I just returned from Syracuse and would like to give the C. elegans
community an update on the situation following Kevin Van Doren's death on
July 15.
Kevin's funeral was held on Sat. July 22 in Syracuse, NY. Over 200
people attended. His wife Jean was allowed to leave the hospital to attend the
wake and the funeral in a wheelchair. In accordance with Kevin's wishes, his
body was cremated and his ashes are to be scattered on a mountain in New
Hampshire.
Jean Van Doren has demonstrated extraordinary grace, strength, and
dignity throughout the past week. Those of us lucky enough to know Jean
have always been aware that she is a remarkable person but I do not think that
many of us really knew how strong she truly is. She told me several times
how great it makes her feel to hear and read messages from people touched by
Kevin. She said that of course she knew how wonderful he was but did not
know that so many other people felt the same way. I would like to encourage
those of you who knew Kevin, even if not very well, to send Jean a note; they
really make a difference. Messages may be sent to the hospital (SUNY Health
Science Center, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210) or to her home (926
Westmoreland Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210).
Jean is making better than expected progress and has been in
tremendous spirits following the outpouring of support she has received. She is
expected to enter inpatient rehabilitation today and is facing about 6 more
weeks in the hospital. In the meantime, her daughters Corinne, 7, and
Meredith, 6, will stay with relatives and friends. Jean is very fortunate in
being surrounded by a remarkable group of friends from Syracuse University,
their church, and the community. Numerous people have volunteered to
provide meals, child care, cleaning, etc. for Jean during her recuperation. The
family's financial situation is still unclear; a formal trust fund has not been
set up but contributions may be made out to Jean and sent to her in care of St.
Andrew the Apostle Church, 124 Alden St., Syracuse, NY 13210.
Plans are being made for a memorial service to be held on the Syracuse
University campus in the fall. Eleanor Maine and I will prepare an obituary to
appear in the Gazette. As before, those wishing additional information may
contact Eleanor (Biology Dept., Lyman Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse,
NY 13244, emmaine at mailbox.syr.edu, (315) 443-9169) or me.
Jim Lissemore
Biology Department
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH 44118
email: jlissemore at jcvaxa.jcu.edu
Phone: (216)397-4196
FAX: (216)397-4482
