SlimVirgin

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RIP

I've been notified by Sarah's family that she passed away after a long illness and have offered to them to post the news here. If it needs to be posted elsewhere, will an admin please do so. Sarah was an inspiration to me and over the years became a good wiki friend. Though I knew she was ill, she never complained, she continued to edit right up to the end, and yet I suspected it was often difficult for her. She has a strong body of work here, and I know from chatting with her that she was deeply committed to the project. I'm unbearably sad. Victoria (tk) 23:58, 8 May 2021 (UTC)

• For historical record... An obit for Sarah was published community wide on Wiki on June 27, 2021
• One more for historical record...A published obituary by Saskatoon Funeral Home states, Although Sarah was an accomplished journalist, few people knew of her first love, which was working with the international website Wikipedia, the mostly volunteer, online encyclopedia, which she joined in its formative years, shortly after its start-up in 2002. Sarah began editing Wikipedia in 2004 under the nom de plume, Slim Virgin, sometimes shortened to SV in more polite Wikipedia circles. She is greatly missed. Atsme 💬 📧 02:42, 8 January 2022 (UTC)

• I know we didn't always agree but I have a lot of respect for Sarah's many valuable contributions and am sorry to hear this. (t · c) buidhe 00:15, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• ...Moneytrees🏝️^{Talk/CCI guide} 00:04, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
  • Thank you. Thank you for all the work you've done, all the stuff you've written that I wouldn't have otherwise known about, helping out with the Elisa unblock and being patient when I was taking long getting the information for it... that was one of the first times where I really interacted with the community and you showed the nice side of it, you helped me understand something I hadn't. Moneytrees🏝️^{Talk/CCI guide} 01:10, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Oh no -- I'm so sorry to hear 😢 Terrible news. Vaticidalprophet 00:15, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• This news is heartbreaking and I am devastated. SV's value to the 'pedia is immense and she cannot be replaced. My deepest sympathies to her friends and family. MarnetteD|Talk 00:18, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Saddened beyond measure. El_C 00:30, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• May Mors guide her safely to the afterlife. Ealdgyth (talk) 00:48, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• :( RIP —Locke Cole • t • c 00:56, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• What devastating news. Sarah was a wonderful person and an irreplaceable Wikipedian. Sarah's work set an extraordinarily high bar—see the long list of excellent articles she developed at User:SlimVirgin. The barnstars on her user page shows how the community will miss her. Farewell Sarah. Johnuniq (talk) 00:59, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm incredibly sorry to hear this. Mackensen (talk) 01:03, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• 😔😔😔 SQL^{Query me!} 01:05, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Terribly saddened to hear this news. Sarah leaves an excellent body of work that will continue to be read by millions of people in years to come, and I cannot think of a more fitting legacy. Risker (talk) 01:28, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• My condolences to her family and anyone else that knew her. You will be missed --DannyS712 (talk) 01:34, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• So sorry to hear this. Sarah was such a dedicated, prolific, longterm Wikipedian. Best wishes to her family and friends. Softlavender (talk) 01:37, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• This is a truly immeasurable loss for this project. SlimVirgin is responsible for writing the bulk of what is currently our biographies of living persons policy, which has proven to be one of this project's most important content policies, as well as our conflict of interest guideline. In this project's early days, she also contributed to the development of core content policies such as no original research and verifiability. It would be quite fair to say that the success of Wikipedia so far is a direct consequence of the fundamental principles that SlimVirgin was instrumental to codifying. In other words, Wikipedia might not exist in the ubiquitous form it does today if not for SlimVirgin. We have lost one of our very best editors. Mz7 (talk) 01:47, 9 May 2021 (UTC)

  Talk about a titan of an editor. Besides shaping some of the core policies and guidelines of the project, her reviewed work (GA+FL) has over 800,000 views in the last 30 days alone. It reflects such a range of interests with everything from Christian Scientists to Genetial Mutilation to political scandals show just how talented she was. It also shows how willing she was to do meaningful and deep work even in subjects that are hard to read and write about both emotionally (see also her work on Night) and because of the reaction of others (including those whose values don't align with Wikipedia). What a loss for our project. Best, Barkeep49 (talk) 02:21, 9 May 2021 (UTC)

• A huge loss. For any new Wikipedian, it's just a matter of time before you become familiar with the name SlimVirgin -- if not her impressive article work, then her outsized influence within and upon the project. One of the few "household names" of Wikipedia who will surely be among the first inducted to a Hall of Fame should we ever set one up. — Rhododendrites ^talk \\ 01:51, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• This is terrible news. Sarah was a great contributor to Wikipedia, and a respected member of the community. My best wishes to her family and friends in this difficult time. Nick-D (talk) 02:00, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad -- Sarah and I didn't always see eye to eye but she always made me think, and our last exchanges were very cordial. My condolences to her family and friends. Ian Rose (talk) 02:14, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• A great loss to the community here, it must be more so for those who knew them in person. CMD (talk) 02:36, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I knew she wasn't well, but had no idea she had so little time left; she worked so long even when it was hard for her. Great sadness. Great loss. Condolences to her friends and family. Littleolive oil (talk) 02:39, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• My condolences to her family and friends. I interacted with Sarah on only a few occasions, but found her extremely insightful and helpful each time. Of course, I know her better for her reputation as a tireless content creator—a huge loss to the community. Aza24 (talk) 02:41, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• She wrote many of the best and most important articles on all of Wikipedia, as well as several personal favorites. A true loss. CaptainEek ^{Edits Ho Cap'n!}⚓ 02:44, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sarah was one of those Wikipedians that everyone around here knew. But from where our paths crossed, I did not realize I could only see the tip of the iceberg that represents her foundational, exceptionally prolific, and diverse contributions. Love. – Finnusertop (talk ⋅ contribs) 02:52, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Awwww .. drat. Sarah helped me so much with understanding policies when I first started. This is such a HUGE loss to the project. My heart and prayers to her family and friends - I am so sorry. — Ched (talk) 02:56, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• We never interacted personally, but I am grateful for her extensive contributions — her passion and varied interests are reflected in some of the most well-written articles on this site. I've always associated her name with kindness and good faith. Her death is a great loss for the encyclopaedia, the greater community, and her family and friends. My condolences to anyone who knew her personally. Sean Stephens (talk) 03:01, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• One of the true leaders of English Wikipedia. If her family and friends should read this goodbye thread, I hope they get a sense of how respected she was amongst us, how important her contributions were to our community, and how enduring will prove her edits and assertions to be. Her life, enthusiasm and energy have created vibrations which will echo as long as English is spoken (and perhaps beyond). BusterD (talk) 04:06, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• So sad; a big loss. Condolences to all her family and friends. Johnbod (talk) 04:10, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• She was generous, insightful, and fair. A great loss. So sorry to see this. SPECIFICO talk 04:20, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm so sorry... Eventually, soon, we all will be together. If the fates allow. Until then, Sarah.. - GizzyCatBella🍁 04:22, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• We’ve lost another brave, strong, woman from our midst. Way too soon. I am going to miss her intelligence, insight, courage and the brilliant light she brought to the world. Rest in peace, dear one. Montanabw^(talk) 04:32, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• This project will not be the same without you. --_{Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus| reply here} 04:57, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sad to hear of this news. Deepest condolences to her family and friends. Nil Einne (talk) 04:58, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Such sad news. RIP. Graham87 05:48, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad to hear this news. You will be missed. Mkdw ^talk 06:23, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I am really sorry to hear this.--Ymblanter (talk) 06:49, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sad news indeed. RIP, and many thanks for all your valuable contributions down the years.  — Amakuru (talk) 07:30, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Goodbye Sarah. I hope you knew how much you were appreciated; not just for the massive contributions you made to the project's content and processes, but for just being here, being you, and being a part of this very weird community. Your absence will be felt for a very long time. --Xover (talk) 07:34, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• A sad, sad loss. Mike Christie (talk - contribs - library) 07:43, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad to hear the news. PhilKnight (talk) 07:51, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I am very sad to hear this. Dudley Miles (talk) 08:18, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sorry to hear this, RIP. Mike Peel (talk) 08:26, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sorry to hear of this. Sarah, you will very much be missed. Seraphimblade ^{Talk to me} 08:30, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• You always knew what Sarah ("SlimVirgin") thought, yet she never left people feeling upset or insulted. One of the most well-known personalities on Wikipedia. My thoughts are with all her family and friends, online and in the real world. AGK ■ 08:40, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad. My condolences to your family and friends. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 08:43, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Heartbreaking news. Like many others here, I did not know she was so ill. Bishonen | tålk 08:47, 9 May 2021 (UTC).
• Sorry to hear this news. My condolences to family and friends. --Dweller (talk) Old fashioned is the new thing! 08:51, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• You see these notices once in awhile, and maybe you vaguely might remember the username; or maybe you remember seeing the username at some discussion once. Maybe they were a regular editor at some article or WikiProject you might have come across. Or even a regular at some xfd or other collaboration page. Then there is SV. Just off the top of my head, I don't think there is much here on Wikipedia, including many fundamental concepts which we all tend to take for granted, which she wasn't involved in the discussion of. Regardless of whether one may have agreed or disagreed with her perspective, we are all the poorer here, for this loss. I offer my best wish: Vaya con Dios - May peace be with you.- jc37 08:52, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I am so very sorry to hear this news. Beyond My Ken (talk) 09:15, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Our project was better for your presence, Sarah. Rest in peace. KevinL (aka L235 · t · c) 09:41, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• This is a very sad day for the project. Sarah was one of those people who always had the best interests of Wikipedia and its readers in mind through whatever she did - and she did an awful lot more than most. Thryduulf (talk) 11:10, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sincere condolences. The world is worse without you. Pundit|utter 11:13, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• So sorry to hear the news - Wikipedia has lost one of its giants.--S Philbrick(Talk) 12:24, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Such sad news. My condolences to her friends and family. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 12:57, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Damn that's sad. Sarah was Good People. Guy (help! - typo?) 13:26, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• NO! This is horrid news. I had nothing but pleasant communication with Sarah in the past. May her family and friends find comfort. RickinBaltimore (talk) 13:32, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Condolences to her family, and to those editors who knew her well. Sarah was truly one of the most important contributors to this project. GirthSummit _(blether) 13:52, 9 May 2021 (UTC)

• flowers, no words yet --Gerda Arendt (talk) 13:55, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Absolutely one of the best, Condolences to family and the WP Community. A rare bright star. ―Buster7 ☎ 14:01, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• My sincerest condolences. I'm very sad to hear this. Sarah and I both started editing here in 2004. We've known and worked with each other for nearly 17 years. I will miss her. Paul August ☎ 14:06, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• My sincere condolences. I was shocked to hear the news. I remember bumping into SlimVirgin online many a times since 2008. RIP. Rehman 14:17, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Dear god. Heartbreaking, really. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Sarah, you have left a truly distinguished body of work here. Peace eternal. Antandrus (talk) 14:20, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Rest in peace Sarah. -- KTC (talk) 14:21, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I had an interaction with Sarah about WP:NLT. Only an hour after I made my five-bullet point suggestion she improved the page with it, actively helping to resolve any doubts. Seems I forgot to thank you back then, but I am grateful for that and naturally for everything else you did for Wikipedia. Sarah, you will be missed. Rest in peace. — Alexis Jazz (talk or ping me) 14:25, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm stunned...When SV first asked me if she should apply for adminship, about six months after I'd done so in 2004, I told her that she'd have no problem, but that she might want to not do so, because she cared too much about Wikipedia. I worried that she'd burn out and be constantly attacked by fools. I wasn't wrong about the latter; I'm glad I was wrong about the former. Farewell Sarah. --jpgordon^{𝄢𝄆 𝄐𝄇} 14:27, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Disbelief and sadness. Sarah's soul shone through her awesome work here. Peace to her family and friends. ---Sluzzelin talk 14:31, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• My condolences to her family. BOZ (talk) 14:45, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Thank you for all your hard work: you left the project in much better shape than you found it. –xeno^talk 15:31, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad news, condolences to her family. -- LuK3 (Talk) 15:43, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Damn! Damn! Damn! Sarah was a good mentor to me when I started editing, and was the first Wikipedian to ask me to stand for admin. I will miss her and her good sense and commitment to the project. My condolences to her family and friends. - Donald Albury 15:50, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Totally devastated by our loss here.--MONGO (talk) 16:16, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• No. No, no, no, no. BD2412 T 16:32, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I was literally dumbstruck when I saw this. What a devastating and profound loss to this project and community. Sarah was one of the editors I interacted with on a regular basis and took comfort in seeing. I second Mz7's comments. EvergreenFir (talk) 18:19, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• We never interacted much, but I am sad to hear this. Thank you for improving the article on Ezra Pound. Scorpions13256 (talk) 19:12, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sorry to hear this. My condolences to her family and friends. Bastun^{Ėġáḍβáś₮ŭŃ!} 19:15, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Rest In Peace Slim Virgin. Heaven earned another angel today. Shoot for the Stars 💫 (talk) 19:37, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Just heard about this awful news. As wikipedian and Gender Gap Task Force team member I am so greatful for her work. A big loss for all.--Camelia (talk) 20:02, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Oh, this is awful. She was the best of our best. Her work getting WP:BLP made and adopted as a core policy -- a task I would have though impossible -- was a greater accomplishment than most any other editor on this great and important and project has ever had. And that's not considering all her other accomplishments. I was very fond of her personally and I'm just in grief. Herostratus (talk) 20:05, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• May she rest in peace. My prayers and thoughts are with her family at this time. Dreamy Jazz ^{talk to me | my contributions} 20:51, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• She was an exceedingly dedicated Wikipedian. Sad to hear of her passing. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 20:56, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sad news, an awesome contributor to how Wikipedia works and a great teacher. Her influence will continue. . . dave souza, talk 21:12, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad news. She was so active and helpful and accomplished so much. A real loss. Rest in peace. Crossroads ^-talk- 21:35, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• I will miss your passion and your perception. The community is much the pooer for your loss. Yngvadottir (talk) 22:01, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Terrible news. Although I'm sorry I didn't really know Sarah, her dedication to the project was undeniable. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends, here and elsewhere. Miniapolis 22:10, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• What a terrible loss. RIP. the wub "?!" 22:38, 9 May 2021 (UTC)
• Tears. Tony (talk) 00:13, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Oh, no. Sarah was wonderful, she did a lot for this project. --GRuban (talk) 00:15, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• I have always had immense respect for her work; this is very very sad. Vanamonde (Talk) 00:30, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Dumbstruck. Rest in peace. Hemiauchenia (talk) 00:44, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

