In Memoriam: Donna Dinberg, Librarian, Reference Pioneer, and a Dear Friend

On April 11, Donna Dinberg passed away after a fight with cancer. She will be greatly missed. I came to know Donna as a passionate advocate for reference and a key architect of the virtual reference movement. At every meeting Donna was there. She was particularly effective in ensuring that the next generation of reference would be truly international. She helped build CDRS. She helped build the Virtual Reference Desk project and conferences. Donna was a voice of sanity and innovation throughout her career.
Donna was an inspiration. No matter how bad her circumstances in work or life, she always remained an optimist. As a librarian she represented the best of us. She was very much my teacher and I will miss her voice and passion.

I believe that people live on in the words and deeds of those they have influenced. I commit that she will live on in me. She will live on in inspirational words. She will live on in actions in the face of inertia. I will remember Donna the best way I know how * taking from her example of solving problems and making a difference. Donna*s legacy, for me, shall be in teaching students to strive for excellence; in building systems that matter, and in seeing her smile, her humor, and her dedication in those around me.

From the Ottawa Citizen

DINBERG, Donna (Library and Archives Canada) Passed away peacefully at The Hospice at May Court surrounded by family members, at the age of 66, on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Daughter of H. Margaret (Madge) Dinberg (nee Malloch) and the late Dr. Maurice C. Dinberg of Oil City, Pennsylvania. Beloved wife of the late Joseph “Habao” Texidor. Loving mother of Edith “Liz” Fletcher of Chicago, Michelle Reynolds (Suzanne Perrenod) of New York City, Nicole Texidor of Victoria and Camille Octave (nee Texidor) (Lesly) and grandson Samuel Isaac of Montreal. She leaves behind her brothers Norman (Brenda) and Douglas (Carolyn) and her sister Janet D. Thompson (nee Dinberg). Fondly remembered by Aunt Billie , wife of the late N. Campbell “Cam” Malloch and Aunt Jean, wife of the late Ian G. Malloch. Remembered also by her cousins Michael Dinberg and Joni D. Goldblatt (Peter). Missed by her close friends, Franceen and Pierre Gaudet. Donna was a graduate of York University (B.A.) and McGill University (M.L.S.). Following her studies, she worked for the National Library of Canada and its successor organization, Library and Archives Canada, for more than 34 years. Donna was also Librarian for the Jewish Genealogical Society of Ottawa. A graveside service was held at the Jewish Community Cemetery, Osgoode, on Monday, April 13. A Memorial Service celebrating Donna’s life will be held on Friday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel, Hulse, Playfair & McGarry St. Laurent, 1200 Ogilvie Road (www.hpmc.ca/locations-st-laurent-chapel.cfm) ; 613-748-1200). In lieu of flowers, please consider in memoriam donations to The Hospice at May Court ( www.hospicemaycourt.com/donations.html ; 613-260-2906 ext. 222); the Canadian Cancer Society (convio.cancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=donations_can_home) or to the charity of your choice. The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of The Hospice at May Court, and to Dr. Louise Coulombe, for their kindness and care. Gratitude also expressed to health care workers and other care providers.