Many of you are aware that Karen Meyer, an SSL employee of over 15 years, and a founding staff member of the education group at SSL had a seizure last year, 2012, during Cal Day. It was discovered after that incident that she had brain cancer. She and her family set up a website about her journey over the last year and a half.
http://www.karenmariemeyer.com/
Yesterday, Karen’s dear friend, Bora, posted the following message:
Last night, Karen transitioned from what is known as the “imminent” stage (in hospice terminology) to “active.” This means that she is very close to death. She will have around-the-clock nursing care starting this morning.
Last night, Pastor Dana Cunliffe from the Meyer’s church, Church Without Walls, came and gave Karen communion and prayed with her and Rich from the liturgy of the dying from the Book of Common Prayer.
Please pray for comfort for Rich, Erica and Joshua and the extended Alcorn and Meyer families and for Karen to be able to pass peacefully into the arms of Jesus.
From the Book of Common Prayer:
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Karen. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers as Karen ends her journey with us in this life. Karen has been one of the many people here at SSL who not only has changed the field in which she worked for the better, always bringing the most recent research and best people to the work, but also lived a full and compassionate life outside of work. She is respected throughout the U.S. for her work with the Sun-Earth Connection forum, for her work on the MAVEN education program, and for her solar energy work here in Berkeley with the Rosa Parks Elementary school, in partnership with John Bonnell.
As we lose another SSL employee, colleague, and friend this year, I am reminded of what it means to work here at SSL, with people who not only are some of the most committed and innovative minds, but also with people of heart and compassion. It is with great sadness but also with great appreciation for both Karen Meyer and Bob Lin, that I share this news with you today.
With a heavy heart,
Laura Peticolas
Director of the Center for Science Education at SSL
Supervisor, colleague and friend of Karen Meyer
