“But Not Before Coffee”

from Celia B.

Dearest Alice and Family, please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of Lillian; may her memory be for a blessing.

I met Lillian when I was nineteen, twenty-five years ago, and I struck gold. She was a friend, mentor, teacher, and counselor who enriched my life in countless ways. Her kindness, wisdom, and wit were truly unmatched.

Countless times, I have found myself in situations that call for Dr. Barden’s perspective, a perfect blend of perseverance, research, determination, and, of course, coffee. The simplicity of that brings me back to one of my earliest memories of us working together at PCRC, where she turned around and said, “Honey, it’s too early for that, and not before my first cup of black coffee.”

Thank you will never be enough to a person who gave me so much and changed not only the outcome of my life but also that of my daughter and husband. Her legacy will live on in all of us.