An Evening of Tribute and Celebration: Annie Halenbake Ross Library Honors Addison Deborah Schoonover with Heartfelt Book Release Event

LOCK HAVEN – Last Tuesday, April 23, the Annie Halenbake Ross Library had a full house showcasing two local authors and publishers’ most recent release, Addison, in memory of Addison Deborah Schoonover who went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2023, after a short yet valiant battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
The room quickly filled with family, friends, and even those who did not know Addison directly but were impacted by her story.

Lou Bernard, Adult Services Coordinator at the Ross Library opened the evening, followed by Maureen A. Ruhl who entertained the crowd with her larger-than-life personality. First, she introduced her dear friend and North Bend child rights activist, author, and publisher Donna M. Kshir.

Ms. Kshir took the stage and said, “I have spent the last month trying to find just the right words to say tonight, but there are none. Then someone very close to me told me to talk from the heart.” She added, “I never thought by doing this book I would meet two of the most incredible, kind, and generous people who are now forever friends. I never knew Addison but as the stories came in and the book came together I got to know such a beautiful, kind, and loving young woman. Although I didn’t know her personally, I feel a very close connection with her. I feel her energy.”

Ms. Kshir closed her speech by giving Addison’s mother Jennifer Schoonover a gift followed by a hug. The two shared tears and whispered, “I love you, always.”

Ruhl then introduced Schoonover. She stayed seated and spoke emotionally about her daughter, not leaving a dry eye in the house, on what would have been Addison’s 26th birthday.

Schoonover said, “The Christmas before she passed she got me this box of letters. She had written each letter. There was one in there that was titled Read me when we’re too busy to get together. Well, I guess she is too busy to get together because she’s in Heaven. She told me in the letter she wanted me to know that no matter whether she was here, if she was afar, or if she was with friends, she was always thinking about me. And I love you means I’ll see you soon.”

Her husband, Kenneth Schoonover, sat across from his wife offering her support. Lee Cougardawn Roberts was in attendance supporting her best friend (Kshir) via live video stream. Roberts could not attend the event in person due to her commitment to Crestview Animal Services in Crestview, Florida.

Roberts said, “Addison was an extraordinary young woman who lived each day to the fullest and had a deep passion for animals that I can relate to. While I never had the opportunity to meet her in person I came to know Addison through the cherished memories and photos shared by family and friends. Addison’s legacy of love, compassion, and kindness will continue to touch hearts and change the world.”

Other guests included Addison’s friends; Bethany Reed, Bayli Kurtz, Alanta Doan, Hailey Risley, and Lauren Minihan. Each composed compassionate and glowing memories, experiences, and lasting friendships with Addison, including pet adoption, high school, and childhood memories. Everyone was grateful for having their lives touched by her generous spirit.

Schoonover dedicated books and donated them to local charities in the area.
There was an exchange of thoughtful gifts to the Schoonovers on Addison’s second birthday and the first anniversary since her passing. Many tears were shed during the exchange, but the experience was uplifting.
Light refreshments and drinks were served, and catered by Brittany Nelen and Maureen Ruhl of Renovo.

Ms. Kshir and Roberts, through their publishing company, Northern Books, collected and developed the project with Addison’s parents. Addison can be purchased exclusively at Amazon.com, Lulu.com, or other fine brick-and-mortar stores.