New Year’s Eve 2023 was marked with sadness for my family as my mother-in-law, Susan “Sue” Timperley, passed. Leave it to Sue to pass with fireworks and parties in full swing. She was a vital force within our family, a calming influence on the males of our clan, an example for all and a tireless advocate for her grandchildren. Although she was just a slip of a woman, 5 feet tall and 100 pounds soaking wet, woe to anyone who would mistakenly assume her petite physical appearance belied weakness of character.

I was saddened to learn of the passing of first lady Rosalynn Carter. She and President Jimmy Carter were a leading political team during a particularly turbulent time in America. Although the Carter presidency was marred by the energy crisis of 1979 and the Iran hostage crisis, which likely limited Carter to one presidential term, the husband-wife team had a remarkable list of accomplishments during their four years at the White House. Carter made some difficult and unpopular decisions during his presidency. He pardoned all Vietnam War draft dodgers, returned the Panama Canal, established the Departments of Energy and Education and shepherded, arguably, the most significant talks regarding Middle East peace through the Camp David Accords.