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Lexi Rudnitsky Obituary

RUDNITSKY-Lexi, poet, teacher, mother, daughter, sister and wife. Died of cardiac arrest on January 17, 2005. She was 32. She was married to Alexander Stille on June 15, 2003. She gave birth to Samuel Wolf Rudnitsky Stille on October 13, 2004. She recently had her manuscript accepted for her first book of poetry. She takes with her a world of love, joy, generosity and unfailing human kindess. Along with Alexander and Samuel, she is survived by her parents, Ed and Vicki Rudnitsky, and her brothers, Ben & Jake. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Lexi Rudnitsky Poetry Project, c/o Wainwright Bank & Trust Co., One Church Street, Watertown, MA. 02472, a charitable foundation in her name to support young women poets. A Memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 19, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Lexi Rudnitsky

64 Entries

Jung Min Cho

February 11, 2005

I'm so sorry for the loss. I was a student in her university writing class. Lexi was a great professor, who inspired me to write honestly and deeply.

Carl Mele

January 29, 2005

There truly are no words that can describe my pain for your entire family and friends of Lexi's. Unfortunately, I never got to meet Lexi but, in reading these entries she posessed all of the endearing qualities that you have Vicki. My heart felt sympathy to you,Ed and your entire family. You and yours shall remain in my prayers forever.

Tyler Graham

January 28, 2005

Another Milton friend, I am also deeply saddened by the loss of such a great woman. Lexi was already a key literary voice of our generation in high school, and will continue to inspire us all with her poetry. I also remember fondly Lexi’s passion and love of life that others have noted, and I am simply stunned that she is gone. I, too, offer my deepest condolences to all of her family.

Michael O'Keefe

January 28, 2005

I also went to Milton with Lexi, and am completely shocked and saddened by this loss of a wonderful woman. I always felt she was a compass for many – I know she was for me. She had such strength, and was certain to share her point of view with passion and humor. In the times that we reconnected after high school, I felt proud of Lexi’s life choices: she was so true to herself. My deep condolences go to her many friends and to her family.

Abdi Soltani

January 26, 2005

I know Lexi from our high school days at Milton when she and I were involved in the environmental club. She brought great passion, conviction, and love of life to everything she did. I offer my prayers and deepest symphathies to Lexi's family.

Stuart Polk

January 25, 2005

I had the pleasure of going to high school with Lexi. Every memory that I have of Lexi brings a smile to my face. She was a beautiful, strong woman who was filled with energy that everyone fed off of. She had a great sense of humor and purpose. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Eliza Laffin

January 25, 2005

When I met Lexi at Brown, it was immediately obvious that she was one of those rare people who simply glow with goodness from the inside out. She captivated the people around her, lit up the room when she entered, and spread joy wherever she went. I feel lucky to have had her presence in my life. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I'm thinking of you.

Dan-Thanh Ton-That

January 25, 2005

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Lexi's passing. We went to Brown together and shared an appartment our last year. I truly cannot think of anyone funnier or more full of life. Though we lost touch over the years, I still speak of her compassion, humor, and integrity. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Kelly Nuxoll

January 25, 2005

I worked with Lexi at the UWP at Columbia, and I have a lovely memory of her revising a single line of an essay for an entire afternoon. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, and I extend my condolences to her family and friends.

Ravi Shankar

January 24, 2005

It's with shock and sadness that I received the news this morning. I went to Columbia with Lexi and was very close to her. We helped each other through teaching in the Logic & Rhetoric program and revising our poems. She was a standout member of the Columbia team that won the top prize at the Citywide Poetry Olympics in Brooklyn. I always felt the inherent kindness and unflinching honesty in Lexi, and was so happy that she found Sandro. I last saw her at my book launch at the Asia Society in May; she was radiant and very pregnant, and I felt so gratified that she was able to share the moment with me. We'll always love you Lexi. Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by this loss.

Ravi & Diane

Rob Williams

January 24, 2005

i also worked with Lexi in the UWP at Columbia. true, she was warm and generous and smart but also she was so funny! i looked forward to every day that i worked in that office because she always had a funny story or expression and she loved to laugh. my deepest sympathy to you. remember-- there is no death when you live in the hearts of those you left behind. she lives in so many of our hearts.

Robin DeRosa

January 23, 2005

Lexi is one of the most important people in my life story. She filled me with joy and love in the two years that we were close friends at Brown, and I'll never forget her laugh, her passion, and her integrity. She inspired-- and inspires-- me to be a better person. The world is going to miss her. And I miss her, too-- My deepest sympathy to Sandro, Sam, and the Rudnitsky family.

