 2011. Our facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=253730601334726 We love you Rhianna, our prayers are with her parents and all her loved ones who can and can’t join us. We will make sure a tragedy like this never happens again, not in our district.
I am so sorry about your loss. I lost my daughter to suicide on Nov. 15, 2011, after she was bully/harassed by a grad student teaching her studio class at a local university. I am amazed what you have done so far in your journey. Our daughters have a way of turning us into activitists, so we can be their voice and prevent it happening to another student. If you would ever want to talk you can reach me through my email. Bless you!!
We are praying for your family. If there is anything we can do for you including talking and prayer we are here for you. This is your friend OJ from cereal foods 3166898520
i know i did not know u but so sad what happen,you will never be missed i went thru the same thing when i was in school being bullied i was in slow learning classes i was scared to tell someone. but Rhianna u will always be in gods hand may u r.i.p
There are no words that can bring you back or comfort those who loved you most, there is no way to right this wrong. But perhaps more awareness can be brought to the darkness that teens live in when they live with the terrorizing, mental torture & anguish that bullying brings about. Been there, experienced that & I consider myself a survivor, but grieve for those whose lives were overcome by it. This world is too good for you Rhianna…..may your soul find the peace it so desired.
I am crying for you as I write this. Your daughter was so beautiful. May you someday find peace, as we become ever more diligent in ending bullying. May those who did this be sickened by their acts and turn their hearts to love and kindness. I am so very sorry. May God be with you.
A comment that I read on Rhianna’s Facebook page that really touched me was ‘ I bet your wings look good on you’ . . . So peacefully you rest now
RHIANNA!! It was really nice getting to know you. I was looking forward to becoming better friends with you. You were so friendly to everyone in 2nd hour(: I know we weren’t close, but I’ll miss you dearly. R.I.P
Dearest angel, its so hard to believe that you left, you have no idea how much i need you. You are and always will be my baby sister, your so beautiful and so kind. You always made my day with your smile, personality, and the way you just know how to brighten a day, your always going to be in my heart and my mind forever and always baby girl <3 R.I.P i love you Rhianna <3
My name is Caitlyn and i went to elementary school with Rhianna.I am really sorry for your loss and everyone will never for get her! She was a very nice person and everyone will miss her terribly! Our family is praying for yours. I hope she is at peace now. Love, Caitlyn.
I don’t even know you and it makes me wanna cry that you’re gone. My sister Helen-Marie has been depressed lately for your fatal decision.Though I never saw your face beforehand,your suicide has brought tears in my eyes,may you rest in peace. Saddened Stranger, Caleb M. Wilson
I have known Rhianna for 8 years since I was in kindergarden at Lewis. We started to hang out again when I came to Mayberry last year. I am praying for you all. She was a great friend.
I Love You Rhianna, I’ll DEFINITELY Miss Your Bubbly Spirit, Your Charm, Your Laughs And Entertainment (: I Won’t Forget The Day We Tried Out For Our First High School Play Together ! Your An AMAZING Singer And When You Told Me I Was Good It Meant The World To Me ! 2nd And 4th Hour Will Never Be The Same Without Your Smile And Your Presence … I Look IN The Sky And I Know That Your LOoking DOwn On Me .. Your Now ONe Of My Favorite Angels(: I Cant Wait To See You Again Rhianna Lynn Morawitz (: Love Yours Truly Mosaic Griffin BUt You Called Me ‘ MoMo’ For Short
Rhianna, you were my bestfriend. We had all our classes together at Northeast, I was with you everyday, all day. We were always laughing and having a good time. I can’t believe you’re gone, but I know you are in a better place. Everybody misses you so much, you are loved by many. I love you so much, you will never be forgotten, always in my heart.
Dr. Phil Burton and staff would like you to know we are all thinking of you at this difficult time. Rhianna was such a sweet girl and we all enjoyed her. With our deepest sympathy. Johnna,Debi,Kristy,Mai,Casey,Thea and Dr.
Lisa and Rick, I am very sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that can comfort you during this time. Just know we are thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time.
This is such a tragic loss. You will always be loved and never forgotten. We will always remember your smile and kindness. Rest in peace.
Lisa and Rick, You are in our thoughts and prayers at the ramp; losing a child is so tragic and I know that there is nothing I can say to ease your pain. Having been there, I just want to tell you I care and send my condolences.
Rick and Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. The world is a cruel place. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa and Rick, I am so very sorry for your loss, and I am struggling for words that express my sadness and compassion. Just know that I am thinking of you and praying for your family. I am here for you if there is anything you need.
I love you Rhianna and will miss you every day.Thank you for all the sweet and funny memories you have given me and my family over the years.I,am sorry I did not see the burden you carried on Tuesday.I would have taken some if I could.You carry it no more. Be at peace.
