My mother Ann Mechiels has passed away

[Maarten]

Dear friends & Cohenites

It is with a heavy heart I'm writing you to let you all know that my sweet mother and beloved wife of my father Eddy Massa, Ann Mechiels has passed away at home this morning (Aug 15), age 69. She was a fiercely creative Cohenite whom many of you will remember from previous meetups on Hydra or at our Leonard Cohen Events in Edmonton (2008), Krakow (2010), Madison (2012), Dublin (2014), Amsterdam (2016), Budapest (2018) and Ghent (2022).
Although her poor health made it impossible for her and my father to travel to the recent Leonard Cohen Event in Copenhagen, she was there in spirit and creativity.

May she rest in peace.

All good things
Maarten, Eddy & family

[Tony]

May I offer my condolences, Maarten. Losing one’s mother is hard to come to terms with. I hope that the happy memories of her keep her spirit alive in you forever.

[B4real]

Oh, Maarten,
Grief wouldn’t exist without love. My heart goes out to you! I know what it’s like to lose a mother! And speaking of the heart, she is not lost because she will always be in yours. Please accept my condolences.

[Geoffrey]

sorry to learn this, maarten. condolences from me

[joyezekiel]

Mark and I are so sorry to see this sad news, Maarten. Your Mum was an iconic presence at all the events we attended, and she will be missed by the whole Cohen community. We send our condolences to you and your family.

Joy and Mark

[jarkko]

Maarten gave us very sad news. Our friend Ann was one of the key people in this community. Together with Eddy, she participated in our gatherings around the world. Even when they couldn't make the trip, they were there in spirit by sending the participants Cohen-related memorabilia that Ann's designed and realized together with Eddy. The last time, just a week ago, was the Cohen Puzzle they commissioned in the Event Bag in Copenhagen.

In the attached picture, Ann is at Hydra 2013.

Thanks for everything, Ann. Our deepest condolences to Eddy, Maarten and the entire Massa family.

Love
Eija and Jarkko

[Henning]

That's very sad news. Condolences to Eddy, Maarten and the rest of the family. Ann will be hugely missed in our community. Many memories will keep us company on our way.

Elke and Henning

[ScottM]

Hi Maarten. Helen broke the news to me this morning, from your Facebook post. I just want to add my condolences to her response earlier there. We got to know your mum and dad quite well over the years at several events and meet ups. The best compliment I can give them is that we immediately felt comfortable in their company and we always looked forward to meeting up. We have fond memories of Ann. She will be missed. We are thinking of Eddy, you and your family at this sad time.

Sincerely,

Scott & Helen

[birminghamfan]

Hi Maarten , thank you for telling us the sad news . I met your mum at numerous meet ups , I think the first time was my first trip to Hydra in 2013. Those memories will never fade . My thoughts are with you , and with your family.

Thank you , Steve

[HugoD]

Such sad news. Condolences to Eddy, the family and everyone who knew and loved her.

[dar]

My condolences on the passing of your mother Maarten. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. And may your family support and love each other as you grieve.

[bogra]

Dear Maarten,
We are very sad to hear about your mother’s passing. We will always remember Ann’s strong personality and the lovely Leonard presents she surprised us all with so often.
We wish you all lots of strength in the times ahead. Big hugs, Aad and Gery

[abby]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Maarten

[Andrew (Darby)]

Maarten, I’m so sorry to hear this very sad news. Your mother was a fondly regarded member of our community and will be sorely missed.

Please accept my sincere condolences and pass them on to Eddy as well.

Take good care,
Andrew

[LisaLCFan]

Terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Warmest regards.