I knew Marj for several years although it's been more than ten years at least since I've seen her. During my terms on the board of AIUSA, her presence, her intelligence, her dedication, all added up to one person it was a blessing to know. One story, I still laugh about. In the early 2,000s, about 2001 or so, our working group for AIUSA's coming Strategic Plan, met in Minneapolis in January. I remember how dreadfully cold it was walking place to place, often with another great activist, Jim Grossell, who was on the SP committee as well. I wonder to this day why that location was chosen in January. In any case, our follow up meeting was Minneapolis in summer, and I got to visit that beautiful city again in warm weather! Just a quick little story remembering Marj who made sure our followup to MN was in lovely weather. She was a joy and inspiration. Rest in power, Marj.
2
I have not been, in the presence of Marj, for many years, but I didn’t realize, until now, that her presence has been with me, since the first time that I met her. Truly, Marj was and is an impactful person to me and those who were fortunate to be touched by her.
2
I was honored and privileged to know and work with Marj for many years, especially during my time on the AIUSA Board 1989-1995. She was always passionate about the central idea that all people are entitled to a life with dignity and rights. She will be deeply missed by all those she touched.
3
Marj/Margarita was a true powerhouse and a fierce advocate for Amnesty's sections in the Americas. She was empathetic, a quick wit, great fun, and an ally for the region. We were lucky to have worked with her at the IS. She will be missed. Thinking of her family and friends at this time.
4
Qué triste noticia la desaparición de Marj. Recuerdo su simpatía y buen humor inquebrantable (ahora mismo pienso en qué bien lo pasamos cantando en una de visitas a una asamblea en España!) pero recuerdo también todas sus contribuciones a los planes estratégicos de AI y su empeño en fortalecer a las secciones de América Latina, empeño en el que me involucró y disfruté mucho. Nos acordaremos siempre de Marj y de su sonrisa traviesa y divertida. Fue estupendo haberla conocido.
3
Before joining Amnesty I had never seen women in leadership roles, and Marj was one of these remarkable people who broke the mould. For me coming from a mining industry background, it was incredibly inspiring to see her lead - not by adopting traditionally 'male' traits, but by bringing her own softness, generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness. And to me she was more than a leader, she was a role model and a friend. She always had time for others, always reached out and I will miss her deeply.
My deepest condolences to her family, I feel truly blessed to have known and worked alongside her. Rest in peace dear Marj xxx
3
Muy triste… la recuerdo como mi profesara de inglés y como una habida apreciadora de buen asado argentino. Siempre vivaz e implicada. Un ejemplo de vida! Gracias
3
Margarita was one of our best friends, always with a peaceful smile, her words full of wisdom and her noble and sincere heart loving her human brothers and sisters. We chare David and Margarita friendship for many years. She was a true representative of Amnesty International, always defending the right causes.
We will miss her a lot. Her memory will be in our minds and hearts forever.
Rest in peace true friend.
3
Marj was a great friend, colleague, boss, leader, and role model. She was full of character, strength, and cheerful energy. I, and many, many others, will miss her presence and guidance. I am forever indebted to her wisdom and example.
Descansa en paz, querida amiga, y que brille para vos la luz perpetua.
Peace to David, your family, and friends all over the world.
4
I had the immense privilege working closely with Marj for nearly three decades—first when she was an AIUSA volunteer activist, then an AIUSA staffer, then during her time at the IS. She was held in highest esteem and was deeply beloved by hundreds, if not thousands, who had the good fortune of knowing and working with her over the years. We knew her as a fierce, courageous, smart, highly-principled, empathetic and passionate defender of human rights for everyone, always acting with highest integrity. She stands as a giant in the international human rights movement. She was truly a global citizen and completely at home in many cultures and traditions. The outpouring of love from so many members of Marj’s global family who she touched so deeply and who, in turn, admired her so deeply, is just one manifestation of her lasting impact.
You represent the very best of humanity. RIP, dear Marj.
5
Sending my sincere condolences upon news that Marj has passed. I knew Marj for a number of years while she served on the board of AFSC. What a smart, caring, insightful woman! I am appreciative of the light she brought into the world. Peace and blessings to her family.
3
Sharing an office with Marj for several months was one of my fondest memories of working at Amnesty International's International Secretariat. Many condolences to David and the family. The world has lost a truly lovely person.