Kate Brooks Leness

January 23, 2005

I was a classmate, and teammate, of Lexi's at Milton and am overcome with sadness and loss from this tragic news. Though I haven't seen her for several years, I remember her with love and hope as she brought energy, humor and grace to everything she did. My hopes for love and peace go out to your entire family during this incredibly difficult time.

Amy Forwand

January 22, 2005

Vicki, Ed, Ben, Jake, Samuel, and Sandro,

I will always consider you my second family and I can't express how I value the joy and support our families share. Throughout my life, I've always looked up to Lexi as one of the strongest women I've known, and I will continue to love her as a sister. It pains me that I couldn't be there for her funeral, but you're in my heart, and I wish you the best during your times of sorrow.

Dara Mandle

January 22, 2005

I worked with Lexi in the UWP at Columbia, where I also got an MFA in poetry. Lexi taught by her example as a serious, focused, and passionate person. She motivated students with her own intensity and rigor. To lose her remains inexplicable.

Alicia Murton

January 21, 2005

My heart goes out to the Rudnitsky family. Lexi was a wonderful friend to me and my family. She was truly an angel on earth.

Bonnie and Jim Kaufman

January 21, 2005

We know from Marilyn that the world has lost a remarkable person and artist much too soon. We send our thoughts and prayers to all of your family.

Amy Greene

January 21, 2005

I was a colleague of Lexi's in the UWP. She was such a dedicated and talented teacher, with a genuine love for what she taught and the greatest respect for her students and those with whom she worked. She had a truly wonderful presence at Columbia. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Amy Greene

Corey Thrasher

January 20, 2005

I attended Columbia's MFA Writing Program with Lexi. I hadn't seen her since our thesis reading in 1999, but almost six years later, I still recall lines from her poems. Lexi was a unique and gifted writer. Her work frolicked between quirky and fierce, ironic and reverent. These qualities, as well as those of the writer herself -- her delightful personality, charm, and natural ease with everyone -- are what I remember, and look forward to remembering.

Carolann Ise

January 20, 2005

Vicki and Ed: I want to convey my deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your wonderful daughter Lexi. I did not have the honor of meeting her but to have such great parents as you and Ed, I know I would have loved her. May God bless you and help both you and your family have the courage to cope at this difficult time.

Debi Cornwall

January 20, 2005

I went to Milton and Brown with Lexi. She was such a vibrant, truly alive, joyful and talented person - we all wanted to be like Lexi in some way. What an unspeakable, devastating loss. But her spirit will live on through all whose lives she touched.

Alison Yager

January 20, 2005

I was a classmate of Lexi's at Milton, and am overcome with sadness at your devastating loss. Lexi's strength and grace, her generous and zesty spirit, and her fabulous laugh will live on as indelible memories among those who've know her.

Tiffany Alkan

January 20, 2005

I too worked with Lexi at Columbia in the UWP office and remember her wonderful skill in leading mentor discussion groups. My condolences to her family for the loss of such an outstanding woman.

Alan Farmer

January 20, 2005

I worked with Lexi the past two years at Columbia's Writing Center. She was so smart, such a dedicated teacher, such a talented writer, and such a good person. She will be missed so terribly much. My deepest condolences to Sandro, Samuel, and the rest of her family.

Megan Stephan

January 20, 2005

I was so very sorry to hear about Lexi. We were classmates at Milton and Brown, and I have been remembering her talent, her spirit, and her warmth. My deepest condolences to you all.

Jenny McPhee and Luca Passaleva

January 20, 2005

When Lexi walked into a room she brought joy with her. The profound happiness she gave Sandro made a great impression on us. We feel very lucky to have known her. Our shock and sadness at her loss are beyond words. We grieve deeply for her family--Sandro and Sam, her parents and her brothers.

Hadley Davis Rierson

January 20, 2005

I was a student at Milton Academy during the time Lexi was there. I send my thoughts and deepest sympathy to your family.

Ann Niedringhaus

January 19, 2005

Lexi's friendship with our daughter Alicia was a source of much happiness for them and for those of us whom they charmed with song, dance, & gymnastic feats. Lexi's light shone very brightly on those who knew her and your loss is felt deeply by many. Our hearts and thoughts are with you.

Ann Niedringhaus & David Rogers

Cóilín Parsons

January 19, 2005

I worked with Lexi at Columbia, and I am saddened to hear of your loss. Lexi was always warm, friendly, kind, and funny--an outstanding colleague and friend.

Vivian Chong

January 19, 2005

Please know that my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. I was a classmate of Lexi's during her school years in Weston.

Jennifer L Foray

January 19, 2005

I worked with Lexi when she first arrived at Columbia, and she was a great source of support, humor, and inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Craig, Melanie, Kurt and Ross Richardson

January 19, 2005

Vicki, Our hearts, prayers and deepest condolences are with you and your family.

