Elizabeth Thornley passed away in Manchester, Connecticut, January 20, as the sun set and the snow fell. Born Elizabeth Susan Pierce but known always as Betsy to intimates and acquaintances alike. She grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota and graduated from Bismarck High School (Class of 1955); attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she took a husband (1958) and a bachelor's degree in Journalism (1959). Bore two sons and lived happily and well in the vicinity of Minneapolis (1960 - 1972) and suburban Boston (1972 - 1980). At the breakup of her marriage she came to live Manchester, where she spent the last two decades of her life, working in the offices of Manchester Radiologists and the Radiology Department of Rockville Hospital until her failing health took her aside. She was 62 years old.

Her great art was understanding, in all senses of the word: Infinitely curious, deeply compassionate, she reached and touched with her mind and her heart. Her sublime intelligence was matched with equal measures of patience and empathy. She enthusiastically shared her fascinations with those who were fortunate to be near her, and nearly everything fascinated her: Human language, sheepdog trials, children's books and detective fiction, the natural histories of the exotic wild and urban weedlot, music and art and film of almost any genre or style. She was a marvellous knitter, fine pianist, wise gardener, engaging story teller, fast learner, patient teacher.

She promoted herself as timid and ordinary, but she was in fact a fierce and remarkable woman, strong and brave. Her mission of motherhood and family protector was embraced with a single-minded selflessness, an eagle to her chicks even in death.

Respecting her wishes, she will be cremated. Memorial services for her will be held this spring in Connecticut and North Dakota; friends and admirers will remember her now and always . . .