March 25

Isabelle de Limeuil was a distinguished member of the French court and one of Catherine de' Medici's famed 'Flying Squadron', a circle of influential ladies-in-waiting. She gained notoriety for her rumored romance and secret pregnancy during the intrigues of the Valois dynasty. Her experiences reflect the complex politics and scandals of 16th-century France. After her fall from favor, she retired to her estates and lived quietly until her death. Modern historians view her life as emblematic of the limited agency afforded to noblewomen in Renaissance politics.

Nicholas Hawksmoor was born in 1661 and became one of the leading English Baroque architects. He apprenticed under Sir Christopher Wren and contributed to the design of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Greenwich Hospital. Hawksmoor’s most celebrated works include Christ Church Spitalfields and Easton Neston, showcasing his bold use of classical elements and dramatic silhouettes. His architectural style blended Gothic and classical motifs, creating a unique visual language. He held the position of Surveyor to the Commissioners for the Fifty New Churches. Hawksmoor’s visionary designs influenced later architects and remain landmarks in London and Northamptonshire. He died in 1736, leaving a legacy of innovative ecclesiastical architecture.

Viola Liuzzo was a white housewife and mother from Detroit who left her home to participate in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, demonstrating extraordinary courage in the struggle for civil rights. As a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, she drove marchers back and forth between protest sites and makeshift camps. On March 25, 1965, Liuzzo was fatally shot by members of the Ku Klux Klan, making her the only white woman killed in the movement. Her death drew national attention to the violence faced by activists in the American South and helped galvanize support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Liuzzo's sacrifice remains a poignant reminder of the risks taken by ordinary citizens in pursuit of justice.

Steven Schiff (1947-1998) was an American attorney and Republican politician from New Mexico. After a successful legal career, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988 and reelected four times, representing New Mexico's 1st congressional district. Schiff served on the House Armed Services and Science Committees, championing national security and energy research initiatives. He was known for his thoughtful approach to policy and strong constituent services. Schiff passed away in office in March 1998, leaving a legacy of dedicated public service.

Brian Trubshaw (1924-2001) was a British aviator and test pilot celebrated for conducting the maiden flight of the Concorde in 1969. Prior to his aviation career, he played cricket for the Royal Air Force and in minor county matches, showcasing his lifelong passion for sports. Trubshaw joined the British Aircraft Corporation, where his skill and fearlessness earned him a leading role in supersonic flight testing. His leadership in the testing program helped bring Concorde into commercial service. He remained an ambassador for aviation safety and innovation until his death in March 2001.

Kenneth Wolstenholme (1920-2002) earned legendary status as the BBC's leading football commentator during the 1950s and '60s. His most memorable moment came during the 1966 World Cup final when he declared, "They think it's all over... it is now!" as England scored the winning goal. Before broadcasting, Wolstenholme served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, he joined BBC television, covering major sporting events and shaping the art of live sports commentary. His distinctive voice and style influenced generations of broadcasters. He passed away in March 2002.

Thierry Gilardi (1958–2008) was a leading voice in French sports journalism.\nHe presented major football and rugby broadcasts on Canal+ and TF1, becoming a household name.\nKnown for his enthusiastic style and deep knowledge of the game, he covered World Cups and European Championships.\nGilardi's warmth and passion endeared him to viewers, setting a standard for modern sports commentary.\nHis sudden passing during a broadcast tribute stunned the French sporting community.

Born in 1927, Anthony Lewis became one of America's most respected columnists, winning two Pulitzer Prizes for his work at The New York Times. He authored influential books like 'Gideon's Trumpet', which explored landmark Supreme Court cases. A Harvard alumnus, Lewis taught journalism at Columbia University and shaped a generation of reporters. His clear advocacy for civil liberties and government accountability left a lasting impact on American public discourse. Lewis's writing combined rigorous legal analysis with accessible prose, earning him a devoted readership.

Born in 1943, Jonathan Schell made his mark writing for publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Review of Books. His seminal book 'The Fate of the Earth' (1983) sparked international debate on the moral and existential risks of nuclear weapons. Schell earned numerous awards for his incisive essays, blending rigorous research with compelling moral arguments. He taught at Yale University, shaping young minds in journalism and ethics. A dedicated advocate for peace and environmental protection, his work influenced public discourse on disarmament and sustainability. Schell's legacy endures in his powerful calls for global responsibility and human survival.

George Fischbeck began his career as a broadcaster in the 1950s and became a beloved television weatherman in Albuquerque and Los Angeles. He developed a reputation for his lively and educational style, often incorporating science lessons into his forecasts. Fischbeck taught meteorology to aspiring broadcasters at the University of New Mexico and mentored many in the field. His warm personality and signature catchphrases made him a fixture on KABC-TV for over 30 years. He published articles on meteorological topics and remained active in educational outreach until his retirement. His contributions to popularizing weather science earned him enduring affection from audiences.

Floyd Cardoz trained at the Culinary Institute of America and launched his career at top New York restaurants. He gained fame as the executive chef of Tabla, introducing contemporary Indian flavors to American diners. Cardoz won Top Chef Masters in 2011, showcasing his innovative culinary skills. He earned multiple James Beard Foundation awards and authored acclaimed cookbooks exploring his Goan heritage. He later operated successful restaurants in Mumbai and New York, blending traditional spices with global techniques. Cardoz was lauded for elevating Indian food on the world stage and mentoring future chefs. His passing from COVID-19 complications in 2020 was mourned by the international culinary community.