Heather Jones

January 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. I was a classmate of Lexi's in Weston, and will always remember her smile and love of life.

The Hamill Family

January 19, 2005

Our sincerest condolences go out to the Rudnitsky Family, Sandro, and Sam. We are so lucky that Lexi was part of our lives. She was such a wonderful friend to Amy and to us all. We loved her very much. Our prayers are with you.

John, Kathyrn, Katie, Suzi, Amy, and Molly Hamill

Brian, Darleen, Alexis, and Desha Palmer

January 19, 2005

Vickie there are no words to describe the loss you and your family feel right now, but please know that all our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Johanna Lane

January 19, 2005

I'm an MFA student from Columbia who worked with Lexi in the Undergraduate Writing Program. She got married, pregnant, and accepted to her phd program in the time I worked with her; so many fantastic events, and she was so happy about all of them. I'm so very sorry.

Joy Hayton

January 19, 2005

The faculty, staff , and students of the Department of English & Comparative Literature at Columbia extend their deepest sympathy to Lexi's family. She made a difference to so many of u s and we are grateful to have known her. Her enthusiasm for life, her caring for her colleagues, and her love of poetry will stay in our memories.

Brian Shadle

January 19, 2005

May God comfort you in your time of loss. My family is praying for you.

Cindy, Kelly, Olivia & Sharon Murdock

January 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tom and Carol Gardner

January 19, 2005

Our deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you.

Delores Knighting

January 19, 2005

Rejoice for the time she was here, and the joy and happiness she shared with everyone. Thank God for the gift of Samuel that will keep her love and spirt alive. You're in my prayers.

Delores Knighting

Mark, Michelle, Alex, and Jeremy Benda

January 19, 2005

We can not imagine the heartbreak and loss your family is feeling right now. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We offer our most sincere condolences.

Weston Police

January 19, 2005

Our deepest sympathies go out to your family during this terrible tragedy. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

KAREN STEWART

January 19, 2005

VICKIE,MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND ED AND THE FAMILY. MAY GOD HELP EASE YOUR PAIN.

LOVE YA,KAREN

Deborah and Barry Cornwall

January 19, 2005

Our daughter Debi went to school with Lexi at Milton Academy. We can't imagine the pain associated with such a sudden, cruel, and inexplicable loss. We hope that Lexi's strengths will live on through her poetry, her son, her friends, and the bonds between her parents and her husband.

Lisa Donahue (Latz)

January 19, 2005

My deepest sympathies at this terrible loss.

Denielle Bertarelli-Webb

January 19, 2005

I was a classmate of Lexi's at both Milton and Brown. I was so shocked and upset to hear this news. She brought strength, passion and beauty to everything she touched and I consider myself lucky to have known her and spent time with her. My prayers are with her family.

Barbara Ferri

January 19, 2005

What a terrible, sudden loss to all your family. We pray that you will find the strength to survive and the hope to continue. Our daughter, Jessica, was a classmate of Lexi's in Weston.

Barbara and Paul Ferri

Dave Balter

January 19, 2005

I'm deeply saddened by your loss - and wish the Rudnitsky family well in this difficult time.

Tarrica Wiley

January 19, 2005

Know that God is with you during this difficult time and that my prayers go out for your family and friends.

Lea & Nick Tyler

January 19, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jessica Ferri

January 19, 2005

I am so sorry to hear about the terrible loss of Lexi. I was a classmate of hers a long time ago and wish to pass on my deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you.

Dohra Ahmad

January 19, 2005

I am so very sorry. I worked with Lexi at the UWP last year. She was so excited about the baby, about starting graduate school, about the wonderful turns that her life was taking. I hope that the memories of joy can be some small comfort to you in this most difficult time.

Doug, Candy, Emmie, Jared, and Jimmy Hughes//Bryant

January 19, 2005

Know that it is us your friends in Tucson that will hold you up in prayer. We cannot truly fathom your pain and loss but grieve for you and Ed and your family. Our most sincere condolences.

Erica Patterson

January 19, 2005

My prayers go out to your family. May the work she accomplished during her lifetime continue to bless others.

June Bell

January 19, 2005

My prayers and thoughts are with

you at this time.

Lori Vanderzouwen

January 19, 2005

My heart is breaking for you Vicki, Ed, Ben, Jake, Louise, Alex and Peanut. My thoughts and prayers will continually be with you. I love you Vicki and Ed.

Brenda Gray

January 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. May God comfort you and give you peace.

Laura Paltrineri

January 19, 2005

My daughter Cynthia was a friend of Lexi. We are all so shocked to hear the news and will keep you in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy!

Emi Henson

January 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Allan Nottingham

January 19, 2005

I am thinking of you, and your family.