It is with a heavy heart that I must share the news of the unexpected passing of one of our NAAFA Board Members.  Jeanne Toombs passed away yesterday from complications during her hospitalization for the treatment of pneumonia.

Jeanne has been spearheading the efforts of NAAFA to assist in the passing of the bill that would add height and weight to the protected classes in the state of Massachusettes.  During our telephone conversation on Saturday, Jeanne expressed her disappointment in having missed the much anticipated meeting on March 25, 2008 before the review committee in Boston.  It was my pleasure to express the love and support of our fellow board members and to wish her a speedy recovery.

For me, Jeanne was the epitome of the iron fist in the velvet glove.  She was a lover of the arts, taught music to children and freely shared her love for all things creative with her friends and colleagues, the entire time fighting persistently for the rights of people of size.  We miss her already!

Your expressions of sympathy may be sent to her sister Nancy at ntb180@comcast.net.