A farewell to a friend
Photo by Barbara Bailey
"Nor'easter" - 10th Place, Stormy Weather contest, September 2010
The other evening I received one of the nicest, most gratifying notes from Jan Claffey, a RAW regular. Although it contained sad news, it made me realize the importance of the community we've formed here. Rather than characterize the note, I'll just run it in its entirety:
Dear RAW,
I'm writing this email on behalf of one of your members and a friend.
On Feb. 14, Valentine's Day, Barbara Bailey of Kingston, N.H. passed away after a brief illness. Barbara was an amazing amateur photographer whose works were often acknowledged by RAW's monthly featured judges. For example, in Sept. 2010's "Stormy Weather" contest, her Nor'easter image placed 10th, and in June's "Lines and Curves", she received an honorable mention for her photo's 5th place.
Barbara retired in 2008 after teaching elementary school in Amesbury for 34 years. The following year, when I retired, we joined RAW and Flickr. Barb and I loved your monthly contests and informative featured articles. As former teachers, "homework" was in the blood. In fact, Barb and her husband, Dave, had begun February's scavenger hunt!
Her participation in RAW was so heart-felt that it was cited in her obit. I wanted to thank you and the community of photographers who gave my friend, Barbara, the opportunity for "show and tell."
Respectfully,
Jan Claffey
In addition to the two photos posted here, Jan invites us to review Barbara's work on her Flickr account, which is still available.
Barbara, a teacher, hoped that people would contribute to a scholarship fund. Donations in her memory can be made to:
The Barbara Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Provident Bank
5 Market St.
Amesbury, MA 01913
God rest, Barbara, and thank you.
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