In Memory of Caryn Amy Shalita

1968-2005

FA Eulogy
by Jacques Thelamaque

I want to thank all of you who came out for Caryn's funeral and/or
reached out to Richard (or any of the rest of Caryn's family) during
this very sad and difficult time. I was, unfortunately, unable to
attend the funeral service, but heard it was exceptionally beautiful,
sad, moving and even funny at times - just as Caryn would have wanted
it. The Shiva continues at Rich and Caryn's house until Friday, I
believe. The details are on the site at www.caryn.com.

For now, I want to acknowledge Caryn once again to the membership by
simply re-printing what was said on my behalf at the funeral. It was
said from me and on behalf of all the FA members with whom she came in
contact.

"I deeply regret not being able to be here to share in this collective
moment of sadness and appreciation for a beautiful spirit far too soon
removed from this earth. For Caryn was all about collectivism and
connectivity and community. She was all about bringing together all
the best energies with which she came in contact.

I am, like all you, profoundly saddened by, and frankly, in my case,
angry at the universe for, her sudden passing from our lives. But also,
like all of you, my tears of grief are mingled with tears of gratitude
for having known her. What she gave to our filmmaking community was
immense, but what she gave to each of us individually was immeasurable.
Caryn could sometimes drive me crazy with the force of her unbridled
energy. But her enthusiasm for life and emotional resiliency was simply
astonishing and sparked in us a desire to be the best of ourselves.

But one cannot talk of Caryn without also talking of Rich. In him, her
indomitable spirit will live on and to him we forever pledge our love
and support.

As will have been said, and should be said repeatedly, Caryn was a
beautiful, warm, smart, caring, generous, talented being. She was an
artist, actress, activist, collaborator, kindred soul and dear friend.
She will be deeply and forever loved, missed and remembered."

Caryn was a tireless champion of FA, but was the same for everything in
her life that she cared about. And she cared about many things. She
and Rich built FA's very first website. She participated in almost
every new program or event that we put together for many, many years.
She fought for actors to be taken seriously in the company and helped
move programs along to support that goal. Although she acted in many
FA projects, she provided whatever support was needed for any project
she was involved with. She was brilliant in my short "Infidelity In
Equal Parts" and an incredible pleasure to work with. But mostly, she
was just an amazing person. As much as she did in FA, she did several
times that outside of FA. As I said in the eulogy, I am deeply saddened
and will miss her dearly, but I am immensely grateful for having had her
in our lives.

Best to you all,
Jacques