User:Nicolas Rück (WMDE)/Cindamuse

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
~ Benjamin Franklin, 18th century statesman, scientist, and writer

Memorial

It is with great regret that we need to confirm that Cynthia Ashley-Nelson (User:Cindamuse) passed away on Friday, April 11. Our thoughts are with Cindy’s family, friends and the Wikimedia community. Her next of kin have been informed prior to releasing this announcement.

Cindy was elected vice-chair of the Wikimedia Affiliations Committee on April 10, 2014. She had traveled to Berlin in order to attend the Affiliations Committee’s annual meeting during the international Wikimedia Conference. Both a long-time Wikipedia editor and an expert in organizational development with a professional background of 25 years, she devoted her time, passion and vast expertise to contribute in numerous ways to the free knowledge movement. Cindy was deeply committed to supporting the Wikimedia Foundation’s Global Education Program and to tackling the gender gap issue on Wikipedia.

In the short time since January that Cindy has been with us in the Affiliations Committee, we have come to value her thoughts, passion and refreshing ideas. She was working very enthusiastically with us, and we are all saddened that we won’t have the chance to learn from all of her ideas, insights and experiences. The months we shared proved her to be a very valuable and engaged member of the committee, which led to her election as AffCom vice-chair.

We are sad beyond words and so is everyone who came to Berlin to participate in the Wikimedia Conference. Her passing is a great loss for everyone in the Wikimedia movement. This morning all the conference attendees gathered together to grieve and talk about the loss of Cindy. We decided that all of us at the Wikimedia Conference could choose to continue the conversations about the future of the movement Cindy cared so much about, as well as spending our time here to remember and celebrate her. She will be greatly missed.

You can share your condolences and memories of Cynthia here on her user talk page.

On behalf of the whole Affiliations Committee, and the other community members gathered here in Berlin:

