From Plant Press, Vol. 24, No. 4, October 2021.
Rosalie “Roz” Elliott, age 76, a beloved plant mounting volunteer from New York, passed away on August 9, 2021. Elliott had been battling several health issues since 2018. She had to take a break from volunteering, and members of the Botany Department were hoping to see her back in the specimen preparation room when she regained her health. Tragically she was unable to recover from her complications. Botany is deeply saddened to lose such a wonderful, sweet, and cheery person who always had a warm smile and charming story to share. She lived every day to the fullest and she loved quilting and, most of all, her granddaughter and family. Elliott was always scouring the gift shop for her granddaughter and she loved showing off the treasures she had found. Elliott was a talented quilter; she was always eager to share her knowledge about sewing. One time Elliott took Melinda Peters, former Plant Mounter Supervisor, under her wing and offered one-on-one sewing instructions at her home. She was so generous with her time and knowledge. She will be deeply missed, and Botany will always cherish her sweet demeanor and kind spirit.
Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Kowalczyk, age 74, a beloved plant mounting volunteer from Chicago, passed away on August 3, 2021. The best way to describe Kowalczyk in one word would be a “firecracker”! Kowalczyk was a force to be reckoned with. She was boisterous, outspoken, and fierce. She was very passionate about her family, crafts, and politics. Kowalczyk loved to learn about everything under the sun, from history and art, to sports and science. She was a big fan of Carl Linnaeus; so much so, she made a special binder dedicated to interesting facts about him. Kowalczyk loved sports and she especially loved the sports teams from DC and Chicago. Kowalczyk was the life of the party, she always found a reason to celebrate no matter how large or small the achievement. She always remembered everyone’s birthdays and during the holidays she would pass out little special handmade gifts. Kowalczyk was everyone’s mom. She could be often overheard offering advice, usually unsolicited, but she would tell you exactly how she saw things—whether you liked what she had to say or not. She always stood firm on her positions and if you didn’t agree with her, she would listen but never waver from her standpoint. The Botany Department will especially miss her spunky and fiery spirit, but we will continue to celebrate life’s little achievements because that is what she would want us to do in her memory.
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