During the past month or two I have received several inquiries concerning my
mother, Betty Jean Piech, aka The Tall One.  Some people have heard that my
mother had passed away.  Within the past few days Alice and I have received
a shell club newsletter reporting that my mother "had passed away a couple
of months ago."  Because this inaccurate information apparently is becoming
more widespread, it is probably best for me to give a brief report to this
forum.

Betty Jean Piech is in declining health, but is still very much alive.  She
is no longer on Conch-L and rarely leaves her retirement community.
Collecting seashells and spending time with other shell collectors were some
of the activities that gave her the most pleasure during the past 40 years.
She has enjoyed knowing many of you on this list and would want me to tell
you how much you mean to her.  She would probably also have at least one
funny story to tell about many of you.

I hope that this information addresses the well intended questions about my
mother.  If any of you have other questions, please contact me privately.

Ken Piech, proud son of The Tall One