Very sorry to hear this. We often disagreed, but her passion and commitment to Wikipedia's values was beyond question.--Wehwalt (talk) 01:56, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

• So sorry to hear this, her ability and dedication is undeniable. Female genital mutilation is a fitting memorial, the best treatment of the topic (of similar length) that you will find anywhere on the internet. --NSH001 (talk) 02:03, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• terrible news. saddened to hear this. Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 02:12, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Really sorry to receive this news. I do not believe we ever corresponded on here, but, for many a year, I observed your edits, citing of policies etc., and I attempted to tutor myself to a degree from them (even when I was almost fumbling on here to earn acceptance). We ALL have admiration for you, and your contributions, and I hope I speak for many when I say we will continue your work and strive to uphold your standards.--Kieronoldham (talk) 02:48, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• R.I.P. You've helped lots of people in this world. 🌎 Thank you. CyberTroopers (talk) 03:37, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• We did not always agree, but Slim was one of the first Wikipedians with whom I interacted, and I always admired her passion and energy. May you be sheltered in the wings of the L-rd, Sarah. -- Avi (talk) 04:15, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Shocked and saddened to hear this. I can't imagine her not being here any more. We didn't always get on, but we had a lot of mutual respect for each other. I was honoured to have chatted with her on Skype more than once - Alison ^❤ 05:08, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Heartbreaking news. You had a lot of impact in our community SlimVirgin. May you rest in peace sister. Anthere (talk) 08:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

• I have admired Sarah’s work from too great a distance. My heartfelt condolences to her family and her many friends. Patrick. Pdebee.^{(talk)(become old-fashioned!)} 09:04, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Missed. --Andreas JN466 12:08, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• A very good administrator, whose wise counsel will be sorely missed. 95.148.229.85 (talk) 12:22, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• It only a month or two since we had such a lovely chat, and I am so sorry to see this news. I wish we hadn’t had such a falling out a few years ago, but I’m so glad we made up later. Condolences to her family. - SchroCat, editing from 109.249.185.62 (talk) 12:29, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• That we shall die we know. That our days should be so now drawn out in a lesser light... :( --Hammersoft (talk) 12:37, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Just terrible news. A huge loss to all. Ceoil (talk) 12:39, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Such very sad news regarding someone I truly admired. Sarah was an inspiration to many, including me. RIP, Sarah. --Rosiestep (talk) 15:22, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• What a terrible loss! When I first started editing Wikipedia in 2009, she seemed like a towering figure, and her thoughtful words were a great inspiration to me. Cullen³²⁸ Let's discuss it 15:32, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Incredibly sad to learn of her death. Condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed. She was one of the best writers on the project and also had a major impact on several of Wikipedia's core policies. Her legacy will live on for many years to come. Sydney Poore/FloNightUser talk:FloNight 15:34, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad. For me, she was an inspirational editor. Alexbrn (talk) 15:57, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm retuning, briefly, to write this short message. This news is such sad news. Sarah and I had a good relationship and we communicated on email, frequently, the last being around a month ago. This world is all the more better for her work on WP, but is now at a huge loss because of her passing. She really was one of a kind and I will miss her terribly. (Editor formally known as Cassianto) 2A02:C7F:869:5600:F57C:8E5C:A8F4:E00F (talk) 16:05, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad news. You will be sorely missed. – SD0001 (talk) 16:14, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• This is very sad, we and the world lost a talented woman. :-( My sympathies are with the family for their loss.--Literaturegeek | T@1k? 16:17, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• She was guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness. As we all should be. Viriditas (talk) 16:19, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Am so sad to hear the news. May her family find strength in these messages of condolence. Mjroots (talk) 16:33, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• One of the most important Wikipedians ever – this place won't be the same without her.-- P-K3 (talk) 16:56, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• I appreciate SlimVirgin's contributions to Wikipedia editorial policy. As it happened, many of the recommendations she made proved to be well aligned with the Wikipedia community spirit and have become part of the culture. Blue Rasberry (talk) 17:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• This is devastating to hear, but I hope her family knows the legacy SV leaves behind and how different this place would have been without her. Alyo (chat·edits) 20:13, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm really sad to hear this. Sarah was a wonderful force for good at Wikipedia, and I simply cannot imagine who can replace the work she did. To her family and friends: we will miss her here. -Darouet (talk) 20:44, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• Oh my, what sad news. SV made a such huge contribution to our policies, articles and community that it is hard to think of WP without her. -- Colin°^Talk 22:23, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• I am very saddened to hear this news. She was a fantastic boon to this project, and, dare I say without sounding too conceited, through it a boon for all humanity. She will be terribly missed. oknazevad (talk) 23:38, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
• I am genuinely shocked to see this section. We never interacted before, but I have seen you many times at discussions and page histories. Rest in peace, SlimVirgin. You will be missed. aeschyIus (talk) 00:28, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• One of my few interactions was a rough wild one a long time ago (VNT moment) The big picture is someone who has devoted an immense amount to do an immense amount of good for an immensely good project. Me and more importantly the world thanks you!North8000 (talk) 00:57, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• This is very sad news. There are so many conversations we won't be able to finish. WhatamIdoing (talk) 01:25, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• An editor and administrator whose passion and conviction for everything we ought to stand for was second to none. She was such an integral part of our community. Wikipedia will never be the same without SlimVirgin. Kurtis ^(talk) 05:36, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• She joined back in 2004 when many were still wholly positive about the internet as a transformative force. Yet Slim knew the project would need structure to prevent decay once the pioneer spirt of the earliest editors began to wane. Hence she created much of our core policy and enduring culture. She may have made a few mistakes, but overall her compassion and intelligence elevated the whole Wikipedia and her energy lifted up many editors. Not sure if she was Tzadeykes but she seemed the closest to it of anyone I've met. FeydHuxtable (talk) 07:02, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• A very sad day. Wikipedia lost its best editor. My condolences to those who knew her in real life. --Guest2625 (talk) 07:49, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• Rest in peace. — Moe Epsilon 09:26, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• We were at opposite poles on topics like the I/P conflict, yet her true voice, in correspondence, amiable and acute, breathed integrity as did her scrupulous editing. She was a foundational coign of the edifice we tinker with, a craftswoman of the highest order. We shared mutual friends and a love of classical Greek, and therefore, dear Sarah, as the rose-fingered moon lingers over our maimed landscape, one can only grieve, recalling Sappho:

οὐδ' ἴαν δοκίμωμι προσίδοισαν φάος ἀλίω

ἔσσεσθαι σοφίαν πάρθενον εἰς οὐδένα πω χρόνον

τεαύταν. Nishidani (talk) 10:05, 11 May 2021 (UTC)

