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In Memoriam

Barbara Alice Aman

September 2011
By Nancy Eustis, VAN Leadership Group Chair

The Vital Aging Network is deeply saddened by the loss of a beloved Leadership Group member, Barbara Aman. After a long struggle with cancer, Barbara died peacefully at home on August 16, 2011.

Barbara began her involvement in VAN providing assistance to ALVA Connections (now EvolvingConnections).  She was elected to the Leadership Group in January 2011.  She also served on VAN’s Forum and Development Task Forces.  Barbara regularly attended VAN meetings despite ongoing chemotherapy and worked from home as well, making phone calls and sending emails on VAN’S behalf.  She requested that we keep her busy.  Before her death, Barbara reportedly told her husband that she had been with VAN two years and there was so much more she needed to do.  Barbara was a bank officer and vice-president until her retirement in 2009.  She earned three masters degrees.

Barbara had many close friends within the Vital Aging Network, and she will be dearly missed. VAN feels honored that in lieu of flowers Barbara asked that people make contributions in her name towards the Barbara A. Aman Evolve Scholarship Fund. Contribute through GiveMN or click here to donate directly to VAN. Thank you for honoring Barbara with a contribution.

Lisa Harmon

January 2011
By Mary Kowalski, ALVA Facililtator

Lisa Harmon, VAN Leadership Group member and ALVA graduate, died January 8, 2011. She was 44 years old. Lisa came into our lives and stayed with us in a constantly upbeat way. She was well educated, well traveled, and well versed in living life fully with a faith that was evident in her daily life.

Lisa spent 20 years as an engineer employed by 3M, where she held many diverse roles. From team leader as a process specialist to manager in multiple 3M business units, Lisa led with energy, creativity and care.

Lisa was an ALVA graduate in 2010. Her passion was providing home help to older adults who need assistance to continue to live in their homes. She started and shaped the business while participating in the ALVA session.

Lisa was a member of the ALVA Leadership Group, serving on the Communications Committee at the time of her passing.

Her presence was always positive, her smile indelible, her words thoughtful. We, her friends at VAN, will miss her greatly.