govtdrone has passed away

October 19, 2016 8:49 AM

Delivering some sad news: long-time mefite govtdrone has passed away.

She experienced a sudden series of health issues earlier this week and passed away this morning. Thanks to MexicanYenta and several other folks for letting us know.

It's early and so I don't know of a specific web or social media spot for condolences as yet, but she was well-liked here and elsewhere and many folks who knew her here also chatted with her on twitter and Facebook, where the news has been making the rounds.

She was a Louisianan, and I expect will be missed in particular by some of the folks in that crowd, but we'll all miss having her around. Hugs to anyone who needs 'em.

posted by cortex (staff) to MetaFilter-Related at 8:49 AM (144 comments total)

This is so sad. She was so kind, and so funny, and I loved talking to her on Twitter or FB. She will be missed.

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posted by bibliogrrl at 8:53 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]

We sent postcards and care packages for years. We attempted meetups several times, but could never make it work. Her voice is one that I will miss.
posted by ColdChef at 8:55 AM on October 19, 2016 [9 favorites]

There is a public Facebook post by her brother, where people have been leaving condolences for her family and her new partner.

At some point I will send the link to this post to them. Her partner was unaware of Metafilter's existence until I mentioned it.

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posted by MexicanYenta at 8:56 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]

I didn't know her, but last night a whole bunch of folks I follow on Twitter all simultaneously started mourning and saying how wonderful she was, so even though I never knew her, I feel a bit of a loss.

Condolences to all her friends and family.
posted by bondcliff at 8:59 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]

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My condoleances to her family and loved ones.
posted by MartinWisse at 9:02 AM on October 19, 2016

Looking at her profile, I'm surprised at how few comments she had actually made here. I was always very aware of her presence; she seemed to me to be one of the core members.
posted by MexicanYenta at 9:03 AM on October 19, 2016 [6 favorites]

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posted by keli at 9:05 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by EvaDestruction at 9:05 AM on October 19, 2016

I am so sorry for our collective loss.
posted by Lynsey at 9:06 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by roll truck roll at 9:17 AM on October 19, 2016

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We were friends on Twitter and visa post, but never had a chance to meet IRL. She'll be missed.
posted by Runes at 9:18 AM on October 19, 2016

I knew her mostly through Twitter and always thought she was funny, with a good heart. I enjoyed the glimpses into her work life, which sometimes reminded me of Office Space.
posted by AFABulous at 9:19 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by mudpuppie at 9:24 AM on October 19, 2016

This is very sad news. Best wishes to her friends and family.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 9:25 AM on October 19, 2016

She was a friend on twitter, we spoke frequently. She was a New Orleans Saints fan. We had fun during the NFL season ribbing one another, as I root for the rival Falcons. I'm going to NOLA next week. I was going to contact her this week to see if she'd be up for a drink. Dammit dammit dammit.

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posted by BitterOldPunk at 9:27 AM on October 19, 2016 [8 favorites]

I was friended with her on twitter and facebook. She was a good person to know. My deepest condolences to all the people in her life.
posted by zompus at 9:31 AM on October 19, 2016

Very sad news. I, too, was surprised at how little she commented, both here and on Metachat, because I definitely knew her. She took part in the Metachat Holiday Card Exchange several times and sent some delightful cards. She shall be missed.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:32 AM on October 19, 2016 [4 favorites]

My Twitter family, which is predominantly MeFite-based, is my respite online, and imgovtdrone was an important part of that. She was unfailingly kind and interesting and warm. She is very much missed.
posted by shiu mai baby at 9:36 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]

I knew her mostly via Twitter and although we never got to be close friends, I remember her as smart and funny and cheerful and supportive and overall just a good person. I'm glad she shared that loveliness with so many friends near and far, and I'm sorry she's gone.
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:37 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Mike Mongo at 9:38 AM on October 19, 2016

. I mostly talked with her on Twitter, and will treasure the birthday card she sent.
posted by mrbill at 9:38 AM on October 19, 2016

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2016 is actually the worst year.
posted by corb at 9:41 AM on October 19, 2016 [8 favorites]

I agree, corb. RIP govtdrone.
posted by maxsparber at 9:45 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Mitheral at 9:45 AM on October 19, 2016

RIP.
posted by jonmc at 9:52 AM on October 19, 2016

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She was so funny and warm on Twitter. I will miss her words and her goofy Twitter avatar that always made me smile.
posted by kimberussell at 9:53 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]

Oh, no! I have so many postcards and holiday cards from her, most with great Louisiana recipes on them. She will be missed.
posted by gaspode at 9:54 AM on October 19, 2016

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All the best to her family and friends. Another great loss in 2016.
posted by nubs at 9:57 AM on October 19, 2016

Oh, this is so sad! Dang. I hope all who love her are comforted by how appreciated she has been in her time on the planet.