• Very sad news. Rest in peace. ~ HAL333 15:22, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• Any time I saw her around, it was making the place better. A good editor and a good person! A lamentable loss. jp×g 16:19, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• So many great editors lost recently, sigh. Sad for this loss. Elli (talk | contribs) 16:26, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• Very sorry to hear this... rest in peace. ~ANM🐁 T·C 16:30, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• The project genuinely won't be the same without Slim, she was a force for good here on Wikipedia in so many ways. I'm sorry for her family and friends, and also enormously appreciative that Victoria was able to let us know what has happened. Nick (talk) 18:27, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sorry to hear this. SlimVirgin will be missed. CambridgeBayWeather, Uqaqtuq (talk), Huliva 18:34, 11 May 2021 (UTC)
• Oh my gosh, so sorry about this. I didn't have the chance to interact much with her over the years, but I really respected her a lot. This is so sad. Moisejp (talk) 01:41, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• 😿 we'll miss you dear. gobonobo ^{+ c} 02:06, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm utterly stunned by this news. My condolences to her family and her friends. As a fellow community member, I mourn: Sarah was brilliant and irreplacable, to say the least, and I don't think Wikipedia will ever be the same. Requiescat in pace. — Javert2113 (Siarad.|¤) 02:29, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• I didn't interact with Sarah at all, really, but she was one of those names that I always saw around. We'll all miss her. –Fredddie™ 03:16, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• Oh no. I don't remember too many users from my days actively editing, but I remember you. And of all days, today I found a typo and fixed it, after not editing for years. And that led me to check my old watchlist on a whim. Which led me to Jimbo's talk page. And that led me here. I suppose if I hadn't known I wouldn't be sad, but if I hadn't known you would still be gone. I'll hug my loved ones extra tight tonight. Chuy1530 (talk) 05:21, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• {{sad beyond words}} Good and dedicated 'pedians are rare indeed. They have become even rarer. -- Ohc ^¡digame! 14:16, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• Flyer22, Yoninah, and now Sarah taken from us within a mere six months? Perhaps COVID had nothing to do with this, but this is truly a plague year if all three of these supremely talented Wikiwomen, women who made not only the project but everyone they worked with better, have succumbed. "O proud Death / What feast is toward in thine eternal cell / That thou so many princesses at once / So bloodily hast struck?"

  Sarah I will remember in particular for her willingness to not only create articles about such difficult-to-categorize but undeniably notable subjects like Black Twitter and Glasgow effect, a challenge I've taken up as well so I can relate, but doing them right and doing them well. All of us would do well to live up to her example. Daniel Case (talk) 14:17, 12 May 2021 (UTC)

I forgot to mention that, like Yoninah, she was someone I looked forward to one day meeting in person at some wikigathering, and now I never will ... only perhaps some sunny day ... Daniel Case (talk) 14:22, 12 May 2021 (UTC)

And I think she should not be allowed to pass without mentioning one more great thing she did: cleaning up Murder of Meredith Kercher from the POV/walled-garden mess it had become, one of our worst moments IMO, a task that even Jimbo couldn't get going. Daniel Case (talk) 21:51, 13 May 2021 (UTC)

