Dear Irene:

You departed so suddenly, leaving a giant void in our hearts. A remarkable era has come to an end, and our sorrow is deep, for we so dearly miss our friend. Yet, our spirits remain high, for we have been graced by your company. You have touched many lives and changed them forever. You have enriched each one of us, and for that we are eternally grateful. It is a privilege to have known you, our immortal beloved.

There is a Chinese saying that is apt for the occasion, "liu fang bai shi, jin sheng yong zai." The direct translation reads "reputation for a hundred generations, and spirit everlasting." Irene, your reputation will no doubt endure, for your achievements are countless, and your deeds great. But it is your spirit that we are here to remember and to celebrate.

Your generosity is self-evident; your taste is impeccable. Your tenacious character, sharp mind, and keen judgment are unequaled, as is your passion for helping the young.

Your commitment to combat HIV/AIDS has not wavered since the days when it was still an unpopular cause, with unclear public health importance. Your insight was truly profound and prescient, for this epidemic has become the plague of the millennium. Thirteen years ago, you gave me, to quote you, "a young, talented, but no-name scientist," a chance of a lifetime to head up a new research institute that bears the name of your husband. I hope our accomplishments have been worthy of your support, and you could rest assured that we will re-double our efforts in the years to come. We will not let you down.

Your impatience is a characteristic well known to your friends. You have a knack to cut to the chase on every issue. I still recall, with great fondness and admiration, a moment last November when we sat in my office together with President Clinton as I struggled to tell him about our vaccine research efforts directed to China, while hoping to entice him to join me on a future trip there. You abruptly cut me off and turned to him, and said authoritatively, "Mr. President, would you accompany David to China?" It was an order, not a question. He promptly answered in the affirmative, just as your stern stare turned to a beaming smile. It was a special Irene moment.

Your energy level has also impressed many of us. I challenge you to name another 90-plus-year-old who sits through an eight-hour scientific symposium and then asks for an additional hour of debriefing. I also recall, with delight, our frequent conversations that run from dinner to 3 AM, with you doing 90% of the talking, covering topics from politics to gun control and human rights to ballet and music to science. After a couple of sessions, Susan learned to bring her needlework while you hold court. I would give anything to have another such marathon session.

Irene, you have lived what Jane Addams called "the life of a larger cause, one that thoroughly aroused the conscience of the public-spirited men and women." I dedicate to you the following passage from this pacifist, social activist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. "When we come to the study of great men, it is easy to think only of their great deeds, and not to think enough of their spirit. What is a great man who has made his mark upon history? Every time, if we think far enough, he is a man who has looked through the confusion of the moment and has seen the moral issue involved; he is a man who has refused to have his sense of justice distorted; he has listened to his conscience until conscience becomes a trumpet call to like-minded men, so that they gather about him and together, with mutual purpose and mutual aid, they make a new period in history."

Irene, we miss you. In particular, I miss my ardent supporter; my partner in the struggle; my inspirational leader; and most of all, my dear friend. I yearn for our regular conversations. My heart still believes that you will be calling soon. Until then, good night and sleep well.

Love,

David