SAYING GOODBYE TO A GRANDE DAME
Many ACBL members will be saddened to learn of the passing of Aileen Osofsky, who Chaired the ACBL Goodwill Committee for some twenty years. Aileen was the epitome of Good Will and a true Grande Dame in every sense of the word – both in real life and in the bridge world. Though Bobby and I have been removed from the NABC site for a couple of years, every now and then I would get an email note of cheer from her – just checking in. I have no idea whether she had been ailing or her death was sudden but one thing is for sure – they will have to search far and wide to find a replacement – as no one could ever measure up to her modesty, exuberance, charm and genuine caring for all whose lives she touched. Bobby and I join Aileen’s hosts of friends sending sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to her husband Meyer, son Alan and all the other Osofkys whose lives will be devastatingly changed by her loss.
Her email moniker will forever send a smile to my lips as I will always remember “Goodwill O"!”
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I believe she had been suffering from leukemia for more than 20 years, yet no one knew. She was just that kind of a person.
Thanks, Dave. Probably the best kept secret in bridge — and what is amazing is not only did she keep it to herself and not bemoan her fate — but she was one of the most productive individuals I have ever met – in and outside of the bridge world.
sorry to hear that, saw Aileen at the last National and she seem fine.
Judy,
Really saddened to hear of the passing of Aileen. A wonderful lady who seemed so omnipresent, I always found it surprising she found time to actually PLAY at NABC’s. I wrangled her into a game. Las Vegas if memory serves correctly. And found her an engaging partner who MORE than carried her half of the partnership. How she did that when every second person passing the table had to stop by and exchange pleasantries was (I almost said IS) a mark of the woman.
At least I got to know her.
Regards, GM
Yes, Gary, she was quite a gal. I didn’t always see eye to eye with her as she was so hell bent on zooming in on the good side of people and closing her eyes to the other.
After serving for several terms, other responsibilities dictated that I bow off her Committee and then the infamous Shanghai Witches Incident arose. Though she was encouraged by myself and others on the existing Committee not to honor them, she would not yield as she was very close to and played (perhaps professionally) with one of those involved. However, I never held it against her — and perhaps admired her loyalty — despite disagreeing in principle.
That was a few years ago but it never damaged our close friendship and she kept in touch with Bobby and me by email — just touching base since we were strangers from
the Nationals for a couple years.
In her memory, the ACBL should probably rename her “baby” The Aileen Osofsky Good Will Committee as she represented all the fine human aspects of the game and the world surrounding it!