Carlos Colina,
Chair, Wikimedia Affiliations Committee

Bence Damokos,
Outgoing chair, Wikimedia Affiliations Committee

The Lord giveth, and The Lord taketh away. While the passage of time may allow us to forgive whatever greater presence you may believe in for taking her away, the passage of time will not result in us forgetting the amazing person she was, her passion for our movement, or the brilliance she brought to her volunteer work. Cynthia, we will miss you and never forget you. --Varnent (talk)^(COI) 09:23, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I write this message with a very heavy heart. I am extremely grateful for Cynthia's passion, her drive and, most of all, her vision and ideas in making our movement better, in making us a better force for good. In the brief time I got to know Cynthia, she was extremely supportive of the work we did at the Affiliations Committee, was supportive of me as a person, and supportive of new ideas and trends that would have made us more effective in doing the work we do. I sincerely hope that we can continue your legacy, and I look forward to seeing you again soon, wherever that may be. I know you're looking down upon us, smiling as we continue to remember the work you've done and the work we will continue to do in your honor and memory. --Sky Harbor ^(talk) 09:45, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Cynthia, I remember occasionally bumping into you while doing admin stuff here on en.wiki and I always noticed your kindness and your passion. My thoughts are with you and your family. $Salvio$ ^{Let's talk about it!} 09:49, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
This is the saddest Wikipedia news I have personally endured. Cindamuse was a dear friend to me and an exemplary editing colleague. I am a better person for having known her, and forever changed from today; in her memory.—John Cline (talk) 09:53, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Working with her to tackle conceptional problems of the early ambassador program in 2011 while serving on its steering committee and beyond, I always greatly appreciated her tremendous strength and personal committment. Cynthia, you are badly missed :( --Jan eissfeldt (talk) 10:08, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
This is both shocking and deeply saddening. Cindamuse and I had our first interaction together a month ago but I've long known her to be a kind and helpful person. This is (another) major loss. :'( Acalamari 10:16, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
(I just got back from Relay for Life, so this may be a bit jumbled.) I just got the news of your passing while doing some last minute facebooking on my phone before going to bed. Now, I am completely shocked. To think that a person who I talked to once a month and emailed every few days during my freshman year of college is now gone...I am not sure what to feel. While we locked horns a decent amount of times, I always respected your thoughtful insight into how colleges and wikipedia should interact. I also echo what Jan says above, you made the steering committee a better place. I hope you are at peace now. --Guerillero | My Talk 10:27, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Life is so short, so fleeting. No time for bitterness, grudges or vendettas, only for doing the best we can to support each other. I didn't know Cynthia that well, but when we did interact I was always greatly impressed by her patience and decency. My condolences to her family and her friends, she will be missed here. Lankiveil ^{(speak to me)} 12:00, 12 April 2014 (UTC).
Cindy, I knew you to be a kind-hearted person who really made a difference here, adding common sense and thoughtful input in everything you did. Wikipedia is a lesser place without you. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:06, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
This is really sad. Today, we have lost a great admin. Even though I didn't know you well, you will be missed, and my thoughts were with your family. ='( Epicgenius (talk) 12:43, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
:( --Jyothis (talk) 12:55, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Cindy! What about our hopes for our Cascadia community! What happens to our plans! I am very sad, this is just awful. Blue Rasberry (talk) 13:20, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Wow... don't know what to say. I know Cindamuse as a hardworking volunteer, so thanks for all your efforts. Hopefully you can still see from above how much people cared about you. Trijnstel_talk 13:30, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
My condolences to her family. This is a terrible loss. --Frank Schulenburg (talk) 13:41, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Very sorry to see this; love and condolences to her family...Modernist (talk) 13:48, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
First Adrianne and now Cindy. I have never hoped so much for that "in threes" thing to not be true. Wikipedia benefited so much from both of them. Daniel Case (talk) 13:58, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I ... what the heck. This is a huge loss to the Education Program, Affcom, and the entire community. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends. Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 14:15, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Rest in peace. :( πr² (t • c) 14:26, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
While I never got a chance to collaborate with you, it is tragic to hear of a fellow Wikimedian passing away. May your soul rest in peace. --Rsrikanth05 (talk) 15:02, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I'm in tears in such in shock, I had delightful email conversations with her for months and I was supposed to nominate her for adminship but I was going to personal hell and couldn't. Wow wow wow, two of the best and brightest Wikipedians gone. My condolences to friends and family. Secret ^account 15:22, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
She will be missed here at Wikipedia. My condolences to her family and her friends. Paul Erik ^{(talk)(contribs)} 15:34, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
My deepest condolences to Cindy's family. Her tireless work to help new contributors learn how to edit through the Wikipedia Education Program and the Teahouse impacted thousands of new editors positively. I'll miss your enthusiasm and intelligence, Cindy. LiAnna (Wiki Ed) (talk) 15:48, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I wish condolences to her family, friends and all who will miss her. Rest in peace. Fylbecatulous talk 16:09, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
More very sad news. RIP, Cynthia. SlimVirgin ^(talk) 16:20, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I was surprised and saddened when I saw the news of your passing on Facebook this morning. I was glad we got to meet so long ago and I still laugh that we interacted for so long on here before finding out we went to high school together. Such a small world it is. Kümioko 172.56.3.129 (talk) 16:31, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
A truly gifted woman with a knack for humour and finding joy in the little things in life. I am glad and blessed that I was able to get to know her in this life. My prayers are with her family and friends, and those of us on Wikipedia who know we lost a good contributor and friend today. --ColonelHenry (talk) 16:49, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Following your involvement working in the AffCom I had come to really appreciate and value your judgement and insight. May the road ahead take you where you wish to be. notafish (talk) 17:17, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Another terrible loss. Cindy did so much for the Wikimedia community that it can't even be explained. We'll miss you greatly. Keegan (talk) 17:37, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I did not know Cynthia personally, but I learned a lot about her work for the Wikimedia projects here at the Wikimedia Conference from fellow Wikimedians. My heart goes out to her friends and family.--Pavel Richter (WMDE) (talk) 18:49, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Thanks for your amazing contributions to Wikipedia. Rest in peace. ///EuroCarGT 19:10, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
--ThurnerRupert (talk) 19:50, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Very sorry to hear about this. --Rs chen 7754 19:50, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
My deepest condolences; what a terrible loss. You will be missed. --j⚛e decker ^talk 20:47, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Another sad day. Rich Farmbrough, 21:54, 12 April 2014 (UTC).
This is desperately sad, and so very sudden. A tragic loss. Guy (Help!) 21:59, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Very sad news. WJBscribe (talk) 22:04, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