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posted by batmonkey at 9:58 AM on October 19, 2016

I knew her primarily on Twitter and FB as well, and while we were never close, I remember her as a bright presence, ready with a positive cheer or a good word. Her impact is echoing through my social networks and she will be missed. I'm very sorry I didn't get the chance to get to know her better. All my love to her friends and family.
posted by Phire at 10:00 AM on October 19, 2016 [3 favorites]

Everything Phire said applies to me too. We were not terribly close, but she was a daily fixture in my life and many of my friends', and she will be missed. I hope her loved ones take some comfort in knowing that she mattered to people in several countries who never had the privilege of shaking her hand.
posted by middleclasstool at 10:05 AM on October 19, 2016 [6 favorites]

This is absolutely heartbreaking news. She was the epitome of grace, warmth, humor, intelligence and above-all sweet kindness both here and on Twitter. She never failed to reach out with a comforting, supportive word when people were dealing with life challenges. I regret very much that we didn't have the opportunity to meet in person.

Love and hugs to her friends, family and loved ones. And deepest condolences.
posted by zarq at 10:07 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]

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posted by Iridic at 10:14 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by fiercecupcake at 10:19 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by ChuraChura at 10:34 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by mordax at 10:34 AM on October 19, 2016

We often were in the same group in the MetaChat card exchange and I looked forward to receiving her Louisiana-themed cards. I will miss her.
posted by initapplette at 10:38 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by DingoMutt at 10:41 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by rtha at 10:42 AM on October 19, 2016

Awww. I didn't know her very well, but the FB post was heart wrenching, as my brother passed away earlier this year. So I could feel the pain. Not a club I want anyone to have to join, the dying sibling club :-(

It sucks. RIP.

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posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 10:45 AM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]

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posted by baniak at 10:46 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by naju at 10:53 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by xingcat at 10:54 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Cash4Lead at 10:58 AM on October 19, 2016

I hate this news. I remembered her comments. BAH HUMBUG ITS RIGGED

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I am so very sorry for her close people's loss.
posted by infini at 10:59 AM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]

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posted by Lyn Never at 11:05 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Stynxno at 11:13 AM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Etrigan at 11:14 AM on October 19, 2016

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She was warm, kind, and whip-smart. I wish I'd known her better, but I'm lucky I knew her at all.
posted by cmyk at 11:30 AM on October 19, 2016

2016 must be stopped.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:45 AM on October 19, 2016 [6 favorites]

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My condolences to all who loved her.
posted by billiebee at 12:01 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:11 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by minsies at 12:12 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 12:15 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by endotoxin at 12:16 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Ufez Jones at 12:48 PM on October 19, 2016

Another Twitter friend here; I am just shocked. She was such a funny, smart, deeply kind individual and I liked her very much. Her passing leaves a big hole, dammit, what a loss. Will be thinking of her family and IRL friends and holding them in the light.
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:07 PM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]

Bummer, we talked a lot about policy and the politics behind that when I was fooling around with politicalfilter. Really smart person!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:11 PM on October 19, 2016

Mark me down as another New Orleanian who knew her through twitter but never met her IRL. I remember that she bought one of my photography books and had me sign it to her, and I had given her some images to have prints made - don't know if she ever did.

Now I feel like I should have made it a point to hand-deliver the book and meet her in person, but it's a couple years too late for that.
posted by komara at 1:13 PM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]

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posted by theora55 at 1:54 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Johnny Wallflower at 2:17 PM on October 19, 2016

I "met" her on Twitter via MeFites and she was a wonderful friend. She sent thoughtful, funny gifts to my children and me when we were going through rough patches and always had something hilarious to say when you needed it most. I can't imagine what a joy she must have been to her family and loved ones and I'm so sorry she's gone.
posted by Mamapotomus at 2:23 PM on October 19, 2016 [5 favorites]

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posted by peeedro at 2:37 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by mandolin conspiracy at 2:51 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Wobbuffet at 3:48 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 4:00 PM on October 19, 2016

Looking at her profile, I'm surprised at how few comments she had actually made here. I was always very aware of her presence; she seemed to me to be one of the core members.

