Jill Hardesty (1965-2015)

Jill Hardesty joined the Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas, in May 1989 as a research assistant in charge of word processing, library research, compiling computer range charts, and other miscellaneous duties. In 1994 she was promoted to Assistant Editor for Text. Jill has a BS in Secondary Education, a BA in French, and an MA in the History of Art, all from The University of Kansas.
Jill was recognized for her outstanding editorial contributions and dedication for more than 12 years to the publication of the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, especially revised part H (Brachiopoda), published between 1997 and 2007 in six volumes comprising more than 3,200 pages. Well known to all brach authors of the Treatise, she was the kingpin of part H (Brachiopoda). We will remember her kindness, helpfulness, optimism, and extensive knowledge of Treatise matters which were invaluable.
Hardesty’s colleagues and numerous international contributors wholeheartedly supported her nomination for the 2008 - AESE Award for Outstanding Publication by attesting to her meticulous attention to countless details, not only in text, illustrations, and layout but also in bibliography, orthography, zoological nomenclature, and stratigraphic terminology. Their letters suggest that she not only accomplished editorial excellence but she also adhered to a demanding schedule with humor, charm, and diplomacy. Jill has been an AESE member since 1995 and served on the board of directors in 2002–2004.
Jill Marvelle Hardesty and Michael Shawn Cormack, both from Lawrence, Kansas, were married May 22, 1991 in the Sala Rossa at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. In February 2013, she had been diagnosed with brain cancer, and had to retire from her position in 2014. Jill enjoyed traveling, reading, running, and especially spending time with her family. She passed away on 10th September 2015.
Sincerest condolences to Michael Cormack, WEB editor, and her two daughters, Emma and Anna.

Christian C. Emig
BrachNet and co-authors of Treatise part H

From Miguel Manceñido, La Plata (Argentina) online on 3th October 2008

During the Annual Meeting of the Association of Earth Science Editors (AESE) formed by North American editors (http://www.aese.org/), in Flagstaff (Arizona, USA), last week, Jill Hardesty has been selected to receive the AESE Outstanding Editorial and Publishing Contribution Award for 2008, a much deserved recognition to her sustained "heart & soul" committment for excellence in the Treatise project, as epitomized in Part H revised vols. 1-6 (with which we are all well acquainted). In a sense, a reward to be also proudly shared with the rest of the editorial staff at Kansas Paleontological Institute.
Congratulations for Jill´s distinction!

Read on geoeditors.wordpress.com - 30th October 2008 :

AESE 2008 Award Winners
AESE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING EDITORIAL OR PUBLISHING CONTRIBUTIONS

Jill Hardesty

Jill Hardesty, assistant editor for the Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas, is recognized for her outstanding editorial contributions and dedication for more than 12 years to the publication of the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, especially revised part H (Brachiopoda), which paleontologists widely use as a standard reference. The Treatise was published between 1997 and 2007 in six volumes comprising more than 3,200 pages. Hardesty’s colleagues and numerous international contributors wholeheartedly supported her nomination for this award by attesting to her meticulous attention to countless details, not only in text, illustrations, and layout but also in bibliography, orthography, zoological nomenclature, and stratigraphic terminology. Their letters suggest that she not only accomplished editorial excellence but she also adhered to a demanding schedule with humor, charm, and diplomacy. Hardesty has been an AESE member since 1995 and served on the board of directors in 2002–2004.