In Memoriam: Phenology Network Botanist Patricia Guertin
Patricia Guertin
Patricia Guertin, a botanist for the UA-based USA National Phenology Network, died on May 16 after a battle with cancer. She was 65.
Guertin held a Bachelor of Science in plant sciences from the UA and began working for the School of Natural Resources and the Environment in 2002 as a research specialist. She became a botanist for USA National Phenology Network when it was established in 2007.
The organization, known as USA-NPN, collects, stores and shares phenology data and information. Its national coordinating office is housed in the UA's School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Staff members work for the UA and the U.S. Geologic Survey.
Guertin's colleagues said they considered her family. They also recalled her keen eye for detail as a painter, and said she was "meticulous" in her work.
"Patty was caring, humble, generous, and a devoted member of the USA-NPN team," according to a remembrance posted on the USA-NPN website following her death. "She always made time to write a carefully detailed response to an observer question or help a fellow staff member puzzle out a species identification."
Guertin is survived by her husband, Phil Guertin; her mother, Claire Pratt; daughters Elizabeth Guertin and Allyson Solar; her sister, Peggy Grass; her brother, Bill Pratt; and uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial service arrangements have not been finalized. Those who wish to be notified about the service can email nco@usanpn.org to be put on a contact list.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.