To Ken, other family, and Betty Jean's shelling friends,

Mom was an inspiration to many of us. She bridged
the gap between hobbyist and expert, and she did
it with grace, kindness and, most memorably with
humor. She and I had intensive discussions on her
beloved ranellids, which were illuminating and
impelled me to delve deeper into their secrets.

Her presence on Conch-L was one of the consistent
highlights of the early years of our forum. We
could always count on learning something, often
with the added benefit of a giggle or two.

I'd like to share a footprint she left us: her email signature:

__@/- "Laughter is an instant vacation" -\@__

That's a legacy in itself,
Harry



At 05:36 PM 11/7/2010, Ken Piech wrote:
>Early last week Betty Jean Piech passed away peacefully after a long
>illness.  Some of you knew her as Betty Jean, BJ or the “Tall One”,
>but I knew her as mom.  Betty Jean Stowell was born and grew up in New
>Brunswick, NJ, graduated from Douglass Woman’s College (Rutgers) and
>married Frank Piech in 1947.  They moved to Wilmington, DE and had
>three sons.  When her children were young Betty Jean was a homemaker.
>Later, Betty Jean went back to school, became a librarian, and worked
>for many years before she retired.
>
>In 1961 Frank & Betty Jean took their young family to Florida for a
>vacation.  We took the ferry over to Sanibel Island and began an
>enduring interest in marine shell collecting.
>..................................
>
>About 15 years ago mom gave us a sealed envelope to be opened only
>after her death.  It contained this poem, which was probably intended
>for many of you.
>
>
>THOUGHTS FROM A SHELL COLLECTOR TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS
>
>I love a beach where seabirds cry,
>Where the shining water meets the sky.
>Where one can look for shells and things,
>And gather the gifts that each tide brings.
>
>I like to walk upon the sand,
>Between the ocean and the land.
>To breathe the wonderful salty air,
>And feel the breeze blow through my hair.
>
>I enjoy the pleasure these things bring,
>They calm my mind and make my heart sing.
>And even when I can’t be there,
>I always remember what the beach had to share.
>
>And if you happen to see a shell,
>I hope this thought you’ll remember well.
>As I have prized each beautiful treasure,
>So I value my family and friends in even greater measure.
>
>And when the times comes I’m no longer here,
>Do not think I have left you, never fear.
>Just picture me happy on some distant shore
>Picking up lovely things just as before.
>
>For I will not have died, nor will I sleep;
>I will see you again, so please do not weep,
>I’ll just continue happy in His peace and care
>Until the time comes when you join me there.
>
>I love each and every one of you.
>
>Betty Jean Piech
>September 3, 1995

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