• I am sorry for your family's loss. My best regards, Geraldshields11 (talk) 16:11, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• I came back from a short holiday to hear of this terrible news! What a loss for Wikipedia. I remember when I first stumbled across your user page when I was a newbie, and I was amazed at how much of an impact a single user could have on the project. It was very inspiring to me and I honestly give you some credit for influencing me to stick it through and see what I was capable of. When I think about the biggest names on Wikipedia, yours is among the first to come mind. Your contributions to some of our most critical content policies and guidelines, dedication to closing the gender gap, and of course the superbly written content you authored yourself – all combined must surely amount to an incalculable impact, one that very few editors have ever or will ever match. While you and I only interacted but so much, just knowing you're not here feels like there's a gaping hole in the Wikipedia I know and love. It won't be the same without you, but where we are today is so, so much better because of you. Rest in peace, Sarah <3 — MusikAnimal ^talk 22:53, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• SV was and always will be one of the Titans of Wikipedia. SilkTork (talk) 09:13, 13 May 2021 (UTC)
• Such tough news. An awesome editor here. SlimVirgin was always polite in disputes a great attribute of hers and for all editors to be inspired by and follow, she also was a great follower, respecter and improver of wikipedia policy. RIP. Govindaharihari (talk) 17:51, 13 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm so sad. SV was someone I looked up to. —valereee (talk) 20:58, 13 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sarah mentored my early days as a Wikipedia editor. She was a gentle, forceful, and inspiring teacher. (SlimVirgin and I were the top editors in developing Chelsea Manning – a very unusual digital Ménage à trois.) – S. Rich (talk) 22:01, 13 May 2021 (UTC)
• Rest in Peace. We will miss you. TigerScientist Chat > contribs 01:37, 14 May 2021 (UTC)
• So sad to hear this. A huge loss for the community and for the project. mgiganteus1 (talk) 01:41, 14 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm very sorry to hear about SV's passing. She was a valuable editor and individual on Wikipedia, and will be missed by us all. Godspeed. Lord Sjones23 (talk - contributions) 01:50, 14 May 2021 (UTC)
• I will miss Sarah every day; she was special, brilliant, and crucial to so many of us...I will never forget her; I am devastated at news of her loss...Modernist (talk) 01:57, 14 May 2021 (UTC)
• I can't find words. I hope her family appreciates the positive impact she had on us, the encyclopedia, and the world. A loss for us all. — Wug·a·po·des 00:05, 15 May 2021 (UTC)
• Thank you, for all you did here. You are missed. -- Alanscottwalker (talk) 13:46, 15 May 2021 (UTC)
• Condolences to her families, offline and on. Jclemens (talk) 01:38, 16 May 2021 (UTC)
  • Thinking more about this, it reminds me of the Mother's Rosario arc of Sword Art Online, where the most powerful online warrior turns out to be that of a terminally ill youth, for whom virtual reality is her only escape from the harrowing and painful real world. In that story, the dying girl succeeds in both making her impression on that online world, and concealing her struggle from the world at large. In the fictional world, that concealment was incomplete, and the online world came to mourn that protagonist's impending passing. In this real world, however, it apepars Sarah's concealment was not breached, and the collective accolade is only posthumos, rather than a sendoff befitting a champion who had made her mark on this virtual world. More's the pity. Jclemens (talk) 05:34, 1 June 2021 (UTC)
• Vale, Sarah. You will be missed. It was always a pleasure to interact with you and I can only imaging the joy you brought to the people around you. Rest in peace, Tom (LT) (talk) 04:42, 16 May 2021 (UTC)
• This is sad news indeed, so many have been lost this year. May her brightness shine alongside all the stars in the sky. Netherzone (talk) 21:12, 16 May 2021 (UTC)
• To the editor whose picture you should see when you look up the idiom Standing on the shoulders of giants in the encyclopedia: thank you for your contributions to the community. You may never become a household name, but you have affected the lives of hundreds of millions of people with your actions, first with the fledgling policies that became part of the pillars that underpin our success, and second with your writing and community work on gender equality and coverage of the Holocaust. — Bilorv (talk) 14:27, 17 May 2021 (UTC)
• An immense loss. My condolences to family and friends. starship.paint (exalt) 00:25, 21 May 2021 (UTC)
• There's a missing piece of the encyclopedia that now can never be filled. You'll be missed, SV, and my thoughts are with your family and friends. NorthBySouthBaranof (talk) 03:05, 21 May 2021 (UTC)
• Only just heard. Will be remembered as a fearless editor, completely unafraid to take on the most controversial of topics. Hawkeye7 (discuss) 21:44, 21 May 2021 (UTC)
• For once bad news didn’t travel, I’ve only just heard. This is terrible news; I’ve always though of SV as one of my Wiki-Friends. The project is diminished by her absence. Giano (talk) 21:13, 24 May 2021 (UTC)
• Just came to know about this dreadful news. I daresay I'm at a loss for words. RIP. JavaHurricane 04:51, 25 May 2021 (UTC)
• Oh no. I just learned about SV's death. This is awful news. Very few editors had such a precise grasp of the nuances of policy. Her loss will be especially felt in issues relating to paid editing and WP:COI, as she was vigilant in policing that guideline and preventing its weakening and undermining. Rest assured that she will not be replaced. The sad fact is that we rely upon not a million or so volunteers but, in certain areas, just a handful, sometimes one or two in the most crucial ones. R.I.P. Coretheapple (talk) 13:42, 25 May 2021 (UTC)
• Rest in Peace Sarah, I hope your friends and family on and off wiki can take some comfort from the legacy you have left us here in this project. ϢereSpielChequers 13:27, 26 May 2021 (UTC)
• What sad news. You'll be sorely missed. ~Awilley (talk) 14:32, 26 May 2021 (UTC)
• Although I never actually interacted with Sarah, I regularly saw her username on RTRC while I was patroling recent changes. I's sad that I will no longer see this name in the stream of edits. You will be missed. - ZLEA _T\^C 01:06, 27 May 2021 (UTC)
• Shocked to hear this. A great loss to us, a greater loss to her friends and family, to whom my heartfelt condolences – should any of them happen to read this. Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 10:15, 27 May 2021 (UTC)
• I saw people refer to this but didn't know it was true until I came to her user page. Just gutted. SlimVirgin was a pillar of the community from the early days and we are not only losing a great person, editor and admin but part of the community memory that she held. A loss on so many levels. Liz ^{Read! Talk!} 21:45, 27 May 2021 (UTC)
• Shocking and sad. Razor sharp in discussions but always, always polite, you will be sorely missed by the project. My condolences to your family and friends, both in RL as well as here.--RegentsPark (comment) 00:24, 28 May 2021 (UTC)
• Just learned of it through Serial Number 54129's talk page memorial for her. My deepest condolences to family and friends, and all the other editors here who worked closely with her. She'll certainly be missed. warshy ^(¥¥) 17:40, 28 May 2021 (UTC)
• Wow. I didn't always agree with her, but had huge respect for her. Not just as a person, but as someone who cared so much about Wikipedia. She will be greatly missed. Hobit (talk) 04:10, 29 May 2021 (UTC)
• Wishing condolences to those who were close to her. Disillusioned Lackey (talk) 22:52, 29 May 2021 (UTC)
• Sorry to hear this (only just found out) Peter Damian (talk) 19:14, 31 May 2021 (UTC)
• Thank you for your dedication and commitment to improving Wikipedia. You spent countless hours bettering the project and will be missed. May you rest in peace, Anupam^Talk 21:40, 31 May 2021 (UTC)
• Can't believe she's gone, rest in peace. AnApple47 (talk) 22:19, 2 June 2021 (UTC)
• I'm sorry to hear this. I actually knew her way back when (long before Wikipedia). She was a force of nature even then, and while I didn't have much personal contact with her, I do remember at least one instance in which she was very kind and thoughtful to me. RIP --jbmurray (talk • contribs) 20:36, 3 June 2021 (UTC)
• Late to the party, I have only just read of SlimVirgin's death. (That is how I have always known Sarah, so to me it's the natural way to refer to her.) There is probably not much I can say that hasn't been said before, but I will just say that I regarded her as one of the best editors and one of the best administrators we had. The news has saddened me deeply. JBW (talk) 23:40, 9 June 2021 (UTC)
• My deepest sorrow and condolences to family, friends, and fellow Wikipedians at the passing of our SlimVirgin. She has been an admired partner on this continuing experiment. Wikipedia is the fine, informative, and helpful website it is due to her tireless work. I celebrate her and her lasting legacy on this website. When we encounter her work we will still feel her life and vitality. --Drboisclair (talk) 20:06, 10 June 2021 (UTC)
• My condolences to her loved ones. ^Thanks,L3X1 ◊distænt write◊ 16:34, 11 June 2021 (UTC)
• "Slim" was the best of the best here at Wikipedia and it was quite a jolt for me that she has passed. I envy the people that knew her in her in her life away from here. I felt almost sisterly towards her. I felt as though she was my Wikipedia sister and I long for her as if she were my sister. I suppose I'm sounding rather dramatic and that's why I've put off writing here for so long... hoping not too sound too syrupy, I guess. I hope that her family and friends tell their children about her accomplishments here. We talk about how the great politicians of the day wrote our American Constitution, well Slim helped write our Wikipedia Constitution and continued to improve it and work on its contents tirelessly. I knew her mostly for her work on the under-priviledged, including women and people of color. She had a great mind and a big heart. I miss her. Gandydancer (talk) 00:51, 12 June 2021 (UTC)
