CARROLL COLLEGE IS A CATHOLIC, DIOCESAN, LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE IN THE ECUMENICAL TRADITION OF THE SECOND... moreCARROLL COLLEGE IS A CATHOLIC, DIOCESAN, LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE IN THE ECUMENICAL TRADITION OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL.AS A LIBERAL ARTS SCHOOL, CARROLL COLLEGE ACKNOWLEDGES THE PRACTICAL ROLE OF PREPARING ITS STUDENTS FOR A CAREER, BUT IT ALSO AFFIRMS THE TRADITIONAL ROLE OF PROVIDING FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE INTELLECTUAL, IMAGINATIVE, AND SOCIAL AWARENESS OF ITS STUDENTS. IT IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING FOR ITS STUDENTS THE MEANS FOR THEIR FULL REALIZATION OF A DUAL GOAL OF VOCATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT. THUS, WHILE PROVIDING SUBSTANTIAL PROFESSIONAL AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS, THE COLLEGE ENCOURAGES AND EXPECTS ALL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN A BROAD SPECTRUM OF ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES. less
We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Meri Teresa Firpo. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. We are in the process of collecting photos to be used in the slideshow at the... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Meri Teresa Firpo. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. We are in the process of collecting photos to be used in the slideshow at the memorial, please post any photos you would like to share below. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Dr. Meri Teresa Firpo died peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Firpo was a dedicated scientist who graduated from Carroll College and Sloan Kettering Institute. She was a professor at UCSF and the University of Minnesota and was working as a scientist at Upside Foods at her time of death. She is survived by her mother, 5 siblings and their partners, 8 nieces and nephews and many cousins, friends and... see more
Dr. Meri Teresa Firpo died peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Firpo was a dedicated scientist who graduated from Carroll College and Sloan Kettering Institute. She was a professor at UCSF and the University of Minnesota and was working as a scientist at Upside Foods at her time of death. She is survived by her mother, 5 siblings and their partners, 8 nieces and nephews and many cousins, friends and colleagues.
Meri mentored me at the University of Minnesota. She is the reason I want to be scientist and she helped me realize my true potential as a researcher. I admire Meri and her contributions to science and to my career. I hope to be as strong and independent... moreMeri mentored me at the University of Minnesota. She is the reason I want to be scientist and she helped me realize my true potential as a researcher. I admire Meri and her contributions to science and to my career. I hope to be as strong and independent like she was. Meri was outspoken, fearless, and confident. We shared our love for dogs, stem cells, and hosting parties. I will cherish her memory forever. less
The science superhero image of Meri was created for this event. It was a live event that was recorded for the podcast Science Friday. Here is the link—you can listen to Meri do two of the things she loved the most: teach and talk about science.... moreThe science superhero image of Meri was created for this event. It was a live event that was recorded for the podcast Science Friday. Here is the link—you can listen to Meri do two of the things she loved the most: teach and talk about science.
https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/the-cellular-superpowers-that-heal-skin-and-regrow-limbs/ less
Thank you to everyone who participated in Meri’s memorial on Friday. When the recording is posted, I hope anyone who couldn’t “attend” is able to watch. It was wonderful to hear and see people from all areas of Meri’s life together, sharing... moreThank you to everyone who participated in Meri’s memorial on Friday. When the recording is posted, I hope anyone who couldn’t “attend” is able to watch. It was wonderful to hear and see people from all areas of Meri’s life together, sharing their love and admiration for our sorely missed sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, friend, and colleague—a “scientific badass”. less
It was a pleasure working with Meri at Memphis Meats (now Upside Foods). I will remember Meri for her stories, her wit and brilliant sarcasm, for her love of family and the pride she exuded when talking about her nieces and nephews, and of course her... moreIt was a pleasure working with Meri at Memphis Meats (now Upside Foods). I will remember Meri for her stories, her wit and brilliant sarcasm, for her love of family and the pride she exuded when talking about her nieces and nephews, and of course her love for Ivan. I’ll also remember her unwavering courage in voicing difficult messages, and the way she always held space to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of her team. She was generous and creative. We all enjoyed her cooking and baking, and of course her jams. less
Meri was such a dear friend to many of us in Minnesota. She just fit into my family by loving my sons (Wes and Nolan),making pies for my brother's wedding celebration, joining us for holidays and spending many days scrapbooking and boating at the Lake... moreMeri was such a dear friend to many of us in Minnesota. She just fit into my family by loving my sons (Wes and Nolan),making pies for my brother's wedding celebration, joining us for holidays and spending many days scrapbooking and boating at the Lake with my parents. She quickly became "one of the girls". Her humor and desire to make everyone's life better drew people to her.
