Tributes and Memorials

The tributes below honor individuals who have contributed so much to so many. To purchase a Friends of La Leche League tribute to honor an individual who has inspired you, please go to the Tributes page.

Honoring Anna Swisher, Jarrell, Texas USA
“I enjoyed the latest issue of Continuum, with interesting stories and lovely visuals. Thank you to Anna for working on this publication, generously sharing her many skills with Friends. Anna is such a wonderful talent and warm person, and I am thrilled to have met her through Friends of LLL.”
From Anne Hutton, Houston, Texas USA
October 14 2026 – October 14 2027

In memory of Ruth Thompson, Temperance, Michigan USA
“In memory of Ruth Thompson (d. 7-31-2026), mother of longtime Alliance LLL Leader, Susan Manore of Michigan, serving northwest Ohio.”
From Christine Scarlett, Maumee, Ohio USA
August 10 2026 – August 10 2027

Honoring Barbara Wilson-Clay, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato Mexico
“Barbara, a longtime Leader, educator, IBCLC, acclaimed author and speaker, has been a loving mentor to innumerable mothers, families, and Leaders. She continues to inspire a new generation of Leaders and other breastfeeding helpers to be the change we want to see in the world.”
From Anna Swisher, Jarrell, Texas USA
May 31 2026 – May 31 2027

Honoring Marian Tompson, Evanston, Illinois USA
“Marian cannot be honored too many times. She is an amazing woman. We all owe her so much.”
From Rebecca Magalhaes, Neponset, Illinois USA
December 29 2025 – December 29 2026

In memory of Mary J. Hoskin, Tolland, Connecticut USA
“I enjoyed Mary’s enthusiastic and friendly approach to Leadership.”
From Judith Gubala, Rocky Hill, Connecticut USA
December 5 2025 – December 5 2026

In memory of Dr. Ruth Lawrence, Rochester, New York USA
“In memory of Dr. Ruth Lawrence, a pioneer in the lactation world.”
From Carroll Beckham, Beaufort, North Carolina USA
October 14 2025 – October 14 2026

In memory of Rosetta Bartels, Kansas, USA
“Rosetta was an active Kansas LLL Leader of 50 years and LLL Communication Skills Instructor/Trainer of 35 years. For me she was a legend, nurturing her family and sharing her talents far and wide. She will be deeply missed.
One of Rosetta’s favorite quotes:
‘Dialogue requires that we be willing to suspend memory, desire, and assumptions. And exist, if only for a moment, for the other person.’ – William Isaacs.”
From Rebecca Keepers, Yukon, Oklahoma USA
July 7 2025 – July 7 2026

In memory of Connie Chiavario, Sandwich, Illinois USA
“Connie (8/8/58 – 6/7/25), a tireless advocate for mothers and babies, served as a La Leche Leader for nearly 40 years. In 2000, she earned her certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and began her professional career at Rush Copley Medical Center for the next 23 years. Her deep passion for holistic care, for mothers and babies, left a lasting impact on countless families. Connie’s legacy will live on through her friends and family, and she will be dearly missed.”
From Rush Copley Medical Center, Aurora, Illinois USA
June 21 2025 – June 21 2026

In memory of Carolyn Joan Meyer, Tucson, Arizona USA
“In memory of Carolyn Joan Meyer — long time LLL Leader and Friend of LLL from Tucson; a very dear friend of mine and many other League women.”
From Judie Ellison, Heltonville, Indiana USA and Jean Blackmore, McFarland, Wisconsin USA
May 3 2025 – May 3 2026