As many may know, Dr. Kristi Alvarez, of University of Redlands, was diagnosed with cancer early this fall. She fought mightily these past several months but passed away early this morning, January 26, 2012. Kristi was the consummate geographer being the 2010 president of National Council of Geography Education, past New Hampshire NGS Alliance Coordinator, graduate of the 2009 inaugural Esri T3G group, and pioneer of geospatial education in pre-service education. Kristi was an amazing colleague but most importantly, a warm and wonderful friend. I know we will all miss her but take comfort in the enduring impact that Kristi made in geospatial and geography education. Thank you Kristi and family for your example of commitment and dedication to life lived well.
written by Paige Hanks (eldest daughter of Kristi and Ron Alvarez)
It is a day of great glory and celebration in heaven with all the angels, saints and our Lord. Mom passed away in her sleep sometime early this morning, with Dad faithfully at her side. Her pain is now gone and she has been fully set free.
We are all so grateful for her life of witness and teaching to all she knew. She has taught each of us who knew and loved her how to live with passion and love. She has given a hug or a smile or a life lesson tidbit just when we needed it most and looking back, even when we didn’t even realize the impact. I’m not quite sure what living without my Mom will be like, but I know that her presence will be felt often.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. The next chapter is just beginning. Please feel free to join us in prayer.
The following poem and collage was composed and created by Sandy Doss, fellow Australia 2009 traveling companion.