Always an Angel in your heart, now an Angel on your shoulder..you are in our prayers….
Our candles will burn bright for you tonight
Ricky, So sorry to hear about your loss, you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa and Rick, I want express my condolescences. I am so sorry for your of such a beautiful daughter. My prayers go out to you and all of your family. God Bless you and all of your family. May God be with you in these difficult times. Love from God is something that will always be there for you to lean on.
To the love ones of Rhianna, although we only knew each other for a short while I feel a deep loss for a person who brought me Happiness, Joy, and Laughter. THE LIGHT OF GOD SURROUNDS U, THE LOVE OF GOD ENFLODS U, THE POWER OF GOD PROTECTS U, THE PRESENCE OF GOD WATCHES OVER U , WHEREVER U ARE GOD IS AND ALL IS WELL. Love, Aspen
The community at North High wants to express their condolescences. Though our students did not know Rhianna, we want to express our love and support to her family.
dear Ricky,Lisa,Cody,Demi,Danielle-we are shocked and deeply saddend by the passing of your beautiful Rhianna-there are no words to make this better just know that Janet and I are here if you need ANYTHING and may God give you solace at this horrible time-we love you-your cousins Nicie and Janet(Roberta\\\’s girls)
I am very sorry for your loss, I have a teenager myself and can not imagine what you guys are going through. I my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this very very difficult time..
I’ve never met your daughter but I am so sad for your loss. There are no words…..
To the Morawitz Family, We are deeply saddened by the loss of your wonderful,amazing, and talented Rhianna. Please accept our condolences. We’ll be praying for you.
There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. She was a beautiful, talented girl. My daughter Ali was in choir with her last year & said she was such a kind person. Your family is in our thoughts. May she find peace now.
You were there for me when i was going through this… I wish i had been able to help you. Thanks for being so friendly when others weren’t. I always appreciated it, and i will never forget you…. Praying for your family. Rest in peace Rhianna. Gone but never forgotten.
Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I will constantly pray for the family, keep your heads up and know that God will pull you through this.
Rest in peace beautiful, now you\\\’re finally able to rest.
Lisa and Rick, Our heartfelt prayers of comfort for you both. May Our Father bless and keep you in His tender care. Our family is so saddened with your loss. Rhianna, ‘Little Rick’, is so beautiful and has enriched all our lives by her tender mercies and presence.
To the family of my friend Rhianna.So sorry for ur loss she was such a good friend.May she rest in peace,she will be missed but never forgotten.She’s in a better place.U and ur family will be in my prayers…..Miss u and will never forget u Rhianna….
To the family of Rhianna im so sorry for ur loss she was a good friend of my daughter sandra.May she rest in peace.She will be missed but never forgotten.My prays go out to all ur family….God Bless….
To Rick and Lisa, we were saddened to hear about Rhianna. Although we just met I feel like we have known you forever. We are so sorry for your loss. She will never be forgotten.
So very saddened by the unexpected loss of such a beautiful young woman. Our hearts ache for you. Please know Rhianna and those she left behind are in our thoughts and prayers this week.
Our condolences to you on your tragic loss. I know no words can bring comfort at this time, but please know she has touched many hearts and lives in the all too short time she spent in this cruel world, and while there will forever be a pc of our hearts missing and broken from the beautiful soul the world lost,her memory will be cherished and live on in the hearts of so many forever! So many are thinking of and praying for you.
My son is a student at NE Magnet and my daughter is a student at Mayberry and last nite was a very sad nite at our house. My heart is absolutely broken for your family. I believe with my whole heart that the only love greater than a parent’s love is God’s love. Know that Rhianna is blessed with both. I am so deeply, deeply sorry for your loss.
To the family of Rhianna I am so so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful person she was. My daughter Logan has known her since the 4th grade. Thoughts and prayers to you. May God bless you through this tough time. RIP Rhianna
I have 1 preteen and 2 teenagers and we feel so awful for your lost……God be with you during your time of need and know that your daughter is with him and in peace.
To The Family of Rhianna Lynn Morawitz: So sorry to have heard about a beautiful young lady taken so soon God had other plans for her R.I.P. Rhianna. May God Bless to all of the family. Lynn Bowles and Family Haysville,Kansas.
What a terrible loss to such a beautiful girl. I’m sorry for your loss.
I miss you so much baby girl. It still feels like it was yesterday that you were taken and given wings to fly. I love you so kuch beautiful. It hasn’t been the same without you. You’re always on my mind. I love you bunches. Fly high. You will always be in my heart.
R.I.P. SWEET ANGEL .. SLEEP EASY EASYBWITH THE ANGELS