UGA Endowment for Erlene

These past few months since Erlene's passing have been tough. As the days, weeks and months roll on - we're reminded daily of the effect she had on our lives. The happiness she brought us will live on in our hearts, for sure; but her legacy is expanding, hopefully soon.

Erlene's co-workers and family are working with the University of Georgia (her alma mater) to create some sort of award, fund or scholarship in her name. Once it's set up, we'll let you know in case you want to make a contribution.

Stay tuned.

"Erlene Zierke" top search term on Google 6/1/08.

In life, Erlene was definitely on her way to Internet-celebrity. However, after the 15-second Adult Swim memorial on TV last Sunday night, her name was briefly the #1 searched term on Google.com. Congrats Erlene - Google thinks your "hotness" is "volcanic." Of course, we already knew that.

Remembrances

I wanted to post some of the kind things people have written to me in response to Erlene's passing.

"That's very sad news for all of us here. I was very fond of her and had great admiration for the energy, creativity, and intelligence she brought to her work...Know that all of us here at C3 share some small portion of your pain....I wanted you and other friends of Erlene to know that I was moved to send in a personal donation to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in her memory. I figure it is the best way to give continued support to some of the things she worked on and cared about. My best wishes to you and others at Turner during this difficult time."

--Henry Jenkins, Professor, M.I.T.

"Erlene's energy and optimism were transformative - she made things better, simply by being in the room. Her enthusiasm trumped others' cynicism, and her spirit and good-humor made her a joyful companion, no matter what the situation. We are all the less for having lost her so soon. I hope her family and friends will accept my humble condolences, knowing that her memory lives in the hearts of all who knew her."

--Ryan Freitas, Friend and Colleague, Adaptive Path

"I just wanted to pass my condolences about Erlene's passing. I just read about it and I'm absolutely shocked. I only met her once, but I remember being charmed right from the get go. Some people just radiate infectious energy. She was one of them. I'm just sad."

--Todd Jackson, Friend and Colleague

"I know Joshua and Henry have already expressed our love and admiration for Erlene, but, believe me, her enthusiasm and energy was likewise a major point of inspiration for our work along the way. I've just been thinking last night and this morning about Erlene's and my missed attempts to see one another over the past year. We always take it for granted that there will be another conference, another chance to see one another...But I'm just glad to have had the opportunity to know her."

--Sam Ford, Project Manager, C3/MIT

There are so many people touched by Erlene's life. Please feel free to post comments as to how she enriched and impacted yours.

Site Outage

My apologies if you were unable to access the blog recently. Google's automatic blog tool mistook this for a "spam blog," and held it hostage until it could be reviewed by a human being. It looks like we're back in business now. My humblest apologies for any inconvenience.

Memorial Guestbook: Read / Post

Erlene's family has set up this "everlasting memorial." You can read the guestbook or write your own message in it.

In Memoriam: Erlene M. Zierke (Video)

Someone who's asked to remain nameless created these wonderful photo slideshows. I think it's a beautiful tribute, and it even features some of her favorite music.

More slideshows: 1 & 2

Official Announcement: TBS, Inc.

Dear friends-

As some of you may have heard, our dear friend and colleague Erlene Zierke passed away. She was involved in a tragic accident in Richmond, Virginia on Monday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. Details on tonight's wake and tomorrow's funeral are below.

Photo / Obituary

Erlene will be sorely missed by everyone she knew. She was a beautiful, talented and vibrant person who loved life and everyone around her. I'm sure that anyone that knew her can agree. While at Turner, she worked for both Turner Sports (PGA.com) and AYAKM (Super Deluxe). However, I know she collaborated with many other groups as well, including GameTap, New Products, Platform R&D and more. Please pass this on to anyone you think she might have known.

Erlene was bright, hard-working and happy - three qualities I'm sure we can all admire. We'll miss you Erlene.

Here's some more information. I apologize for the late notice. The details on the wake and funeral have only just become available (below).

Wake:
5-8pm Thursday 5/29 (today)
Striffler-Hamby Mortuary
4071 Macon Rd.
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 563-2372

Funeral:
11am Friday 5/30
Park Hill Cemetery (in Columbus right next to the mortuary/chapel.)
4161 Macon Road
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 561-6360

Flowers:
Preferred local florist. Online ordering available.
http://www.albrightsflorist.com/

Send flowers to:
Striffler-Hamby Mortuary
4071 Macon Road
Columbus, GA 31907

Lodging:
Hampton Inn - Columbus, GA
(706) 576-5303

Links:
Flickr Photo Group


Memorials:
Hustler of Culture: Good night, Erlene
Convergence Culture: In Memoriam