My scrapbook from today’s celebration of life for Canon Julie Dean Larsen, who died last month after a brave and graceful struggle against a long, debilitating illness. Her home parish, St Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church in San Juan Capistrano, played host. I was preacher and presider.

Born in Nebraska, a brilliant attorney, spouse of Chris and mother of Kallie, my friend Julie supported Bishop Jon Bruno in the darkest days of his episcopacy, gave me peerless legal advice and counsel, and served the wider Episcopal Church in myriad ways.

Julie reckoned an overpowering vision of a moment with her late grandfather as a glimpse of heaven and proof of her ultimate safety, freeing her from anxiety and worry and keeping a smile on her face, light in her eyes, and music in her voice that that all who loved her will remember and miss.

The photo at top shows her with fellow chancellors Canon Richard Zevnik and Jeff Baker. Missing is Nancy Whitehead.