Photograph by Sarah Beeson

In December, many of us gathered at Cascatas del Bosque to celebrate Roni’s 70th Birthday. It was a fun and funny party, perfectly in keeping with her unique personality.

Her death on March 12 was a terrible shock to many, many people here because she moved so easily from group to group. She was above all an artist but also a leader, a teacher, a student, an animal lover and a wacky, fun, beloved woman.

Her connection to the Bird Club was long and deep. She was the first teacher of Detectives de Aves — BirdSleuth International — 15 years ago. We were her taxis at the time as she was carless, leading to many lunches and laughs. In local elementary schools, the students were given something new and exciting: a school program with outdoor games, thought-provoking questions and best of all: binoculars! It was a heady time for us and, I think, a great experience for the 5-6th graders. Our special friends became the school directors who welcomed this educational oddity.

Undoubtedly, a gathering of memories and well wishes will be held in the next few weeks and we hope to see you all there.

Roni’s favorite bird.