• I put off writing here for so long because I really didn’t want to believe it was true. I still don’t want to. Writing this at all is very hard. Sarah is very missed. User:Kafka Liz ^{A girl is no one} 11:36, 12 June 2021 (UTC)
• This is very sad news. I had seen her around wikipedia for such a long time. My condolences to her family and friends.VR _talk 20:18, 14 June 2021 (UTC)
• I echo what has been said by Risker, Mz7, Zaereth, among many others. An immeasurable loss to the project and someone gone far too soon. May she rest in peace and what else Zaereth said in closing below. --TheSandDoctor ^Talk 06:05, 16 June 2021 (UTC)
• You continue to be an inspiration. Thank you for your contributions. TarkusAB^talk/contrib 13:01, 16 June 2021 (UTC)
• My condolences to her family and friends in real life and here. Really sucks to hear a member of Wikipedia passing away but her efforts will not be forgotten... Roberth Martinez (talk) 05:11, 17 June 2021 (UTC)
• I've only just read... we interacted briefly, you were a name I remembered. A loss for words. - TNT ^😺 23:55, 21 June 2021 (UTC)
• I too just discovered this, and am shocked, saddened and horrified. A tremendous loss for our project, needless to say. More eloquent voices than mine have already spoken regarding her many fine qualites, so I'll merely add a blessing for her spirit, and to all who loved her... RIP, Sarah. Jusdafax (talk) 09:33, 22 June 2021 (UTC)
• She and I, a long time ago, used to have at each other with sharpened Olive Branches... I am profoundly shocked and saddened, regardless. LessHeard vanU (talk) 09:39, 22 June 2021 (UTC)
• Really sorry to hear about this. As a young editor, I often used to see Sarah around - I highly commend her for her work on articles relating to topics so many are reluctant to discuss or research. Rest in peace. Patient Zero^talk 02:29, 23 June 2021 (UTC)
• Only just learnt of this. Very sad to hear. A great and knowledgable contributor, and a strong and helpful person. My heartfelt condolences to her family. Martinevans123 (talk) 21:30, 27 June 2021 (UTC)
• I regret to be adding my condolensces so late after the fact, having been largely absent from the project by necesity in recent months. I feel the need to say that, because--incidental though that delay is--it is at odds with the significance I feel that the loss of Sarah constitutes for our project and our community. Sarah and I did share some areas of interest on the project, both in article and policy spaces, but we interacted directly only on a handful of occasions. But I had enough opportunity to observe her conduct and contributions (as an editor and a communicator) to walk away understanding the high regard in which she was held by the community generally. Beyond that, the evidence of her wisdom is also to be found in the structures which she played a significant (indeed, often central) role in building for this, our engine of understanding; in terms of those who made the encyclopedia what it is today, it may be no exagerration to say that we have never before lost a contributor of greater relevance than Sarah, or to say that the world is significantly poorer for this loss. But then, we are also the richer for the dedication this woman chose to invest in the notion that knowledge, and the sharing of it, is a universal right. Snow ^{let's rap} 02:06, 28 June 2021 (UTC)
• I always saw you as one of the guardians of the project. But I had no idea just how profound, how wide-ranging, your contributions were. You will be remembered, and missed. My condolences to friends and family. Usedtobecool ☎️ 13:27, 28 June 2021 (UTC)
• I realized that I hadn't commented here yet. SlimVirgin's positive impact on Wikipedia was such that her loss leaves areas where she worked vulnerable to tendentious editing, also resulting in increased activity on noticeboards. These events remind us of this sad loss. I didn't know Sarah much and only through Wikipedia, but I also remember of various wise talk page posts. Farewell SV, —PaleoNeonate – 14:44, 28 June 2021 (UTC)
• Like some others here, I had not learnt of this sad news until now. My condolences to her friends and family. She will be missed around here. RIP. Carcharoth (talk) 19:52, 28 June 2021 (UTC)
• I've only just seen this awful news in The Signpost. Sarah was one of the very first users I encountered after registering my account. She gave me some helpful guidance, which I really appreciated. Though we didn't interact much beyond that, I always admired her and looked to her work as a good example through the years. I still watch that first article we crossed paths on. What a terrible loss. Armadillopteryx 20:19, 28 June 2021 (UTC)
• This is heartbreaking. I send my sincerest condolences to her family. I’m glad they knew of her Wikipedia activity, which was so enormously accomplished. The world is lucky she shared her time this way. Innisfree987 (talk) 16:49, 29 June 2021 (UTC)
• Pondered for a long time what to write here. I wasn't fortunate to know Sarah or work with her but I do see and feel her impact on a daily basis. For me it feels like such a loss and such a void that no one can fill. It's like a room in a house you never go into because the pain is too great. I can not imagine how those who worked closely with her feel or even her family who lived with her every day. Being so close gave them the opportunity to hear and experience her Song and it is forever part of them but they are also most hurt by her loss because they have heard a beautiful melody day after day only to have it taken away and only the memory of it, though a part of them, is what is left. Sarah, you are cherished, you are missed, you are loved by so many. The impact of your life is still with us and will be forever, sweet, RAINBOW in the sky. --ARoseWolf 21:04, 29 June 2021 (UTC)
• I just learned about this very sad and heartbreaking loss. My condolences to her family. Sarah was a treasure, and will be greatly missed. Rest peacefully, my WikiFriend. Atsme 💬 📧 17:12, 1 July 2021 (UTC)
• What an extraordinarily impressive body of work. Gives me pause to reflect on the higher values that can be achieved on TheProject and to aspire to those heights. Thankyou Sarah.-Sticks66 05:03, 2 July 2021 (UTC)
• This is terrible. I was hoping it was not true. So upsetting. HighInBC ^{Need help? Just ask.} 05:05, 2 July 2021 (UTC)
• I regret that I only learned of Sarah's passing now. To repeat what others have written, she will be missed. -- llywrch (talk) 09:43, 6 July 2021 (UTC)
• Sarah's was indeed a "household name" for Wikipedians, but where I really came to know her work was in the area of WWII and the Holocaust. She proved to be a truly excellent editor - thorough, accurate, opinionated in ways that kept the project honest - and one of a few whose judgment I trusted implicitly. My condolences to her family and friends. François Robere (talk) 18:41, 8 July 2021 (UTC)
• Woooow. I'm utterly shocked to hear this sad news of your passing! We haven't talked for years, but you made quite an impact on my life and we even went through some difficult times together. I'm really sad you're gone. You made your mark on this world, my friend, and you have my love and respect forever. --MPerel 14:07, 14 July 2021 (UTC)
• Very sad. I was privileged to have interacted with Sarah. --SmokeyJoe (talk) 05:32, 3 August 2021 (UTC)
• It's always sad to learn about the death of a fellow Wikipedian. Rest in peace. Mar4d (talk) 12:44, 3 August 2021 (UTC)
• Sarah was a fantastic editor who done wonders with articles, She will be remembered and missed, RIP, My sincere condolences to friends and family, –Davey2010^Talk 12:27, 7 August 2021 (UTC)
• Did not ever directly interact with SlimVirgin that I can recall, but I saw her contributions in discussions, and around other places on Wikipedia. I know she will be missed. My condolences to those that knew her well. Huggums537 (talk) 18:52, 7 August 2021 (UTC)
• I am not very active on here anymore, so I did not know about this until earlier tonight. Incredibly sad, may she rest in peace. A true titan of Wikipedia history who, whenever she graced my watchlist, always seemed like she was honoring me by merely doing so. IntoThinAir (talk) 02:57, 28 August 2021 (UTC)
• We all would've come across Sarah sometime or the other while editing Wiki articles. Her presence can be felt everywhere. I see her as a trailblazer in many of the articles I edit. Going to miss her badly, indeed. Farewell, dear friend. Rasnaboy (talk) 04:34, 14 September 2021 (UTC)
• Rest in peace, Sarah. We'll deeply miss you. treekangaroos ^{(talk to me | contribs)} 18:37, 21 October 2021 (UTC)
• Wow, I am speechless that I just now discovered this. Sarah and I got along very well. This saddens me greatly. My condolences, and my apologies for it being so late. :-(—CYBERPOWER (Chat) 15:38, 22 November 2021 (UTC)
• A great loss to everyone. She was a giant! She was very supportive! What a wonderful person. She will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, from your friend, IZAK (talk) 08:49, 23 November 2021 (UTC)
• Did not get a chance to say anything when this happened ... but I knew about it. Sarah was one of the first editors I interacted with when I started editing (more frequently) in 2012. I wish I could recall the interaction, but whatever it was, it was one of the many interactions I had on Wikipedia that convinced me to stick around and keep editing, no matter what conflicts may arise on Wikipedia between the community and me. It may not have been much interaction, but it was enough to make me feel welcome and keep on editing. The loss of Sarah is a big blow to the project, and she is missed. Steel1943 (talk) 19:10, 3 February 2022 (UTC)

