I was very surprised to hear this news. Earlier this year in March I had to go to Florida and chatted with Andrea on Facebook about my trip. She offered some suggestions and things to do and see and it was much appreciated. We also spoke about getting together at some point, not on this trip as I was in Tampa not near her, but because I was going to be making regular trips to Florida that on one of them we would hang out.

Over the years we spoke many times. She mailed me some books once she wanted me to read and comment on. They had been sent to her from Kent.

Whether it was talking about her son, job, home repairs, Florida schools, growing up with David, making jokes, politics, or talking about Captain Beefheart, Andrea was always so interesting, funny, and obviously a fantastic human being that cared deeply about family, friends, and the rest of the world.

I truly regret not having had the opportunity to meet her and her family. I knew she had been ill but thought she was recovering and because we had only recently been talking about getting together I was stunned to hear this news.

Obviously, being the kind of person she was I know this is a terrible loss for her family and my deeply heartfelt condolences go out to them. It's hard to lose anybody you care so much about but somebody like Andrea who seemed such a difference maker, a force for good, peace, love and understanding for those around her...that I believe was so much a part of the lives of those that knew her, well, this leaves a space that can't be filled. I know she loved the sea and we spoke of sailing in some of the last conversations I had with her.

Sail on, Andrea, you will be remembered and missed.