Meri was always a teacher. She taught how to cook, make pies, become a minimalist, how things worked (medications, body, electric cars, etc), and she taught us Minnesotans all about growing up in California with her huge family and friend network.
Meri loved being part of peoples' lives and families. She ADORED all of her nieces and nephew! She spent so much time finding the right birthday or Christmas gift, then making sure she made it to the post office early enough for a timely delivery. She always made my boys feel important and relevant. She loved to teach them about life and science, but also learn from them about music, hobbies and their friends.
Driving Meri and Ivan to California to be with her family and start a new job was bittersweet. She was so excited for this new work adventure, but sad to leave her Minnesota life behind. I was grateful for the 3 days in the car as well as the week we spent in September before she passed. My time with Meri will always be treasured.
I cannot say enough how much Erick and I miss Meri everyday. We have enjoyed getting to know her family and friends from college and work life. Even though many I have not met, I feel I know them through stories and photos. I will miss living life with you all vicariously through Meri. I feel as though I have not only lost a dear friend, but her extended family and friends. I wish you all well as we live this life with Meri's memory. Always know you have a friend and extended family in Minnesota!
Nick MyersI remember you. I went to the roller derby with you and Meri,my first and only time. One of the teams was named Kilmore Girls. It was always a pleasant adventure with Meri. I miss her so much. She drove me to Duluth to see Lake Superior and we went even... moreI remember you. I went to the roller derby with you and Meri,my first and only time. One of the teams was named Kilmore Girls. It was always a pleasant adventure with Meri. I miss her so much. She drove me to Duluth to see Lake Superior and we went even further north to a cool place that served pie shakes.
She was my buddy my penpal, the most giving, caring, kind intelligent person I have ever known
I knew Meri in the late '80s when I was first becoming friends with her sister Michele (we worked together) and Meri was living in NYC too. I spent time with Meri on a number of occasions with Michele and Rob (then Michele's boyfriend, now her husband).... moreI knew Meri in the late '80s when I was first becoming friends with her sister Michele (we worked together) and Meri was living in NYC too. I spent time with Meri on a number of occasions with Michele and Rob (then Michele's boyfriend, now her husband). The one that really stands out in my memory is when we went to Shakespeare in the Park: "Much Ado About Nothing" with Blythe Danner and Kevin Kline. Michele brought her sister Meri; I brought my sister; and Rob brought his brother. That's the only time I've ever gone out in a group like that! I remember the six of us sitting in a row of seats chatting about actors and such.
I am so sorry about Meri's passing and extend my deepest condolences to all the Firpos. I know Meri was a loving, devoted aunt to Michele and Rob's daughters, and her professional accomplishments were so impressive. May she rest in peace. less
Along with many other admirable qualities, Meri was fun! Wish I had more pix of her to share. I’ll post general family photos in another batch. 💛
ps The pix of Catie and Greg on the phone are also of Meri—she was on the other end.
I came to know Meri a few years ago when she applied to work at Memphis Meats (now known as Upside Foods). My early impressions of Meri were her classic authenticity as a cell biologist and the pride she took in leading her R&D team at the company. She... moreI came to know Meri a few years ago when she applied to work at Memphis Meats (now known as Upside Foods). My early impressions of Meri were her classic authenticity as a cell biologist and the pride she took in leading her R&D team at the company. She was uncompromising in maintaining a high standard of scientific excellence within the team and set an example by celebrating her team’s progress with boba tea and other treats. Meri was relatable to me in many ways. Especially memorable were our conversations on topics I had once considered lost to scientific esoterica, gardening, and our shared Italian heritage. (pictured here are ingredients prepared by Meri for a ZabagIione dessert) I am fortunate to have known her. less
The photos and memories of Meri posted here are so touching. Sending deepest condolences to the Firpo family as well as Meri’s friends and colleagues. 💐
Meri enjoyed blogs, and one of the blogs she shared with me is Cake Wrecks. I needed to get some groceries. I think Meri was shopping with me in spirit because I wandered through the bakery and there was a cupcake cake. Thanks to the blog, every time we... moreMeri enjoyed blogs, and one of the blogs she shared with me is Cake Wrecks. I needed to get some groceries. I think Meri was shopping with me in spirit because I wandered through the bakery and there was a cupcake cake. Thanks to the blog, every time we would see a cupcake cake, we would say "cupcake cake, patooie". I had a smile for the rest of the evening. less
Twenty five years ago Meri appeared in my life. Meri’s swagger, her short skirts and confidence while walking the hallways at UCSF, impressed me. Quite a few Friday evenings we spend in the mission where she lived, and which, at that time, was still... moreTwenty five years ago Meri appeared in my life. Meri’s swagger, her short skirts and confidence while walking the hallways at UCSF, impressed me. Quite a few Friday evenings we spend in the mission where she lived, and which, at that time, was still gritty, adventurous, cheap and fun. When I left UCSF , Meri took over the ES cell program and eventually moved to Minnesota while I started working with chicken cells. It was great to reunite again when she came back from Minnesota. When we went for dinner one evening, Meri complained about being short of breath and attributed it to asthma and the smoke from the recent wild fires. Little did we know. Meri, I’ll miss you, you will always be in my heart. less
I enjoyed hearing about the Italian holidays, her conference travels, and the white water rafting adventure...and so many more. Meri traveled home for Thanksgiving while I watched Ivan. I made an entire Thanksgiving meal, and was nervous because I had... moreI enjoyed hearing about the Italian holidays, her conference travels, and the white water rafting adventure...and so many more. Meri traveled home for Thanksgiving while I watched Ivan. I made an entire Thanksgiving meal, and was nervous because I had never done a full meal like that before. The only thing I did not do, the pie for dessert. That was saved for the professional...Meri. Nobody can hold a candle to Meri's pie making skills. less
I learned so much from Meri. We took two cooking classes together, and had fun being creative in what we made for our assignments.