More sad news :( → Call me Hahc21 22:10, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I was shocked to hear this news. I will remember the dedication and willingness to help. Cindamuse's contributions have had a multiplying effect to the benefit of Wikipedia and its users. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 22:11, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I have little to add beyond the words expressed by our committee through Carlos and Bence. I'm left without words. effeietsanders 22:11, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Such sad news :(, RIP Cindy x - My sincere condolences to family & friends. --→Davey2010→→Talk to me!→ 22:16, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Sad and shocking news. The wikimedia movement has lost a champion. Sydney Poore/FloNight ♥♥♥♥ 22:21, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
Cindy was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. This is devastating news. My condolences to her family and friends. JSFarman (talk) 22:32, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
I didn't know you, but you seemed like a very nice person. RIP. -Newyorkadam (talk) 01:25, 13 April 2014 (UTC)Newyorkadam
A truly sad day indeed - condolences to her relatives. hmssolent^lambast _{patrol records} 03:54, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Very sad. Hawkeye7 (talk) 04:12, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
The movement has lost another instrumental member. Rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. James ^{(T • C)} • 3:27pm • 04:27, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Condolences to her family and all that loved her. ```Buster Seven Talk 04:58, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
I am terribly saddened about this loss and my sympathies go to all who were close to her. --AFBorchert (talk) 05:37, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
My deepest condolences. You were one of our greatest editors and admins. -- King of ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ 05:52, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
RIP. --Pine^✉ 06:41, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
It was a pleasure knowing you and working with you Cindy. I am saddened to hear of the news. MikeLynch (talk) 06:43, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
I am absolutely heartbroken to hear this news. Cindy was an editor that I had the rare opportunity to connect with on a few articles and issues. While not necessarily a massive collaboration, from that to her RfA, I looked up to her in so many ways. She had been very open about some of her challenges but I am still in complete and utter shock. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Sincerely, Mkdw ^talk 07:34, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
I don't even know what to say. This is such a terrible shock. My condolences to her family and loved ones. I'm glad we had her as a member of our community. Kurtis ^(talk) 08:46, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Rest in peace, Cindy. – Alensha ^talk 09:07, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Wow, this is a major shock. No one seemed to work more tirelessly for Wikipedia and all that it represents than Cindy, and always with a kind heart and a cheerful, helpful word and generous encouragement. I recall that a year ago she mentioned she had had recent surgery and was in pain, but she never spoke of it again and I think we all figured or hoped it was all behind her. This is a great loss for Wikipedia, but I'm sure nothing can compare to the loss to her family, friends, those who knew her, and those whose lives she touched. Rest in peace, Cindy, you will be missed. Softlavender (talk) 09:12, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Very sad news. RIP. Graham87 09:51, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Cindy, you made such a difference to those who knew you, and those who knew of you. Tragically, I had hoped that this week in Berlin, I could move from someone who knew and admired you from far, to knowing you better in person. That will never happen now, but I know this movement treasures you and all you've done. ASengupta (WMF) (talk) 10:42, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Our paths crossed a few times and I was impressed by your thoughtfulness and dedication. My heart goes out to your family and friends. Rest peacefully now, you have done well. --Randykitty (talk) 10:47, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
My prayers and sympathy are with Cindy's family and friends. Our paths also crossed and Cindy was very helpful. Thank you-RFD (talk) 11:04, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Cindy's energy for wiki work was tremendous. She was always willing to help out as a Wikipedia Ambassador whenever a class needed help, and she was a great mentor to newcomers. I wish I had gotten to spend more time with her.--ragesoss (talk) 11:49, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
I am so sorry to hear this. Cindy was dedicated, passionate, and always willing to help, and I had been delighted to see that she would be taking that energy and dedication to a new leadership role. It is sad to lose her—my condolences to all of her family and friends. Kat Walsh (spill your mind?) 15:05, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
I chime in with everyone. As Daniel Case said, first Adrienne, now Cindamuse. What a week to lose two such contributors. My thoughts are with her family; they know better than we what they will be missing, and we already know a lot. Thank you. Drmies (talk) 15:18, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
I don't know if we've interacted (I don't think we have), but I've certainly seen your name around. I am shocked by this news. RIP. Double sharp (talk) 15:23, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Condolences to her family, friends and the whole Wikimedia movement among the others.--Kiril Simeonovski (talk) 16:50, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Une pensée pour toi. Une prière. Anthere (talk)
Rest in peace, Cindy. De728631 (talk) 18:00, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Oh no, what horrible news. It's surprising how genuinely wretched one can feel at the loss of someone one has never met - I'm very much the poorer for never having done so. -- Boing! said Zebedee (talk) 19:08, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
What sad news. Sympathies to all her loved ones. Shearonink (talk) 20:08, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
I didn't know you very well - we interacted online a fair bit and met in Berlin...only for you to leave us the very next day. Your contributions to not just to the Wikimedia movement but to the world as a whole won't be forgotten. Rest in peace, Cynthia. Steven Zhang ^{Help resolve disputes!} 20:49, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
Rescias in pace. —DerHexer (Talk) 22:07, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
As with Adrianne Wadewitz, I am very sorry to hear about this. The best way I can think of to pay tribute to Cindy's work here is to help expand its reaches through the rest of Wikipedia; So, (for instance) I am going to look for opportunities to link other articles to the article she worked on for Washington: A Life (such as this edit to the article on George Washington), and then do the same for what appears to be one of the last articles she created, about journalist Paul Hendrickson. Maybe we can look for opportunities to get some of her work-in-progress cleaned up and into shape such that it can get into article space, such as her rough draft for an article on Hendrickson's book about Ernest Hemingway? R.I.P. KConWiki (talk) 23:51, 13 April 2014 (UTC)
How sad that we did not have a chance to meet. I wish you can edit some things in heaven. --BR, .js (talk) 03:41, 14 April 2014 (UTC)
Very sorry to hear about this. RIP. --Brest (talk) 08:26, 14 April 2014 (UTC)
Requiem aeternam --M/ (talk) 09:06, 14 April 2014 (UTC)
Horrible news. RIP, Cindy. Condolences to family and friends. --Rosiestep (talk) 14:10, 14 April 2014 (UTC)
I've not known you, but I believe that you was a very good human. Very pity news. Rest in peace :-( --Ліонкінг (talk) 21:10, 14 April 2014 (UTC)
Thank for all your contributions - including some hard work in difficult areas. You made an improvement. You will be missed. I wish we had more people like you. bobrayner (talk) 22:14, 14 April 2014 (UTC)
I was so sad about this; she was a leading light. We will remember her work, and continue it. -- phoebe / (talk to me) 00:08, 15 April 2014 (UTC)
Much thanks, Cindamuse, for making Wikipedia a warmer and more inclusive place. Peace to you. The Interior (Talk) 00:21, 15 April 2014 (UTC)
RIP, Cindamuse. starship.paint "YES !" 12:12, 15 April 2014 (UTC)
I can't still digest that you are gone, Cindy. Your energy, enthusiasm and your passion for Freedom will always be remembered. Your constant dedication and your charming personality will always have a place in the hearts of those who had the honor of meeting you, either online or in person. We will all miss you. --Maor X (talk) 18:29, 15 April 2014 (UTC)

