We were at Old Ebbitt's getting drinks at the bar with DC people of all sorts buzzing around. There in "ugly Hollywood" we were able to just talk. About what we hoped America could be, about what we could do as feds, right there a few hundred feet away from President Obama, during a different time, different era. I remember your stories about Greece, and later about the DeVos protest. But it was all just details. You always knew how to look at someone and make them feel like they belonged. You made people better versions of themselves. Gosh, I don't think there's any better talent out there. Your heart, your spirit was an inspiration. I wish I had another chance to tell you that. Rest in peace, friend.

"There are stars whose light reaches the earth only after they themselves have disintegrated and are no more. And there are people whose scintillating memory lights the world after they have passed from it. These lights – which shine in the darkest night – are those which illumine for us the path."

What heartbreaking news. My sympathies go out to her family, friends and loved ones. She may not be with us, but her spirit continues to burn bright in all of us who were lucky enough to spend precious time with her.

Effie was a dazzling combination of positive energy and joy. She was a student of mine in the graduate program in Industrial Design program at The University of the Arts. Becoming a student again as a young, accomplished adult is never straightforward, but Effie managed it with grace and an unbounded curiosity. She had such a huge impact on the program and everyone in it. It seems as though every memory I have is of her smiling or laughing. 

Radiant, thoughtful, talented, generous, compassionate, and always uplifting, her presence elevated our small community. I was so excited when I heard she had taken on a position at The Smithsonian. They, like us, were lucky to have her in their community.

Thank you to those who put this site together--the photos and memories are a testament to her extraordinary spirit. 

She will be dearly missed. The world is a dimmer place without her among us. 

In sadness,

Jamer

Sometimes the universe brings into your life a person who changes it in ways that neither you nor they can imagine. Effie was such a person. Her open heartedness made room for everyone, and everyone bonded with her in unique ways. Her vision and energy changed lives, institutions, and communities.

To Andrew and Melina, Effie spoke of you with much love and affection. So many of us share your sorrow at this time, and are grateful to the universe for placing Effie into our lives.