ARLEEN RIFKIND

Dr. Rifkin and I had a special relationship. We knew each other for many years without fully realizing this fact. She would come to the library at Weill Cornell, where I've worked for 40 years, to do her research- long before we had online resources or even computers - so I knew her quite well in that context. One day, however, I received a call from her. She asked me if I was sitting down. My mind immediately went to an adverse scenario – had one of my staff done something to result in a...

Arleen and I were best friends in elementary school. We made clothes for out dolls with scrap silk from the Brenners’ exquisitely sewn lingerie business, once told a policeman in Central Park that there were Nazi spies in the playground, and have a photo of Arleen (age 7-8?) lifting her skirt high to prove that although she was shirt, she did have knees. So many memories.

My husband and I got to know Arleen through our common love of chamber music. She came to many performances that we played, both in public and even once in her lovely apartment. We offer our deepest condolences to Robert and the rest of the family. Arleen was a wonderful person and we will miss her so much.

Rest in Peace, Dr. Rifkind! I am glad I met you when I came to Cornell. I will cherish the memories that I made with you.

I am very sorry to hear this news and my thoughts are with Arleen's family. I go to know Arleen through the General Faculty Council (GFC) at Weill Cornell Medicine. She was always a very strong proponent of fair and respectful treatment of our faculty, particularly for our female and diverse faculty, and she was extremely supportive towards me and my efforts on the GFC. She had such energy and fire - and was an inspiration to me and, am sure, to many others in science. She will be missed for...

I did not know her, but I know her sister. Arleen sounds like a powerhouse. The world will be the less for her absence.

In loving memory of a wonderful sister.