In pace requiescat. 108.185.50.147 (talk) 22:44, 15 April 2014 (UTC)
A great loss to the world. Her wiki persona could be a little strict, but elsewhere she was inclusive and warm. She was often able to put people at ease from all across the social spectrum , with her charm and lively sense of humor. Although able to command a high wage from the private sector consulting on quality and process re-engineering, she did huge amounts of pro bono work over the last 15 years for dozens of anti trafficking organisations. She didn't just restrict herself to strategy level, but often got in amongst it, using her charm on a one to one level encouraging former prostitutes and porn stars to speak out. She also liked to work with faith groups and leaders, such as brother Adrian Warnock here in London. While she'll regret leaving behind the many family members and friends who she loved here on earth, her thoughts often turned to those who had preceded her into the next life, and she longed for a closer union with Christ. At least now she's united with them, in that ravishing, ever new place called heaven. FeydHuxtable (talk) 08:26, 16 April 2014 (UTC)
Cindy was a top-notch editor, and working with her at the Ryan Doyle article was truly a pleasure. I'm very sad to see her gone; she will be missed. — Mr. Stradivarius ^{♪ talk ♪} 07:06, 18 April 2014 (UTC)
Awful, awful news. Rest in Peace, and my thoughts are with her family and friends at this terrible time. Acather96 (click here to contact me) 19:12, 20 April 2014 (UTC)
Rest in peace :( Jianhui67^T★C 13:54, 22 April 2014 (UTC)
RIP.... Bearian (talk) 13:20, 23 April 2014 (UTC)
Rest in peace. My deepest condolences for your family and friends. --Macadam1 (talk) 14:51, 26 April 2014 (UTC)
You did great quality improvement efforts on Wikipedia and also contributed in multiple other varied capacities including administration, WP:OTRS, and WP:WikiProject Women's History. Your presence and contributions will be sorely missed. — Cirt (talk) 16:51, 27 April 2014 (UTC)
My thoughts are with Cindy's family and friends. Her efforts here on Wikipedia will be missed, especially in the spheres of feminism and the women's movement. It was an honor to work alongside her. gobonobo ⁺ ^c 10:16, 28 April 2014 (UTC)

Precious

a-musing muse
Thank you, Cyndy, for living "Involve me and I learn", for "time, passion and expertise " devoted to free knowledge, for quality articles such as Washington: A Life and Lord Ashley, for cleaning up articles of "biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs", for your "Todo" and clarity, for backgound both tongue-in-cheek ("Princess will do in a pinch.") and professional ("Prepare to die."), - you were an awesome Wikipedian!

--Gerda Arendt (talk) 06:09, 13 April 2014 (UTC)

Did you know ... that the Sterbelied "Valet will ich dir geben" is described in a subtitle as a song of consolation, in which a pious heart bids farewell to this world?

(16 April 2014, in memory of Cindy) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:46, 16 April 2014 (UTC)