Someone Else to Miss

Just wanted to take a moment to note the passing of one of my collegues. Jackie has worked at this library for the past 28 years. Just recently she was promoted to Director and was doing a very good job in these trying times. Being the Director is a very political position and she handled it beautifully for such a naturally subversive sort of person. She had appeared to be in good health and had even lost weight over the past couple of years. But on Wednesday, May 30, she suffered a massive heart attack while sitting at her desk in her office. Help arrived within five minutes and she was in the best hands. Unfortunately, she never regained consciousness. She died on Saturday morning.

It was quite a shock to everyone here at the library and amongst all of the city staff. Jackie was only 63 and had much to look forward to. Her family will miss her terribly, of course...and so will we, her friends and co-workers.  I have so many memories of her. We started out on the wrong foot, I'd say. She could be a bit sharp and sarcastic, so when I first began working here I felt that she didn't like me. In a rare brave move I went to her office to try and clear things up. She was rather horrified to learn I felt we had a problem and quickly hugged me and assured me that we were great. In the years since then we have worked on several projects together. Most recently, I have been her steady supplier of  posters for the Foreign Film Evenings that she hosted here for the patrons.  After that first misstep we always got along....I'd say a bit of birds of a feather thing, really.

I don't know what happens after people die. But I do know that Jackie lives on in our hearts and minds. She lives in the legacy she left here with her work. Anytime I read a book about zombies or vampires, both of which she loved, I will definitely think of Jackie.

Rest in Peace Jackie.