Follow-up

If this is the wrong time or place to post this, feel free to remove.

• Work is needed on writing the obituary here. That should later be used in the Signpost.
• Sarah worked on many topics including several she found draining due to the content. One she was particularly proud of was Female genital mutilation and I'm hoping a few editors will add that to their watchlists because it easily degrades with passing edits.

Johnuniq (talk) 07:33, 9 May 2021 (UTC)

• I would love to see a writeup about Sarah's work on making the BLP policy happen. There has been a meme in the media that BLP was the Foundation's idea rather than the English Wikipedia's community initiative. I think it would be fitting to set that record straight. Clayoquot (talk | contribs) 16:53, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

  Clayoquot, I agree. This core policy is so important to WP's credibility as a biographical source. I would like to know more about the role of Sarah, and others, in crafting this policy. Tribe of Tiger ^{Let's Purrfect!} 19:57, 12 May 2021 (UTC)

• Sarah has 12 Featured Articles that should not be overlooked.--MONGO (talk) 23:16, 10 May 2021 (UTC)
  • Her work on Female genital mutilation set a high bar for all of us. Drmies (talk) 01:52, 14 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'm not sure if this is germane to the conversation, but seeing as we're discussing her obituary, I wanted to mention a brief exchange I had with someone on Reddit five years ago. There was a rumour at the time that SlimVirgin's health was in decline, and I truly hoped that it wasn't true. It's just so hard to wrap my head around an English Wikipedia without her. I don't know if I'll ever really get used to it. Her passion was uniquely inspiring, both for me and undoubtedly many others. Kurtis ^(talk) 06:11, 12 May 2021 (UTC)
• I've done some basic workup at User:Risker/SV which others can freely edit and improve. I'll also leave a link at the Deceased Wikipedians page. Risker (talk) 01:36, 13 May 2021 (UTC)

Impact

Impact

Thank you for your impact in helping persons
by portraying them, collaborating with them, making policy for their protection and defending them!

I wish I had told you, Sarah. I wish the arbs had listened to you. We miss you. None of us can replace you alone, but we all should do what we can to keep your spirit in this place. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:14, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

Four years ago, you were recipient no. 1670 of Precious, a prize of QAI! I wasn't the first one to award you that, the most beautiful edition - in 2007 - was by Phaedriel, with a poem and an image:

I thank thee, friend, for the beautiful thought
That in words well chosen thou gavest to me,
Deep in the life of my soul it has wrought
With its own rare essence to ever imbue me ...

Yea, it shall always abide with me
As a part of my immortality;
For a beautiful thought is a thing divine,
So I thank thee, oh, friend, for this gift of thine!

Katherine Mansfield

--Gerda Arendt (talk) 07:07, 16 June 2021 (UTC)

Flowers

	Flowers
	She was a wonderful Wikipedian. I’ve seen her name in a bunch of edit summaries, and I thought... wow, she’s good. I wish I’d gotten the chance to work with her. 🐍 Helen 🐍 21:26, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

Goodbye Sarah...

This is a really sad year for Wikipedia, losing not one but two of its top editors, not by their edit count but by the quality of their work and their incredible integrity as human beings. First, we lost Flyer22, and now this. This is a huge blow to the project, but that pales in comparison to the tragic loss of such a great and wonderful person, who was so incredibly smart and talented.

I never really had much of an opportunity to interact with Sarah. I think we may have spoken to each other once or twice in all the years I've been here. I doubt she ever knew how much I have always admired and respected her, or how much of an influence she had on me, especially back when I first started here. In all of Wikipedia, there are a handful of people who stand out among the crowd, and Sarah was a shining star above the masses. From the moment I crossed paths with her, I knew immediately, this was someone special. Perhaps it was because she shared my interest in quality, encyclopedic writing, or her love of writing in general, that first peaked my interest, but it was her brilliance, conviction, and steadfast integrity that I ultimately came to admire. She was someone you could really look up to.

I am especially grateful for her work on core policies, and especially BLP policy; that extremely important and vital policy that protects both our readers and our subjects from very real harm. I've spent most of my time here helping to explain and enforce that policy, and am very thankful to Sarah for recognizing the importance of such a policy very early on. We will always be in your debt, not just us editors and writers, but our subjects, readers, and the world as well.

I never knew until this year that I could be affected so deeply by the loss of someone whom I never met in person, nor ever really knew outside of her work on Wikipedia. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. To Sarah, may whatever god or spirit or chi you believe in carry you on to something better. The force will be with you, always. Zaereth (talk) 20:50, 11 May 2021 (UTC)

Sarah-SV prize?

Sarah was so active in and supportive of gender equity that it seems fitting for one of the WP groups in that field to consider awarding an annual or biennial prize in her memory for the best contribution to gender equity on the site. Tony (talk) 08:26, 12 May 2021 (UTC)

• Perhaps we could set up a Gofundme or something to create a cash prize in her name? I'd be willing to donate for certain. Hobit (talk) 04:12, 29 May 2021 (UTC)
• I'd put in a few dollars. Frankly it would be nice to have something to which to donate in support of the project other than the Foundation, which has gotten plenty. BD2412 T 05:42, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

Tony1, Hobit, BD2412, cash prizes tend to result in editors with questionable motives in my experience. — Alexis Jazz (talk or ping me) 08:33, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

Alexis, I'd donate, too. But I wasn't necessarily suggesting a cash prize, which brings problems (large amount invested, dividends pay for the prize, is usual for in perpetuo prizes; seems unlikely). Why not replace cash with prestige: so members of the Gender gap task force, call for nominations and discuss and create a shortlist, which goes to, say, the chair of the WMF board. The chair makes the announcement. You never know, the current chair and the rest of the board might think that's a good way to further some of the Foundation's key aims. It would need brief selection criteria and a timeline. And if it works, I'd be in favour of later widening the scope to include other Wikipedias. Could be annual, or every two years? Tony (talk) 12:20, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

Tony1, I think it would be better to aim for publication in the WP:Signpost for starters. Possibly a custom barnstar? — Alexis Jazz (talk or ping me) 14:12, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

I wanted something special in memory of Sarah, equal to her special role in the evolution of WP. And something with more grunt than a mere barnstar. Tony (talk) 14:14, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

Tony1, I get what you mean, but it may have a better chance of happening if you learn to walk before you run. Though if you believe you can run right away, go for it. Also the barnstar suggestion was just as an addition, not a replacement. Maybe as a way to nominate? — Alexis Jazz (talk or ping me) 18:37, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

• Can't WMF fund it under a rapid grant? --Titodutta (talk) 20:28, 12 June 2021 (UTC)

• What, in perpetuo? I'd rather not mix money into it, unless it's going to be a one-off. And I'd prefer our incentives toward gender equity to be long term. Tony (talk) 02:34, 13 June 2021 (UTC)

The Signpost: 27 June 2021

• News and notes: Elections, Wikimania, masking and more

• In the media: Boris and Joe, reliability, love, and money

• Disinformation report: Croatian Wikipedia: capture and release

• Recent research: Feminist critique of Wikipedia's epistemology, Black Americans vastly underrepresented among editors, Wiki Workshop report

• Traffic report: So no one told you life was gonna be this way

• News from the WMF: Searching for Wikipedia

• Humour: Wikipedia's best articles on the world's strangest things

• WikiProject report: WikiProject on open proxies interview

• Forum: Is WMF fundraising abusive?

• Discussion report: Reliability of WikiLeaks discussed

• Obituary: SarahSV

* Read this Signpost in full * Single-page * Unsubscribe * MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 20:16, 27 June 2021 (UTC)

Chelsea Manning

Thank you. I wanted to do it....but was nervous about my own issues. Mahalo and aloha to you.

