My museum mentor passed away several months ago. Even in the depths of her cancer she did everything to steer me toward avenues to knowledge. She gave me self-confidence and hope.
I wrote this little booklet as a condolence card for her husband and children. I like to look at it from time to time because it brings back such fond memories. Wherever Michele was, there was intellectual curiosity and hysterical laughter.
I'm thinking of her a lot now as I search for a new job and career. 
This is from the Brown University alumni magazine:
Michele Morrisson Bernstein ’81 AM, of Setauket, N.Y.; Aug. 16, of pancreatic cancer. She was an anthropologist and curator who won national recognition for an exhibit on 19th-century seafaring women. In 1990, combining her love of sailing and history, she became a fine arts curator for the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan. She became the first director of the Three Village Historical Society and later worked as curator and educator for the Stony Brook University Institute for Long Island Archeology. She enjoyed punk-rock music and gardening. She is survived by her husband, David, as well as a daughter and a son.
This is from the Brown University alumni magazine:
Michele Morrisson Bernstein ’81 AM, of Setauket, N.Y.; Aug. 16, of pancreatic cancer. She was an anthropologist and curator who won national recognition for an exhibit on 19th-century seafaring women. In 1990, combining her love of sailing and history, she became a fine arts curator for the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan. She became the first director of the Three Village Historical Society and later worked as curator and educator for the Stony Brook University Institute for Long Island Archeology. She enjoyed punk-rock music and gardening. She is survived by her husband, David, as well as a daughter and a son.
11 comments:
No wonder you feel such a sense of loss. People like Michele touch us in ways that are special. They also are like rare flowers in our lives.
Your drawings are a beautiful remembrance to a special woman in your life.
I'm sending good, healing thoughts your way as you mourn the loss of your friend and also while you search for new work.
I agree. What a great way to pay tribute to someone who meant so much.
I will keep you tucked in the back of mind this weekend when I head to Ocean City, MD. :)
Good luck in your endeavors!
she sounds like a great person and sorry to hear about your communities loss!
What a beautiful testimony to friendship, strength, grace and the impact mentors can have. Its very touching that you carry a bit of Michele with you too; the ultimate tribute. Her family must have enjoyed this card immensely. For me it made the world stop and slow down and remember similar people who've passed through my life. Thank you.
I believe that those who pass, whom we really love, stay with us in some capacity, inspiring us, watching over us. I have felt the presence of many of those who I have lost quite strongly from time to time. I am sure your friend, Michele, is with you in some way. Today she touched me. I was moved by your tribute to her. Only the good ones inspire us like that!
What a lovely tribute. Michele's family must treasure it.
And may I say, the comments you have received on this post have also touched me. Each person has revealed something of him/herself and makes me aware of their own depth of feeling.
Michele must have been a very special person. May I offer my sympathy, and also my joy that you knew her as a friend.
She must have been a great gal. Thanks for sharing your memories of her.
What a special person, your tribute is lovely and perfect. I am so very sorry for your loss, but you have her in your heart and on your paper forever.
A thoughtful tribute. I'm sorry for your loss (& the world's.) *hugs*
Your empathy and love come through in your pictures and your words. I'm sure she treasured your friendship.
I echo the sentiments- a beautiful tribute to somebody you cared about. I got to your page through 'Beth's Stories'. I am enjoying the reading greatly!
Post a Comment