Merlene Gilb, friend and colleague

I cannot put fully into words how much Jennifer meant to me as a colleague and, more importantly, as a friend. So instead, I will hold onto the small rituals that meant more than any words could.

Jennifer saved New York Times Magazines and Book Reviews (more recently including her beloved Ann Arbor Observer) for me every week for all these years, which I paged through with my cup of tea as she left notes and messages about things I might find interesting. When she delivered that bag of treasures, Jennifer would also leave a note on my office door with the message, "We can do it ." Her notes carried me through the new undergraduate redesign, which I was responsible for getting approved and launched, and the new courses that followed and that we co-taught together. She was my lift through it all. I saved every one of those notes, which I've now packed away with my teaching mementos, having retired. I kept one out that I placed in my art room and look at almost daily.

And our monthly coffees with Adam Conway—what wisdom, caring, inspiration, and pure joy those moments brought. A wonderful and generous treat, and a treasured part of each month to look forward to.

We shared many things, but the one closest to us was our children. Most present was that Ethan (before his move to Colorado) and my Claire (both students of Adam in high school) finished college and began their careers, making their way in NYC. Both of us were so proud of them. Nervous but very proud.

My life was better because Jennifer was in it. Her presence was one of the best things that ever happened to me and will stay with me always.

We are woven together in life, connected across time. Jennifer was a thread of gold still reflecting light. I will always miss her.