Annette B. Natow, PhD, died on July 27, 2009, after a long struggle with Alzheimer disease. If you asked Annette to describe herself, she always said she was a dietitian and a teacher. In fact, she was a bridge builder. She did not care where the bridge led, she cared only that she was connecting to someone or something to share nutrition knowledge.

Annette was a humble person who accomplished much and advanced the field she loved, but she did it all quietly. She was often the force behind future achievements by those yet to come. She was generous, always willing to share her knowledge, experience, and advice. But, she also never lost her own eagerness to learn from those around her, and she thrived on collaboration.

When geriatric nutrition was still a fledging field, Annette coauthored the first college textbook Geriatric Nutrition (1980), followed by a second textbook Nutritional Care of the Older Adult (1986) and the third Nutrition for the Prime of Your Life (1983), aimed at consumers and later translated into Hebrew and Japanese. In 1982, she assumed the editorship of the Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly. She most enjoyed mentoring novice contributors into competent authors. Over the 22 years under her leadership, she expanded the publication's reach and recognition. The journal continues to thrive today.

Annette wanted everyone to understand and use nutrition to live a healthier life. Beyond teaching her university students, she reached out to the public, coauthoring 28 consumer nutrition books. She was one of the first two registered dietitians to be invited to sit on the editorial board of the Prevention magazine. Taking this position generated some criticism from professional colleagues, but Annette felt that another bridge had been laid at her feet and she was going across. Today, because of her willingness to step across an unknown path, the magazine and the parent company, Rodale, employs many registered dietitians (RDs) in leadership positions.

One of Annette's most enduring accomplishments is the successful nutrition counter series she coauthored, published by Pocket Books. Beginning with The Cholesterol Counter (1988), the series continues today with 12 different books and has touched more than 8 million readers. Annette insisted that her and her coauthor's RD credential be prominently displayed on the book covers. What a terrific legacy and ongoing teaching opportunity for a field that she loved.

I consider myself privileged to have been her colleague and her friend and to have learned so much from her over all these years.

Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD, CDN

Former Associate Editor Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly