Mary K. Archer, NBA’s current Immediate Past President, died unexpectedly on September 15, 2009 after a brief illness. We have lost an outstanding member of the braille and transcribing community.

Mary began her professional life as an English and math teacher and became the Supervisor of the Braille Department for the Minnesota Communication Center, State Services for the Blind in St. Paul. She became a transcriber in 1975 and was NLS certified in both Literary and Mathematics braille transcription. She was an NBA Life Member and spent the ensuing years as a steadfast and active NBA member.

At the time of her passing Mary was serving as our Immediate Past President; Treasurer; and chair of the Fund Development, Nominating, and Skills Committees. Throughout her years with NBA she also served as the chair of the Mathematics and Science Committee; Bylaws, Policies and Procedures Committee; and Planning Committee. She wrote articles, gave workshops, instructed others in braille transcribing, and was always in attendance at NBA conferences to welcome and mentor transcribers. Mary pitched right in and helped the organization by serving wherever there was a need. Mary was a giver—she gave freely of her skill to transcribe braille for students and other readers, she gave her knowledge to instruct and mentor other transcribers so that they could also provide braille to readers, and she gave time to the NBA organization. In all these activities, Mary gave of herself.

Mary Archer is irreplaceable and very sadly missed.