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A special tribute to our dear friend and colleague Kenna Forsyth

August 27, 2024

“Kenna [on the left] knew the content of our work inside and out, and was always able to direct our members to the perfect resource for the challenge they were facing.”

 

By Amy Coates Madsen, Vice President of Programs

Earlier this summer, the world lost one of its brightest gems. We are so sorry to share that we have lost our dear friend and former Maryland Nonprofits Librarian, Kenna Forsyth.

Kenna started her career at the DC Public Library and then spent the majority of her career (33 years) working for the Baltimore County Public Library. She served as the Librarian on staff at Maryland Nonprofits for a decade. Some may remember the extensive stacks of physical resources in our old office in South Baltimore, well before so many resources were available to nonprofit leaders online.

Kenna knew the content of our work inside and out, and was always able to direct our members to the perfect resource for the challenge they were facing. She was a board member of the Peace Study Center, a dedicated reader, a Goucher alumni, and a tennis player. Kenna was a devoted mom, sister, daughter, friend and neighbor.

Here’s what some of our team members had to say about dear Kenna:

  • She was tenacious. When nonprofit leaders called Kenna for help with an issue, Kenna worked tirelessly to find answers —every single time.
  • She was kind.
  • She was one of the hardest workers you can imagine.
  • She was a stalwart for our members, and a dear friend.
  • We used to say that everyone who ever read a book in Baltimore, knew Kenna

Kenna was such an amazing person and so committed to helping our members and the communities they served. I’m grateful that I had the chance to know her and learn from her.

For those who fondly remember her, we encourage you to pay tribute to Kenna by choosing a good book, helping a friend, or serving your neighbors. You may also want to consider making a gift to the Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library in her memory.

We will miss you Kenna!

* Citation: https://peacestudycenter.org/about/board-of-directors/