1969 – 1994

I went to work at the Federation of American Scientists in late 1988. I was a fairly shy and insecure young woman from Indiana, trying to thwart and reverse Ronald Reagan’s scary militarism (which looks pretty placid now!). The place was run by an intense, brilliant and odd man, and it was full of alpha male arms control types.

Jeremy (the odd one) had the brilliant insight to persuade Cely to come work there following her husband’s death. I think it was good for her. I know it was good for FAS. She was Jeremy’s wing woman – smoothing over his social faux pas, organizing beautiful events, raising funds for the organization’s good work, and serving as therapist to many of us. I would not have succeeded there if not for her good cheer, wisdom and encouragement.

One day, maybe three or six months after I started there, Cely asked me if I would be offended if she offered me some of her clothes that she no longer wore – from her time in Sri Lanka and India. I assured her I would not be offended! The next day she brought in a garbage bag full of unique, boho clothes – that I wore to pieces. My favorite was an Indian kimono like robe with flowing arms. I have one piece remaining – that I still wear nearly 30 years later: a quilted blue and red cotton vest, with green piping. I will try and post a picture, in case it raises any memories for her sons. It is wonderful to wrap myself in this piece of Cely every so often.

We stayed in touch loosely after she went to CA, and I had the pleasure of visiting her (and sometimes Sonny) several times when we were in LA over the past decade. And I was so pleased to be invited to join her and meet Channing and his daughter at a gathering in DC last year. Cely was just as gracious and generous then as she was at FAS 30 years prior, going around the room and calling out some accomplishment of each of the many people present, burnishing our records.

I see the love that has gone into the creation of this web site and the beautiful and funny memorial you sent around at her death. Her love for you all was always so clear when we caught up. She would run through the highlights, and her pride in all of her grandkids and kids and kids in law and Sonny was abundantly clear.

Even though we were not in close regular contact, knowing Cely has been one of the great blessings of my life. Not only the counseling and the clothes (!), but how she modeled good living; that she lived every day of her life and was present with you when she was with you. How she worked for change, but she balanced that with a great ability to be – or seem — content and at peace. I will carry her with me.