It is difficult to be brief in paying tribute to this lovely woman. Everyone who worked with and knew her loved and respected her. She was totally unaffected by her fame and popularity. Ever the consummate professional, she was always willing and ready to step in when something unexpected happened. She was kind to everyone. Ron recalls that she brought a good feeling to the set as she was always "up" and in good spirits. I was profoundly touched by her loyalty to my dad. We had something in common there. She inspired the same loyalty among her closest friends, who supported her during her long illness. Ron and I offer our sincerest sympathy and great respect to Glen. The whole world knew and loved Annette Funicello.
These words of Lord Byron (from "She Walks in Beauty") seem to have been written for her:
She walks in beauty, like the nightOf cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which Heaven to gaudy Day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress
Or softly lightens o'er her face,
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek and o'er that brow
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent ....
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent.
I really couldn't say it better.
Diane Disney Miller
Daughter of Walt Disney
Co-founder of The Walt Disney Family Museum