OK...I mentioned Viriditas (and then took it out)....holy crap...he's not...I am so embarrassed, thrilled and sad at the same time right now. Really not sure how to process this.--Mark Miller (talk) 12:44, 1 July 2021 (UTC)

I miss you

Sarah, I miss your kind emails and thoughtful ways. I wish I could have said goodbye. Your loving friend, Ta bu shi da yu - Chris Sherlock. - Aussie Article Writer (talk) 08:34, 6 July 2021 (UTC)

On days like today, I wish I could email you. I cannot tell you how I miss you. - Aussie Article Writer (talk) 04:29, 11 July 2021 (UTC)

I just rescued some references for an article you started, Aftermath of the Holocaust. Evidence of you is everywhere, and you won't be forgotten. - Aussie Article Writer (talk) 08:51, 5 August 2021 (UTC)

Remembering Sarah

Dear colleagues,
I created a generic userbox to commemorate our absent Wikifriends, and I keep a copy for Sarah at my user page:

This Wikipedian remembers
SlimVirgin.

To add this userbox to your user page, just copy/paste:
{{User:Pdebee/UBX/RemembersAbsentFriend|SlimVirgin}}
With kind regards;
Patrick. ツ Pdebee.^{(talk)(become old-fashioned!)} 15:13, 12 July 2021 (UTC)

My condolences

Thank you for everything you did to help this project, so sorry to see you go. Rubbish computer (Talk: Contribs) 23:56, 17 July 2021 (UTC)

It's late but I just heard

that you had passed, through a Wikipedia dramaboard as somehow seems apropos. Farewell and rest in peace. If you are someplace where you see AaronSw, please give him my regards too. You and I didn't interact very much, but I remember you and I will miss you. 2601:648:8202:350:0:0:0:2B99 (talk) 02:57, 21 August 2021 (UTC)

• Having not crossed swords with Slim for a while I decided to check in on her. I have to say I am genuinely saddened to learn of her passing. Despite our many disagreements she definitely earned my respect. Wikipedia will be a poorer place without her. With Flyer22 passing too, and SchroCat leaving, there are some large boots to fill. Betty Logan (talk) 03:51, 3 October 2021 (UTC)

Muhammad al-Durrah incident

Thanks to SlimVirgin, we read as the TFA today about the Muhammad al-Durrah incident, which came with the most excellent introduction I've seen to date, in both detailing the content as also the collaborators:

"This is a partial self-nom. The 10th anniversary of this incident is coming up on September 30 this year, which is why I'm nominating it for FA status. Several editors have worked on it over the years, both on the article itself and by offering guidance on the talk page. A full list of editors is here, and talk-page contributors are here. It was largely rewritten in October this year, though earlier contributions helped to shape the rewrite. The top editors from 2009 are ChrisO, George, Jaakobou, and myself. Previous key editors were Jayjg, Tundrabuggy, and Liftarn. It is 41 kB (6502 words) of readable prose; 110 kB overall.

What happened to 12-year-old Muhammad al-Durrah is a highly contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was filmed by France 2 on September 30, 2000 apparently being shot and killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a gun battle with Palestinian security forces. Multiple, conflicting, and sometimes overlapping narratives have developed about the incident over the years. The basic positions are as follows, with examples of who holds the view—the people cited are either involved, or are journalists who've written about the issue in depth:

1. He was shot and killed by the IDF. Held by Charles Enderlin and Talal Abu Rahma of France 2; most of the media that first responded; the IDF initially. [1]
2. He was shot and killed, probably or definitely by Palestinian gunfire. Held by e.g. General Yom Tov Samia of the IDF following a controversial November 2000 IDF investigation; [2] Daniel Leconte, former France 2 correspondent. [3]
3. He was shot and killed, but we don't know who fired the shots. Held by e.g. Arlette Chabot, news director of France 2, [4] and Israeli historian Tom Segev. [5]
4. He was shot and killed, and we don't know by whom, but not by the IDF soldiers known to have been there. Held by e.g. James Fallows of The Atlantic. [6]
5. A boy did die that day in that area, but he arrived at the hospital (10 am) before al-Muhammad was shot (between noon and 3 pm), and the boy shown during the funeral was not al-Durrah. Muhammad may be alive or dead; there is no firm evidence either way. A small minority position, held by German journalist Esther Schapira, who has produced two documentaries about the incident. [7]
6. There is no reason to suppose he was either shot or killed; the whole thing was a hoax. A very small minority position, the so-called "maximalist narrative." Held by e.g. Israeli physicist Nahum Shahaf who was involved in the October 2000 IDF investigation; Richard Landes, an American academic; Philippe Karsenty, a French media commentator; Daniel Seaman, director of the Israeli govt press office; Luc Rosenzweig, a retired managing editor of Le Monde; Jean-Claude Schlinger, a French ballistics expert hired by Karsenty. [8] There is also a belief, held by at least one member of the October 2000 IDF inquiry, that the incident was staged, but that the boy's death was real and was part of the pretence.

The positions aren't as clear-cut as the above and overlap considerably. It has been difficult to steer a course through them, giving each view the attention reliable sources give it, but I think we've achieved a reasonable balance. The article covers all the main views comprehensively, without going into neurotic detail (I hope).

There are quite a few fair-use images in the article, as we had to use the original France 2 footage of the shooting. This is copyrighted, but although not released under a free licence, the network has allowed the images to be reproduced all over the world without charge, so there's no problem with our use of them. SlimVirgin ^{TALK contribs} 08:33, 31 December 2009 (UTC)"

Awesome. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 07:34, 30 September 2021 (UTC)

RIP

	“Known by many, respected by all.”
	“A rare bright star among the sleeping throngs.” Dronebogus (talk) 08:59, 27 February 2022 (UTC)

RIP

I talked to Sarah before the pandemics because she needed a photograph of the grave in Rome of the Australian artist Dora Ohlfsen-Bagge. I only managed to take those pictures today, and I had learnt the sad news she's no longer with us. She might have liked that someone continues the job she started and that her legacy is not lost. May the Earth be Light on You, Sarah. -- Blackcat 13:26, 28 April 2022 (UTC)

Thanks for File:Tomba di Dora Ohlfsen.jpg relating to Dora Ohlfsen-Bagge. Johnuniq (talk) 23:27, 28 April 2022 (UTC)

Added. Viriditas (talk) 01:32, 5 May 2022 (UTC)

Condolences on this loss. Andre🚐 08:39, 5 September 2022 (UTC)

You will be remembered. R.I.P. — Hamid Hassani (talk) 04:39, 10 July 2023 (UTC)

R.I.P.

May rest in peace. 2601:1C0:CF00:2680:0:0:0:485 (talk) 00:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC)

Historiography Appreciation

Your work at 1948 Palestinian expulsion from Lydda and Ramle is appreciated. Special:MobileDiff/316257893 IOHANNVSVERVS (talk) 01:13, 26 December 2023 (UTC)

May you be at one with your gods, whomever they may be

Damn. I don't know how I missed this. I never really told you how much I admired you. The world was a better place with you in it, and you leave great things behind. I always felt like a little dog yapping at your heels... Hiding T 14:22, 4 January 2024 (UTC)