3
I first met Marj Byler at the International Council Meeting in Dakar, Senegal in 2001. She was the brilliant chair of the Spanish language working group. But I really work and appreciate her when she joined the International Secratariat as Senior Director. She provided me support to reorganize our Secretariat and reform our governance system, making AI Senegal a better place to work in. She cared about wellbeing of staff in sections in Global South, making sure the movement provided resources for better salaries and health insurance. We will miss you Marj. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
4
What a huge loss. Especially to Marj's family, then to her friends and former colleagues, and then to the cause of social justice in our troubled world. Marj was an absolute titan, a woman of immense passion, wisdom and heart. She was a mentor to me at Amnesty's International Secretariat, and as I reach the age that she was when we worked together, I hope I am at least half as inspiring to my younger colleagues as she was to me.
7
Such sad news. I didn’t work with Marj for long at IS (around 2007) but for me she was far and away the best advocate there was at IS for human rights, feminism, management and everything else. My condolences and peace.
6
Marj was a long time advocate for human rights and will be remembered for her work for people around the world.
4
Marj and I were colleagues on the senior management team of AIUSA in the early 2000s. I learned so much from Marj--about activism, movement-building, feminist leadership, and even menopause (anyone else remember Marj's fans?). May you rest in peace, power, love, and the knowledge that you helped make the world a better place.
4
Marj and I worked together fort twelve years when I served as executive director of AIUSA. She was a constant source of wisdom, humor, vision and grit. She was also remarkably patient...with me and with others who may have frustrated her. Having grown up in Latin America with a deep appreciation for cultural integrity , she was determined that Amnesty would respect and nurture members from all over the globe. I am blessed to have been her colleague and friend.
6
Estábamos iniciando los trabajos de la Reunión del Consejo Internacional en Suráfrica. Aunque ya había ido a algunas otras reuniones internacionales con Amnistía, era mi primera RCI que eran (y siguen siendo, aunque ahora se llaman Asambleas Globales) las grandes "cumbres" de la organización. Así que obviamente yo estaba con esa mezcla muy contento y nervioso por ser parte de la delegación de mi país. Al llegar a la sala del grupo de trabajo que nos tocaba, noté que había una paloma encerrada que no podía salir. el auditorio tenía algunas ventanas a un metro del suelo que estaban cerradas porque estaba haciendo algo de frío. Entonces ya que había tiempo y podía, me puse a escalar la pared, abrir la ventana y asegurarme que la paloma pudiera salir.Marj corrió a abrazarme y a felicitarme por lo que hice, y lo primero que dijo a todo el grupo fue que no podía haber mejor simbolismo para iniciar esa reunión que haber tenido a una persona de la red de jóvenes de un país de las Américas haciendo lo que yo hice.Margarita fue así siempre conmigo y con todas las personas que estuvimos en algún momento cerca de ella. Nos quería, se sentía orgullosa y alentaba cada vez que podía porque sabía que nuestra trabajo era difícil, que nuestro recorrido era importante, y que todas y todos teníamos algo que dar y seguir dando en nuestra lucha.Muchas gracias por todo Margarita, tu luz siempre será la parte que brilla fuerte en nuestra velita querida.
4
Queridísima Marj, mi jefa jefaza, inspiración y mucho amor y amistad en estos 20 años desde que empecé en el Secretariado de Amnistía. Bajo tu mentoría crecimos muchas mujeres jóvenes como yo en este entonces, creíste en nosotras y nos diste un tremendo empujón importante en Amnistía y en nuestras carreras futuras. Tu liderazgo siempre fue anclada en tu amor por la gente, por el movimiento liderado por personas voluntarias y sus equipos, tu siempre veías el poder de la gente como nuestra fortaleza de cambio por los derechos humanos. Tuvimos tantos momentos de diversión, trabajo intenso, compartimos en un sinfín de eventos, reuniones internacional, cenas, noches de copas y miles de reuniones de trabajo que siempre fueron espacios nutritivos, divertidos, estratégicos, pragmáticos y de mucho apoyo y aprendizaje. Después de tú irte de Amnistía, una despedida difícil para tí, nos volvimos amigas, mi esposa Margarita (tocaya tuya) y yo. Te vamos a extrañar muchísimo. Te prometo seguir tu legado de la mejor manera posible, para seguir apostando para un movimiento de los derechos humanos lleno de acción y de amor. Luchaste una buena lucha querida, tu luz sigue. Con todo mi amor, también para David, tus hijos y nietxs, les acompañamos en esta dolorosa pérdida y sepan que tienen amigas en México o donde sea que esté nuestro hogar, siempre. Frida
5
1
Share with others
