In Memoriam - Florence Van Nuland

Florence Van Nuland, wife of Jim Van Nuland, passed away on August 3, 2004 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 71 years old. Besides Jim she is survived by 5 children and 14 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, Jim has suggested a donation in her name to your favorite charity or the American Cancer Society. Her funeral was held on August 9.

Jim would often refer to Florence's creativity. In an e-mail in June of 1998 he said, "The mount for my 8 inch is named Gladys after one of Ruth Buzzi's characters on the late lamented Laugh-In. ... But it was my wife Florence who named it. Actually, many good ideas come from her. For instance, when I told here that the 30 inch was damaged, she immediately asked whether the SJAA observatory fund could be used for that ... you know the rest.

In October 2003 he wrote "I must brag about my creative wife. The usual long underwear is too short for my long shanks. Florence cut about a foot off a pair, then (from one with a ragged top) cut off about TWO feet of legs. Sewn onto the first pair, I have long jims that are a foot longer than usual. "

And in February 2004 he wrote " I will look for a nice carrying box or case for (the video projector). Florence suggested a battery box, like the one I use for the telescope battery. ... She found a nice case for my laptop, and may find something."

Mike Koop reminded us of the saying, "Behind every great man there's a greater woman."