Carolyn A. Buskirk (Lichtman), age 79, a retired schoolteacher, avid mycologist, and lover of nature, died on Monday, May 29, 2006. Carolyn was a pioneer of the organic food movement in America, and is acknowledged in organic cookbooks. In the words of her family, "her enthusiastic, optimistic personality was, is, and always will be inspiring." She is survived by her son, daughter, grandson, brother, and sister, and was married to the late Harvey Buskirk. After raising her two children, Carolyn received her Bachelor's Degree in education at Muhlenberg College at the age of 47, and her Master's Degree in Education from The University of New Mexico at the age of 60. She then taught in elementary schools in the Albuquerque area. Carolyn and Harvey lived in Rio Rancho, where she was an active member of the New Mexico Mycological Society, and spent her free time hiking, camping, hunting for mushrooms, and accompanying Harvey to skydiving lessons at Belen Airport. Memorial Services for Carolyn [were] held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, June 4, 2006 at the Rio Rancho Jewish Community Center Synagogue, 2009 Grande Boulevard, Rio Rancho, NM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Synagogue.

from Albuquerque Journal - 2006-06-02