Our wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend suffered a heart attack on Friday. The EMTs were there quickly, but could not revive her. She died soon after arrival at the hospital, without coming to consciousness.

This is very sudden and unexpected. The feeling of loss is very sharp.

If you ever met her, you quickly realized that Maria Orlow was passionately interested in everything she heard about or experienced. She asked tough questions and challenged assumptions. She was always real, with everyone; a force of nature, and much nurture too. A great, strong woman and mother. A kind teacher to her students with learning difficulties. A loving partner to Dietrich Orlow, ever since she was 15 years old.

She lived a full, rich life. And yet.... this a huge loss.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to Habitat for Humanity.