Obituaries

I was stunned to read of her death. When I was in the State Legislature Maria poured her heart and soul into working with me to develop an approach to monitor the effects of nano particles in the environment and in humans. She was so smart, diligent and hard working —and patient considering the craziness of the legislative process. Unfortunately after months of work our efforts were for naught because the Republican Party took control of the legislature in the next election and threw out our work. She was certainly someone who contributed to the welfare of all of us. And I'm sorry that she will not be carrying on her crusade to keep the environment... and us... healthy. And I'm sorry she died too young. Terese Berceau

Good bye Maria! I feel a bit like an orphan as you have been a spiritual mother to me since we first met and then worked together during my stay in Madison from 2006 and 2009. Thank you so much for everything you taught me about environmental health, environmental justice, nano-related risks, and, on a more personal note, about motherhood and mental sanity in this more-than-crazy world! I will always remember our long conversations in State St coffee shops and Madison libraries, your intense ideas coming 'off the top of your head' while biking along the lake between your home and UW Madison. You were the most knowledgeable, passionate and communicative person I have ever met I think. Your satirical humour, your smartness, generosity, and genuineness in all your commitments have kept inspiring me after my return to France. You paved the way to the ban on titanium dioxide (E171) in European food and now also elsewhere in the world, although not yet in the USA ("no one is a prophet in his own land"...). I am, and will stay, grateful, appreciative and happy to have happened to know you!

Maria was a truly remarkable woman who found peace at last. I'm so very grateful to have known her.

For many years our paths often crossed because of our shared commitment to environmental activism. After her diagnosis, I got to know Maria as a friend which started me on the hunt for humorous "funnies" that I could email to her. Just knowing that we shared a laugh for even a brief moment was a gift to me. Our last email exchange happened to be about Fisher Price toys and she shared that she once had a castle set complete with princesses and a dragon. I said that we would have had a great time playing together when we were kids except our version would involve putting polluters in the tower and we would burn our corsets. We shared an especially good laugh about the latter, so my last memory is a really good one. Special hugs and blessings for Jim and Sierra. Laura

Maria, I learned so much from you in Grassroots Leadership College 20 years ago. I think of all the planning, and laughter and going out for coffee when Sierra was a little girl. I am honored we reconnected by chance encounters at a restaurant and Kanopy. I think of foam rollers, covid picnics at parks, eating fried food, the incredible dinners at your house (such a good cook), summer dinners outside on my deck, griping and growling about a universe of things, and laughing about the massive absurdity of this existence. You made a difference, Maria. In my life and in many others.

It was a joy to know and chat with Maria (along with Jim and Sierra) over the years. We so appreciated the warmth and hospitality and generosity that Maria showed to those who knew her. We cherish the memories of hospitality around the Powell's fire circle or the potluck table. We thank her for tireless work for justice for the poor and marginalized, and for exposing and explaining the dangers of toxicity in our environment. We wish her family peace and send them love as they grieve Maria's passing. We are very thankful we had Maria in our lives. She will be missed. Nancy and MIchael Shinners

Our condolences to the entire family... we remember fondly our chats w Maria at the state street studio... and late night drop offs w Sierra to home from Bharatanatyam class... so much time has flown by. All our love to you Jim, Sierra, Dor and the entire family. Sending love-- Lisa and Robert

Maria. I always liked running into you at the Library, Co-op, Troy Gardens and other Northside locales. I appreciated our brief check-in conversations about life and family and current things. I am sorry for your departure and pray peace and comfort for your family in the midst of grief, and rest for your soul in the care of God your Creator. You will be missed Maria.