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THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 1982      2004 Mar 23 21.44UT
Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise,  Basingstoke,
Hants, RG22 4PP,England.Telephone/FAX(01256)471074Int:+441256471074
INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK             GMH at AST.STAR.RL.AC.UK
WORLD WIDE WEB                         http://www.theastronomer.org
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JANET MATTEI
I very much regret to have to convey the very sad news contained in a 
message received from the AAVSO team:


Dear members, staff, and friends of the AAVSO. It is my very sad duty to 
inform you all that Dr. Janet Mattei died at 4:20 PM on March 22, 2004 
at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital after a long battle with Acute 
Myelogenous Leukemia. In typical Janet fashion she fought a heroic 
battle with this deadly disease for the past 7 months, but in the past 
few weeks it overcame her. Last Tuesday she asked that I inform her 
friends worldwide when this time came for her. Last evening she slipped 
into a coma, and passed away just minutes ago. (message sent Mar 22, 
22.11UT).

The AAVSO has lost a strong leader who has guided our organization to 
greatness. The world of astronomy has lost a patron of her field. 
Amateur astronomers the world over have lost a mentor who bridged the 
world of amateurs and professionals. I, along with many others the world 
over who knew her well, have lost a dear friend who will be deeply 
missed.

Mario Motta, MD

Editor: Janet was extremely well known to many TA readers and had given 
a lecture at one of our annual meetings. Anne and myself had the good 
fortune to meet up with her on several occasions both in the USA and 
also during her visits to England. She was highly respected by both the 
professional and amateur communities, especially in the field of 
variable stars.

Beyond TA, she maintained a close relationship with the BAA via their 
VSS section and also with numerous organisations throughout the world in 
her capacity as director of the AAVSO. She became director in the same 
year I became editor of 'The Astronomer' (1975). During the last 29 
years I have frequently received help and guidance from Janet and this 
aspect, together with her sincere friendship will be sorely missed.

Our condolences to Mike and all her family and friends including the 
staff of the AAVSO headquarters.

Guy M Hurst