The Society for Organic Petrology

*IN MEMORIAM* Danielle Kondla 1982-2017	Obituary written by Danielle's family and friends with TSOP additions.
	Danielle was born on November 18, 1982 in Calgary, AB. where she attended school with a close-knit group of friends. Upon graduation, Danielle attended Olds College and graduated in 2003 from the faculty of Animal Health Technology. After working for several years in this field, Danielle decided to pursue her passion for Geology and returned to her studies at the University of Calgary. There she completed her BSc (2013) and MSc in Geology (2015). She obtained Honours with Distinction for both of these degrees and various awards.
Her passion, strong work ethic, and perseverance paid off as she was accepted to Oxford University (United Kingdom) to complete her DPhil Geology degree. Danielle’s new career in Geology allowed her to travel the world, presenting her research and knowledge at various universities and conferences, which led to her developing strong friendships internationally. Danielle was an active member of The Society for Organic Petrology since joining in 2012. She organized student events at several TSOP meetings and chaired the Student Affairs Committee. She received the TSOP Best Student Presentation Award and the Student Travel Award three times each. At the 2017 TSOP Annual Meeting in Calgary, Danielle was awarded the TSOP Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes the contributions of members who have provided distinguished service to TSOP as a Society. Danielle Kondla died peacefully, with her mother by her side, in Calgary, Alberta on September 26, 2017 at the age of 34. Danielle is survived by her parents, Heather (Rosario) and Kurt; sister Lisa; niece Wren; maternal grandmother Helen; step-siblings Paul and Chantelle; nephew Amari; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. This past year, Danielle exemplified grace, strength, dignity, kindness, humour, and resiliency. We can all learn from this positive example. In lieu of flowers, Danielle has requested that you buy some wine and chocolate for yourself to enjoy with your loved ones. In honor of Danielle’s achievements and her contributions to the Society, the TSOP Council has, with family permission, renamed the Best Student Presentation Award after her. Going forward, these awards will be known as the Danielle Kondla Best Student Presentation Award.