I was honored that I was entrusted to take care of Ivan when Meri traveled. He pulled the purple dinosaur off the shelf... moreI learned so much from Meri. We took two cooking classes together, and had fun being creative in what we made for our assignments.
I was honored that I was entrusted to take care of Ivan when Meri traveled. He pulled the purple dinosaur off the shelf wen we were shopping at Chuck and Don's the day after Thanksgiving. I purchased it for him, and he carried it for our hour-long walk.
I am heartbroken that she passed, but grateful that she is no longer in pain or suffering. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers for peace, comfort, and healing. less
I met Meri over a cocktail at a scientific conference – where all good long-term collaborations begin. I was working with Dr. James Thomson at the time, and he introduced us remarking on Meri’s work... moreI shared this on Paul's Blog. Reposting it here.
I met Meri over a cocktail at a scientific conference – where all good long-term collaborations begin. I was working with Dr. James Thomson at the time, and he introduced us remarking on Meri’s work deriving some of the first human embryonic stem cell lines and the meticulousness in her culture work. She was bold and confident, sharp and quick, had a great sense of humor, spoke sarcasm as a second language, and had no hesitation in giving Jamie a hard time. I liked her immediately. We were instantly fast friends, and that closeness lasted nearly two decades.
We worked together on both the ISCI and ISCBI initiatives, as well as other projects, and I was always impressed with Meri’s work ethic, and her dedication to just getting it right. She understood how science should be done, and expected that level of effort from herself, her team and her collaborators. She was the very first person I trusted with the unpublished TeSR media formulations. I sent her media to test in her laboratory in Minnesota because I knew that she was the ultimate test – if Meri said it worked, it worked. Through the years she became my go-to for punting around the hard scientific questions. She was always unselfish in her advice, honest and matter-of-fact, even when her opinion wasn’t favorable. Some might see her style as harsh, but I always appreciated that approach – love it or hate it, you knew where you stood.
The two things I admire most in an individual are transparency and integrity, and Meri had both in spades. In both personal and professional matters, she never hesitated to give her opinion and to tell the truth, even hard truths, but always with your best interests at heart. She was like the perfect crème brulee – hard and occasionally bitter on the shell, but it didn’t take much effort to crack open to reveal that she was mostly all softness and sweetness. She would do anything for a friend, never arrived as a guest without bringing the most thoughtful hostess gifts (even after years of visits), and always checked in when she knew you needed it.
Her science was outstanding. Her contributions impacted the field from the very beginning. Through training courses at The Jax she essentially trained the first generation of pluripotent stem cell researchers who then went on to train their own laboratories. She taught proper stem cell technique literally around the world, leading courses in the US and in China and places in between as well as in her own lab. She worked primarily in diabetes research for the bulk of her career, and for the last several years worked to advance the science related to cultured food products. Always on the tip of the spear, and always doing well grounded research. Her personal scientific contribution will certainly be missed, but her body of work is the foundation for forward progress in several arenas, and the students and investigators she has trained continue on, allowing her impact to be felt in this scientific community for generations.
And for those of us privileged enough to call her friend, the mark she has left on all of us continues as well. I will forever see her in every greyhound, every ocean, and every after-conference cocktail with the science girlies. She is a bright light that has left us too soon. My condolences to all who knew and loved her. less