Below is an excerpt from a Guest Editorial by Debra J Sheets, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, Michael A Smyer, PhD, Linda D Davis, MA in The Gerontologist, Volume 61, Issue 3, April 2021, Pages 297–300, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaa221

“Helen Q. Kivnick had an abundance of gifts—brilliance as a scholar, talent as a musician, and a passionate commitment to making the world a better and more joyful place for others of all ages. Her middle name “Quintessa,” meaning essence, or something in its purest form, captures her warm spirit, generosity, intelligence, compassion, humor, and community-mindedness. Helen passed away on September 14, 2020. While Helen’s passing leaves deep sadness for people who knew and loved her, her legacy lives on, through her writings, her music, and the programs she developed. In the Jewish tradition, it is proper to say “May her memory be for a blessing.” What this means is “May you be like Helen.” May you remember her by carrying on her legacy in vital aging, music, and social justice.”