Effie, I loved the chats we shared (sometimes the deep sort even when we were just waiting for our girsl to come out from  school) and simply your chearful yet balanced presence in those occasions of a girl scounts camp, brthday parties, the parents pizza & beer event you initiated, our apple picking venture, etc. etc. I will never forget the meal you cooked for us in the crazy days after Miya was born (such yummy chicken!) and so much more. You have enriched my life, and I feel so lucky to have had met you. In my mind, you will always live.

Andrew and Melina, I don't know what words to say... I am sending you big virtual hugs. 

This intimate and heartfelt piece by David Brooks in yesterday's NYT was really helpful. Maybe it will help you too  <3

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/…

In honor of Effie and support her hopes for Melina's future, we've started a gofundme for education funds. Many have donated to the important causes on this page, so please donate only if you can. Today's service was beautiful, thanks to everyone who shared their memories, whether from the stage or in conversation. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Su…

Effie was one of my instructors during my first semester of grad school in the Museum Studies program at George Washington University. When I approached her and told her I was on the Autism Spectrum and needed accommodations, she was so responsive (not everyone is). She even reached out during the course of the semester just to tell me I was doing a good job at the things I told her I struggled the most with. When I was in the hospital a month and a half into living in DC, the day I was released I made a point of still coming to her class. Any other class I probably would have skipped that day, but I was so excited to see Effie and learn from her.

Effie was not only a fantastic professor in terms of the knowledge  she offered and the enthusiasm she brought to every class (she made a night class fun! That takes special skills), but she was also just an all around kind person. She made me feel like I could succeed in grad school, the museum field, and in life in general. I knew she believed in me, and that meant more than I can say.

To all of Effie’s family, friends, and colleagues: know she’s made such an impact on the next generation. She’s made me a better person and professional. You all will continue to be in my thoughts.