Hello Friends of Rebekah,
Our dear friend and colleague Rebekah Cardonsky passed away on April 27, 2020. We created this online memorial site to honor and celebrate Rebekah and all the gifts she brought into our lives. This site is a place to share your thoughts, memories, stories, jokes,... see moreHello Friends of Rebekah,
Our dear friend and colleague Rebekah Cardonsky passed away on April 27, 2020. We created this online memorial site to honor and celebrate Rebekah and all the gifts she brought into our lives. This site is a place to share your thoughts, memories, stories, jokes, poems...anything, really...about Reb that you want to share with her community of friends and colleagues. We hope that all of these reflections will offer each of us some comfort, especially during this time when we still can’t be together. Once we are able to gather again, we will be organizing an event to celebrate Rebekah. Thank you so much for joining us in honoring Rebekah and contributing to this lasting memorial.
If you would like to contribute financially to Nate and Beckett, we have set up a page on www.GoFundMe.com. You can search "Radiant Rebekah". Donations to this fund will be given directly to Nate to help offset the many medical expenses incurred during Rebekah’s illness and to assist in funding anything that Nate and Beckett need as they begin to recover from their loss.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
- Winnie the Pooh
Warmly,
Rebekah’s friends at The Nature Conservancy in Colorado
Reb - You were a force, and were taken from us far too soon. I liked you the minute I met you. Right away I knew you were a passionate, get shit done, take no prisoners kind of person. Over the years we laughed together, cried together, bitched together,... moreReb - You were a force, and were taken from us far too soon. I liked you the minute I met you. Right away I knew you were a passionate, get shit done, take no prisoners kind of person. Over the years we laughed together, cried together, bitched together, and made plans to take over the world together. If you were able to stick around a bit longer I have no doubt we would have succeeded. I miss you my friend. Your spirit lives on. I look forward to a time when our paths cross again. less
Reb-
I am at a loss as to where to start. You made such an incredible impact on so many people's lives, mine included. As a boss and mentor, you had such an incredible passion and protective mama bear attitude. As a friend, you were incredibly kind and... moreReb-
I am at a loss as to where to start. You made such an incredible impact on so many people's lives, mine included. As a boss and mentor, you had such an incredible passion and protective mama bear attitude. As a friend, you were incredibly kind and caring, but also brought the sass and wit. You were a planner, an organizer, and a person who was not afraid to speak her mind and ask the hard questions. Whenever I felt like I was just paddling to stay above water, you came over with the raft. I will never forget our friendship.
-Lauryn
PS - the time you mistook turkey tracks for dinosaur tracks (which you called mastodon tracks, which is not even a dinosaur) at JE Canyon is something I'm still laughing about today. less
Reb - you were game for anything. Especially if it involved costumes! These photos are from a work Halloween competition and our annual staff retreat. As the queen of logistics I couldn't have asked for a better partner for all things "fun".... moreReb - you were game for anything. Especially if it involved costumes! These photos are from a work Halloween competition and our annual staff retreat. As the queen of logistics I couldn't have asked for a better partner for all things "fun". Missing you today and everyday. less
Beckett - Your mama was fierce. and smart. and had edges and was on fire inside. She was brave. it will be hard, but try to keep her tucked on your heart and stand tall as you move through this world. Wishing you nothing but good things. Missy Davis
Rebekah, your commitment, focus, hard work and fun spirit were a joy to experience and a tremendous contribution to TNC, your friends and colleagues, and the conservation world. The last time I saw you, sitting on your sofa as you shared your journey... moreRebekah, your commitment, focus, hard work and fun spirit were a joy to experience and a tremendous contribution to TNC, your friends and colleagues, and the conservation world. The last time I saw you, sitting on your sofa as you shared your journey through illness, your strength and courage blew me away. You departure creates a hole in the universe. I am holding Nate and Beckett in my prayers, that they find peace and are surrounded by love. less
"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories." In your way too short time on this planet you left many lifetimes of goodness and love.
