An Unfinished but Closed Chapter in AAVSO History

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Thomas R. Williams

1750 Albans Road, Houston, TX 77995-1704

Presented at a memorial symposium in honor of Dr. Janet A. Mattei, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, October 29, 2004; received May 26, 2005; accepted May 26, 2005

In thirty years of service as the AAVSO's director, Janet Akyüz Mattei left an indelible mark on the organization. The AAVSO underwent nearly continuous expansion of services to members and to the professional community of variable star astronomy during her tenure. Under her leadership, the association flourished and became recognized internationally as the leading variable star organization. Unfortunately, the final recognition that was richly deserved by Mattei, a retirement in which to enjoy the fruits of this effort, was denied her by her sudden illness and passing.