Eva

My former co-worker Eva passed away Tuesday. She fought a hard battle against cancer and was fighting until the very end.

She was originally from Poland, emigrated to Canada, and then finally to the U.S. I remember when she first came to my department, I told her I wanted to learn Polish and hoped she might teach me some words. She very happily told me she would. I wish I had taken her up on that offer. I also told her how I loved Polish food and encouraged her to bring Polish food to our department parties/potlucks. She made some great cucumber salads.

The main memory I have of Eva was from one Friday afternoon when the power went out in the building. I was sitting in my friend Angela's office talking and Eva walked by. We encouraged her to come in, sit down, and chat. I figured she wouldn't, as Eva was the most dedicated, hard working person I know. However, she agreed to sit and chat. She told us of the lives of her three children, all of whom are successful and living in Canada. She was beaming with pride. She also told us of a "cruise" she went on with her husband. Not your commercial huge cruise, but more of a "sail" with less than 50 people. The enthusiasm she exhibited while telling us all about it was amazing.

I remember seeing her some days with her wig on and thinking she was in a treatment cycle. She never once acted "sick" at work. When my mom and my sister-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer, she came over to talk to me and be supportive.

Thank you for touching my life, Eva.