My condolences to her husband, her two daughters and the many other people whose lives she touched.

I remain forever thankful for her willingness to hear me out in that initial meeting. Little did I know that it would set a course for the rest of my career! The work that I did with Alison gave me the confidence I needed to *be* a historian. And I know I’m not the only one. So many owe her so much

Alison was not just a towering figure in her field but a gracious and supportive mentor. She was my senior thesis adviser during her first year at Princeton. I had just read Downtown America and I remember making a point of going to introduce myself to her.