FABI was shocked and deeply saddened at the passing of Valentina Nkosi on 23 July. Valentina formed an integral part of the Institute’s culture collection (CMW) where she was employed as a senior laboratory technician. Valentina joined the culture collection in 2002, working under the leadership of Sonja de Beer. The current curator of the CMW Culture Collection, Dr Seonju Marincowitz and colleague Lydia Twala describe Valentina as a hard worker and dear colleague. In their words “Valentina was an early bird who would always adhere to the rules and complete any task given to her; the quality of her work could always be trusted. She was always friendly towards students and always maintained good relationship with them”. FABIans will remember Valentina’s ready smile and laughter and could always be seen in the FABI courtyard during lunchtime with her close friend Lydia. Valentina was a totally unassuming person, always shying away from attention or praise for her hard work. Valentina leaves behind her husband, a son and daughter and three grandchildren.