Ruth L. Horowitz

I mourn the loss of Ruth L. Horowitz, my wonderfully supportive mother, who passed away at age 83 on August 7, 2015. A native New Yorker, my mother earned her Ph.D. in political science from Washington University in St. Louis and taught political science at the University of Washington in Seattle from 1971 until her retirement in 2001. She was a remarkably skilled, popular teacher who conveyed her passion for the great political theory tradition to generations of UW students. And what a fabulously supportive mother Ruth was--always generous to my brother Carl and I, always there with a meal, smile, and room whenever we needed it. How lucky I was to have such a gem of a mother, and now, Mom, let me again honor you and your legacy of intellectual rigor and compassionate concern. You remain loved by thousands of fondly reminiscent students, dozens of respectful colleagues, and two wildly appreciative sons. Even during the last weeks of her life, when her body was ravaged by late-stage Alzheimer's, irregular heartbeat, arthritis, hearing loss, and other ailments, she found a smile, however faint, for me and the nurses and doctors who helped her struggle so resiliently. Bless you, Ruth, and may your memory always evoke the respect earned by the finest thinkers with the kindest hearts. You're with the angels--and, perhaps, finally at peace.