Donna Marzigliano - In Memoriam

** web administrator note **
I regret how late this is in publishing. This happened during a transition of AstroNotes editors, complicating its intended publishing.

Just a few short weeks ago I was deeply saddened when I learned that one of my QO Team members Donna Marzigliano, had suddenly fallen seriously ill. It followed with even greater shock when she passed away very shortly afterward.

Her obituary included the facts that she was only 45 years old, survived by two children and two grandchildren, employed by Rutgers Landscape and Nursery in Ringoes for the past eight years and was a member of the New Jersey Astronomical Association. Donna loved flowers as much as she did looking at the night sky.

I did not know Donna personally. I only knew her from her volunteer work at NJAA. What I did learn from her over the past few years is that she was a very kind person with a joyful spirit. She (as well as her buddy Roberta) took her QO responsibilities very seriously never missing a QO date unless there were work conflicts - and even then she would telephone me with profuse apologies. I couldn't have asked for a better team member.

I was outside raking leaves when I got the call that Donna had died. Only minutes later my neighbor told me to look up. High in the sky, above the sun in a mostly clear sky was a rainbow arc! I've *never* seen a rainbow like that - ever! It was like a smile above the sun. I took a picture of it and have included it here. I was told it was ice crystals in the upper atmosphere that caused it, but I think I know better.

I can't help but feel that the world has lost a good citizen - I will miss her.

Clear Skies Donna...

(Memorial contributions can be made to the New Jersey Astronomical Association in her name.)

Paul Cirillo