Memories of Effie Frances Kapsalis

In memory of

Effie Frances Kapsalis

Silver Spring, MD

1971 - December 11, 2022

1971 - Dec 11, 2022

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Chris Abraham

Heather Frank

Chris Abraham

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$30,852.45

Raised by 342 people

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Kate Lemay

2020, Open Access event at NMAH

Effie with her family in matching outfits. She was so cool!!!

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Heather Frank

Jennifer Gorman

Aimee Lê

Rachel Ginsberg

Over the past 18 months or so, I had the great honor to work closely with Effie on a women's history project that she and I both cared deeply about. Though we had spent some time connecting before, this work gave us the opportunity to share ideas and confidences regularly, and allowed me to get to know her a little better than I might've otherwise. Effie was a powerful, kind, and thoughtful person, who fought valiantly for the things she believed in, and, as evidenced by the outpouring of sadness and support, here and elsewhere, had a major impact on so many people, places and ideas. I have no doubt that her memory will continue to be a blessing, as her life was, to continue pushing those values of openness, transparency, inclusion, and respect, that she stood for so staunchly. Sending her [many] loved ones and community comfort and support in navigating such a tragic time.

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Heather Frank

Tricia Edwards

Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Effie's family or funeral.

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Kate Lemay

2020, National Museum of American History

Effie giving the keynote to commemorate Smithsonian’s participation in Open Access —which she spearheaded. #Groundbreaker — with effie kapsalis

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Heather Frank

Jennifer Gorman

Tricia Edwards

Gail Belian

Darin Somma

Rob Ritter

It is hard to overstate the impact Effie had on the Smithsonian. She worked tirelessly to ensure the institution lived up to its ideals of being more accessible, equitable and inspirational. Her legacy here will last for generations. My condolences to Andrew, Melina, and all of her loved ones and friends.

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Heather Frank

Darin Somma

Michelle Gallinger

Shared a heart

Lauryn Guttenplan

My heartfelt condolences to Effie’s loved ones, near and far. We worked together for many years at the Smithsonian and I admired her passion, determination and vision. She was an inspiration to so many and her absence will be profoundly felt. May you find peace and comfort in all the lasting memories.

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Heather Frank

Hillary Brady

I am so sorry for your loss—Effie will be greatly missed. I worked with Effie on digital projects at the Smithsonian, and she was so warm and generous with her time, creative vision, and expertise as a true leader in the field. I learned so much from her.

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Heather Frank

Τάκης Καψάλης

2012, Vytina Greece Monastery

Heather Frank

Aimee Lê

Gail Belian

Τάκης Καψάλης

Tonia Bain

Ryan King

Darin Somma

Comments:

Tonia Bain

How she loved being with family in Greece. I remember distinctly when they got back from this trip. She... Read more How she loved being with family in Greece. I remember distinctly when they got back from this trip. She told me she saw Baby... Read more How she loved being with family in Greece. I remember... Read more

Darin Somma

Powerful memory, thank you for posting Powerful memory, thank you for posting Powerful memory, thank you for posting

Glenda Kapsalis

Thank you, Taki, for this beautiful memory. One of my favorite monasteries in Greece. Much love! Thank you, Taki, for this beautiful memory. One of my favorite monasteries in Greece. Much love! Thank you, Taki, for this beautiful memory. One of... Read more

Amelia Kile

Effie was a dear friend and colleague to so many - one of the true treasures of the Smithsonian. She had such an amazing and wide-reaching impact that I know will continue, long into the future. It is a shock that we may never comprehend. Our kids are about the same age and I can't understand the loss. I do know supporting Effie from home helped her truly make a difference in this world.

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Heather Frank

Andrew Lih

Τάκης Καψάλης

Heather Frank

Glenda Kapsalis

Gail Belian

Tonia Bain

MARY AUGUSTA Thomas

Shared a heart

Glenda Kapsalis

Shared a heart

Heather Frank

Kate Lemay

Τάκης Καψάλης

Gail Belian

Tonia Bain

Sarah (Revitte) Burckart

So terribly heartbroken to learn of Effie’s passing. I met Effie when she was my manager at CognitiveArts; and social media allowed us to keep track of each other over the years. I so admired her intelligence and loved her sense of humor and style. One of my favorite memories was when a group of us from the Cog went camping in Wisconsin. I shared a raft with Effie and Heather Matula on an hours long float down a river. At the end was a huge waterfall we had to go over. Effie was the brave one and sat up front. After we went over and all fell out of the raft toppling onto each other, we eventually laughed at what a terrifying experience it was. Such a great time.

May her husband, daughter and family find comfort and peace in their memories. My deepest condolences.

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Heather Frank

Glenda Kapsalis

Gail Belian

Heather Matula

Tonia Bain

Comments:

Heather Matula

That camping / rafting trip was magical! Effie was supposed to be in the middle going over that waterfall,... Read more That camping / rafting trip was magical! Effie was supposed to be in the middle going over that waterfall, actually, but at the... Read more That camping / rafting trip was magical! Effie was ... Read more

John Gordy

What a fun wedding

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Heather Frank

Kate Haley Goldman

Gail Belian

Aimee Lê

Andrew Lih

Kate Lemay

Heather Matula

Tonia Bain

Darin Somma

Rachel Frick

Shared a heart

Rachel Frick

Effie was a force in the digital library community. She was a huge inspiration to the Cultural Heritage Open Access community, and to the women who were in the midst of it. I remember seeing her at SXSW - wondering if she would remember meeting me - and she was there with her beautiful smile and generous insights. This is a gut punch - as I am sure I am not alone, that I assumed we would have many more opportunities to scheme and build with Effie. Her light will be deeply missed

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Larissa Borck

Heather Frank

Gail Belian

Jason Casden

I worked with Effie at the very intense weeklong One Week, One Tool workshop. She was such a brilliant and lovely person. May her memory be for a blessing.

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Heather Frank

Gail Belian

Bonnie L. Pitman

Dear Effie's sparkle and intelligence will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her. May the love and kindnesses of your family and friends help you at this challenging time. Love, Bonnie Pitman

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Heather Frank

Gail Belian

Aimee Lê

Rob Montero

I am so sorry for your loss...

I had a chance to work with Effie on the AWHI project and she left a permanent impression on me. She was so sharp and full of light.

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Heather Frank

Gail Belian

Eden Orelove

Shared a heart

Glenda Kapsalis

Douglas McCarthy

Effie was a deeply cherished and respected member of the museum world. Her warmth and brilliance touched me and everyone who knew her. We were so lucky to have her in our lives.

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