Rebekah, the world is worse for your absence. You burned with such a bright fire, and your energy could eclipse a solar farm. Your well was bottomless when it came to giving to the people you cared about, and your creativity was boundless. When you... moreRebekah, the world is worse for your absence. You burned with such a bright fire, and your energy could eclipse a solar farm. Your well was bottomless when it came to giving to the people you cared about, and your creativity was boundless. When you googly-eye bombed Lauryn's cubicle, when you transformed Chelsea's cube into the Room of Requirement...it was clear what joyful mischief your mind was capable of. I was often in awe of you--fierce and fashionable and smart and so so funny. And impossible to cow. Your love for Beckett and Nate is a true love story. For so many of us at TNC, you are still here--in memories and stories and the cornament and any time someone highlights something or uses a post-it note or nails a spreadsheet. You left a legacy. We'll miss you. less
From the moment that Rebekah stepped in the door at the Conservancy, she demonstrated her commitment, strong will, and never-ending energy for our work and the people.
Rebekah was extremely dedicated to Nate and Beckett. She talked fondly about doing... moreFrom the moment that Rebekah stepped in the door at the Conservancy, she demonstrated her commitment, strong will, and never-ending energy for our work and the people.
Rebekah was extremely dedicated to Nate and Beckett. She talked fondly about doing photography with Nate, of playing with Beckett and how she was ensuring that Beckett would grow up in a world that would be better for everyone.
Rebekah was a gem in every way. We will miss her desperately but also know that we will carry her influence and passion into everything that we do. less
Rebekah was always one of my favorite collaborators on Operations calls. She was whip smart and cheerful. She'd reach out if she discovered something in CO that would be applicable in CA to give us a heads up. She asked smart questions and developed new... moreRebekah was always one of my favorite collaborators on Operations calls. She was whip smart and cheerful. She'd reach out if she discovered something in CO that would be applicable in CA to give us a heads up. She asked smart questions and developed new guidance for the whole Conservancy. I was always excited to work with her and our last exchanges were happily talking gift coding for a loan. I miss her. less
Rebekah, you put the 'fun' into everything we did at COFO! I will never forget our 'fun committee' planning meetings, trying on dresses on Pearl Street for the 60's party, your amazing collection of pens, your color coded tabs and most of all the joy... moreRebekah, you put the 'fun' into everything we did at COFO! I will never forget our 'fun committee' planning meetings, trying on dresses on Pearl Street for the 60's party, your amazing collection of pens, your color coded tabs and most of all the joy you brought to us all....xoxo less
Rebekah, I will never forget that wonderful day at Fisher's Peak with you. You four-wheeled us around through big bumps and cracks on the dirt trail (if I should call it a trail). You had so much fun driving. Seeing your big smile and energy was... moreRebekah, I will never forget that wonderful day at Fisher's Peak with you. You four-wheeled us around through big bumps and cracks on the dirt trail (if I should call it a trail). You had so much fun driving. Seeing your big smile and energy was precious. I did feel bad for the car... ((: You are fearless, ready to take on the next challenge. Yet, you are caring and generous. I am so honored to have known you. You are made whole again. I can see your beautiful smile looking down at all of us. Miss you from earth.
Linda Tsai less
Rebekah, I will miss that amazing mix of being fun, super friendly, driven personality and of course your collection of sharpies! I always enjoyed our conversations. You were a great colleague. You definitely left us incomplete at COFO.
Unfortunately my contacts with Rebekah were only few and brief, but her expertise and positivity shone through every time. In the short time I helped out while she was away, it was clear how “together” she was in her job and how much the COFO team... moreUnfortunately my contacts with Rebekah were only few and brief, but her expertise and positivity shone through every time. In the short time I helped out while she was away, it was clear how “together” she was in her job and how much the COFO team relied on her. My deepest condolences to you all and to her family at home. -Julie at ARFO less
Rebekah, you have left a lasting imprint on my life. You intimidated me from the moment we met, in a good way. Your approach to life inspired me, you were smart, driven, organized, you had a firm opinion on almost everything, you were never afraid to... moreRebekah, you have left a lasting imprint on my life. You intimidated me from the moment we met, in a good way. Your approach to life inspired me, you were smart, driven, organized, you had a firm opinion on almost everything, you were never afraid to speak your own truth. I really admired that. I will miss you as my TNC colleague and friend. Sharing this photo from a field trip we went on together. It’s one of my favorites or you. Straight chillin’. Love you, Carrie less