ARLIS/SE

Wilma Wierwill and her husband, Hal, attended several ARLIS/SE meetings during the past decade. Their fun-loving and cheerful outlook on life brightened many members lives. Those of us who knew Wilma were saddened to learn of her death a year ago.

Wilma, a native of Stamford, Connecticut, received her Masters in Library Science from Case University in Cleveland, Ohio, and began her illustrious career at the Cleveland Public Library as a librarian in the Business Reference Department. In fact, one business patron utilized her services so much they successfully lured her away and she was hired at research librarian for the Fuller, Smith and Ross Advertising Agency. It was while she worked at the agency that she met Hal and a new chapter opened in her life. Later, the Wierwills moved to Chicago and Wilma became a librarian for the Chicago Botanic Gardens. She enjoyed this position for many years.

Upon retirement in 1979, the Wierwills came south and settled in Savannah, Georgia. However, retirement was not in their blood. Wilma volunteered her services four days a week at the Telfair Museum of Arts and Sciences. According to the Director of the Museum, Wilma was the epitome of dedication and service. It was here that she virtually built the collection from scratch. Through her talented research skills, she also assisted the curator of the museum with many of their exhibitions. While at the Telfair, she was awarded the Hollowbush Award for Distinguished Service. On her "day off" she also volunteered at St. Joseph's Hospital. Although her health began to fail she managed to continue her service until her death in 1990. Through donated funds a collection or room will be dedicated in her honor at the Telfair Museum in the near future - a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so much and asked for so little in return.

According to Hal Wierwill, the ARLIS/SE Chapter meetings were always a source of fun and friendship. They circled their calendar with the dates of upcoming meetings and looked forward to them. Even though they were not able to attend all of the meetings, they were with us in spirit.

Those of us who knew Wilma will always love and remember her. We send Hal our best wishes and let him know that we still consider him to be a part of our chapter in friendship.