Irit Spitalnik

I'm very sad to report that Irit Spitalnik has passed away. I've hesitated to post anything here or on OT regarding Irit's passing, but many of you have e-mailed me privately or left comments in the earlier thread, so I figured I should post something. I feel so incredibly sad for Michael and Maya that I'm nearly speechless and I don't think I can get through the day here at the agency unless I can get my mind off it somehow.

I have a promise from two friends who are very close to Michael that they will keep me posted about funeral arrangements, etc. When I receive word, I will immediately post information here.

Irit was an amazing person. She had this terrific way of putting people at ease immediately and making you feel as if you could tell her anything. We first met in a business context, but became fast friends. I remember one time we were sitting in the back courtyard at our old Greenwich Street office and I was all depressed about having difficulty meeting someone. She sat there for a half hour and talked with me. When we were done, I felt so much better and so much more optimistic about things. She was just that kind of person who could cheer you up - a great listener with infectious enthusiasm and a lovely smile.

Share some of your favorite Irit stories in comments, if you feel so inclined.

UPDATE - Chris Theodoros posted details of the services in the May thread. I wanted everybody to see them:

The service for Irit is this Sunday January 15th It is at: PLAZA JEWISH COMMUNITY CHAPEL # 630 Amsterdam Ave at the corner of 91st Street Service is at 12 Noon

SECOND UPDATE - Nick Nyhan sent along the details for Shiva and for the Irit Spitalnik fund. Here they are:

Shiva: 401 East 74th Street, # 5F Sun. Mon, Tues

Fund: "Irit Spitalnik Fund" c/o Dynamic Logic 30 Irving Place, fl 4 New York, NY 10003