MERCEDES THARAM RICHARDS (1955 - 2016)
It saddens me deeply to convey the message of the passing of one of the most prominent
interacting binary scientists of our community.
Mercedes has been an inspiration and an idol to all, and a personal friend to many.
Mercedes was the last President of IAU Commission 42 and I had the privilege of working
closely with her during the past several years.  She was a strong, balanced, and complete
person with remarkable insights and unique talents.  Mercedes will be profoundly missed.
Please join me in extending our heartfelt sympathies to her husband, Don, and daugh-
ters, Chandra and Suzanne.
With deep regrets,
Andrej Prsa
IAU Commission G1 president
More information at the website of Prenn State Eberly College of Science:
http://science.psu.edu/news-and-events/in-memoriam-mercedes-richards-1955-2016
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