I was also surprised by that. I instantly recognized her name and would have thought she was a much more prolific poster.

This is sad news and I am so very sorry to read it.
posted by Dip Flash at 4:16 PM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]

She was a love. I have been missing her for quite awhile in Meta Chat. What a loss.

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posted by bearwife at 4:24 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by nickmark at 4:37 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 4:41 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by cooker girl at 5:06 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by agatha_magatha at 5:40 PM on October 19, 2016

I didn't know her, but from one government drone to another:

Community feedback supports a hypothesis that you have effectively leveraged a range of life-associated resources and social capital capabilities to facilitate and support a spectrum of valued outcomes to diverse groups of stakeholders. While place-based trials show limited evidence for a post-respiratory system of governance and oversight, should there be one, may they speak plain English; have fully transitioned to a digital-only / paper-free communications strategy; and have endless morning teas.

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posted by obiwanwasabi at 5:47 PM on October 19, 2016 [21 favorites]

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posted by arcticseal at 5:57 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Joseph Gurl at 6:55 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by rewil at 8:11 PM on October 19, 2016

+1 for another Twitter/Facebook friend. I always enjoyed her stories and hearing about her thoughts. I'm going to miss her name appearing in my twitter feed. She was lovely.
posted by jonathanstrange at 8:52 PM on October 19, 2016 [1 favorite]

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Another Twitter friend coming out of MeFi-retirement to thank the site for introducing me to so many wonderful people.
posted by jph at 9:30 PM on October 19, 2016 [2 favorites]

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posted by brujita at 9:40 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by chicainthecity at 9:56 PM on October 19, 2016

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posted by Atom Eyes at 10:10 PM on October 19, 2016

I want to say a brief thing: that I think the surprise at the low number e.g. comments or posts or other measurable on-site contributions is an interesting, and basically heartening, aspect of the nature of the relationships we end up having with each other online. Of the reality of those relationships, as a repudiation of "online" as something lesser or not meaningful.

govtdrone wasn't a high volume user on MetaFilter by quantitative standards, but she was someone lots of folks knew, and had a connection with, and mattered to, in subtle qualitative ways. Connections over social media, participation in cookie swaps, postcard correspondence: these are all things that are less obvious, less metrically blatant, but still inescapably and invaluably part of the fabric of a community.

And I am so, so sad that she is gone from our community but I'm very glad that there's all these threads connecting her to folks here, and they to her. That matters; that's important. Part of what hurts is part of what's good, even as we lose it in this case.
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:28 PM on October 19, 2016 [63 favorites]

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posted by Kattullus at 12:43 AM on October 20, 2016

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posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 12:51 AM on October 20, 2016

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posted by readery at 7:03 AM on October 20, 2016

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posted by Faint of Butt at 7:59 AM on October 20, 2016

It seems fitting that this list of Cajun Signs of the Zodiac is the last thing she posted on Facebook.
posted by MexicanYenta at 8:23 AM on October 20, 2016 [1 favorite]

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posted by Deoridhe at 1:00 PM on October 20, 2016

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posted by doctor_negative at 1:58 PM on October 20, 2016

Really sorry to hear this.
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posted by The Great Big Mulp at 6:07 PM on October 20, 2016

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posted by annsunny at 6:35 PM on October 20, 2016

Her obituary has been posted online.
posted by ColdChef at 7:25 PM on October 20, 2016 [6 favorites]

Oh no, that's so sad. Count me as another who recognized her username and thought she had commented more.

I'm sorry to hear of this loss for her friends and family--she was clearly much loved.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:58 PM on October 20, 2016

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posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 12:12 AM on October 21, 2016

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posted by Alvy Ampersand at 12:40 AM on October 21, 2016

I actually did not know much about her on MeFi, but she was a down-to-earth presence on Twitter, and it was great to get her slices of life tweets.

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posted by ignignokt at 5:32 AM on October 21, 2016

Cortex, I just read your comment above and for the first time I can remember heard it in my head as someone crying while trying to remember a friend.
posted by michswiss at 5:35 AM on October 21, 2016 [2 favorites]

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posted by pjmoy at 1:08 PM on October 24, 2016

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