Arizona Republic
Aug. 29, 2004 12:00 AM

There are no words to express the depth and breadth of the lives that she has touched.

 The death of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, an icon in Thanatology, is a profound loss for every person around the world. Every person alive today has been touched by her work, whether they know it or not.

 In fact, our Arizona-based organization, the MISS Foundation, a non-profit agency helping families facing a child's death, was founded as a result of Kubler-Ross' life work.

 I have been deeply moved by the spirit of her dedication since the moment we met. She has left this world having changed it for the better.

 Elisabeth is the most beautiful human being I've ever known. She single-handedly initiated the current transformation we are experiencing around Western culture's responses to death, dying and the bereaved.

 There will never be another Elisabeth. I hope the media can do her life - and her death - justice over the subsequent days and weeks. - Joanne Cacciatore, Peoria
The writer is president and founder of MISS Foundation.