It is with great regret that we report the sudden death of Donna Jung, President of International Cryogenics, on February 1, 2013. Jung was a leader in the cryogenic community, president of a longtime CSA Corporate Sustaining Member company, and a stalwart supporter of the Society.
Jung, 52, was one of the second generation company leaders who make up the “Cryomafia.” She facilitated gatherings of the Cryomafia and played a key role in keeping the group together.
Following are tributes from colleagues and friends.
From Werner Huget, CSA Director: I mourn the loss of a great friend, a colleague and a client. It was a privilege to know her and work with her. Donna was a dynamic business person, very practical and self-assured. She made her mark in what was a man’s world. She demonstrated that you can run a successful business in a very competitive global environment and still treat everyone with kindness and respect. My heart and prayers go out to her family, employees, friends and business associates. She left her imprint on many lives. Donna will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.
From Justin Jung, Technical Sales, International Cryogenics, Inc.: I had the pleasure of working with my mom, Donna, for the last seven years. Not only was she a great mother and friend, she was a wonderful person to work for. Most people do not have the opportunity to work with their family. For me, working with my mom was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. She truly loved what she did, and from the outpouring of support, it seems she really touched a lot of people in the process. Donna built a great foundation to work from, and I have no reservations as to the continued success and growth of International Cryogenics. She will be forever missed! [Editor’s note: At Donna’s wake, we visited with Justin and were moved to see that he was wearing the Cryomafia pin handed out to “members” at the 25th anniversary party. He said his mother had recently given it to him, which pleased him very much. It seemed symbolic of life going on.]
From Ray Moncrief, Vice-President, International Cryogenics, Inc.: Not only did we lose a valued member of the cryogenic community, but I also lost a business partner and most importantly, my dear friend of 27 years. I have described Donna as my “sister by another mother.” She worried about me—and everyone else but herself. She will be missed, but never forgotten.
From Dick Gummer, Precision Cryogenic Systems, Inc.: It is a source of much sadness and grief to lose such a loyal friend and respected colleague in Donna. I had the pleasure of watching Donna grow from a little girl into a wonderful loving wife and caring mother. Whenever asked, Donna would do absolutely anything she could to help resolve the issue at hand. I am really going to miss the phone calls to each other to discuss and keep up on the latest happenings with family and friends as well as the large “Cryo-Family.” Donna will be sadly missed, but remembered in all her goodness.
From Igor Sekachev, ITER: International Cryogenics, headed by Donna, was one of the major suppliers for the first superconducting linear accelerator ISAC, built in Vancouver, Canada, between 2000 and 2010. International delivered pre-manufactured components for the nitrogen distribution system, mainly transfer lines. I had frequent phone communications with Donna and occasional meetings in person on conferences and exhibitions. It is a big loss for the worldwide cryogenic community.
From Joanne Roscoe, Lydall Performance Materials: Donna was a woman of integrity. She had a great sense of dignity along with a fabulous sense of humor. The respect she was given in the cryogenic industry is immeasurable. The success that she has shown in a male-dominated industry speaks of her strength, courage and intelligence. To me, she was friend first, customer second. I will miss our long conversations about our sons and our dogs. Truly a fabulous person who will be missed by many.
From Vincent Grillo, Cryofab, Inc.: Donna and I met on the cryogenic trade show network more than 20 years ago. Although our businesses were competitive, we became fast, respected friends. We had a lot in common, both following in the footsteps of revered fathers who had been in the business for many years. We were considered the young upstarts by the established cryoguys. Over time we both became second generation cryogenic business owners and flourished within the community. Donna was widely respected in the industry and her leadership and competitive spirit will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues.
From Tom Scott: My thoughts and prayers are with the Jung family. I had the pleasure to meet and work with Donna several years ago while working for Air Products. She was one of the most friendly, honest, fun-loving people I’ve ever had the pleasure to have known. She will be missed.
From Pat Kelley, TechSource, Inc: I always looked forward to seeing her at conferences and the occasional opportunity to work with her. She will be missed!
From Michael Coffey, Cryomagnetics, Inc.: Everyone at Cryomagnetics is also shocked and deeply saddened. We’ve all lost a wonderful friend. Our prayers go out to Donna’s family.
From Dan Polancic, Quantum Design, Inc.: We are saddened that someone we’ve known and worked with for many years is now gone. “Shock” is the right word. We’ll miss her smiling face and sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with those she left behind.
From Eileen Cunningham, Meyer Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.: I was much later to join the family business than a lot of the second generation leaders. However, Donna was a wonderful person who made me feel so welcome and comfortable when I came on the cryogenic scene. My first time at CEC, Donna and Vinnie [Vincent Grillo] made sure to invite me into the Cryomafia fold. We at Meyer Tool appreciated Donna’s kindness and will truly miss her along with her energy, friendliness and incredibly fun outlook!
From Leigh Ann Hoey, Scientific Instruments, Inc.: When I think of Donna, I think happy, gregarious, outgoing. She didn’t know a stranger. She was also very honest and frank with you. If you asked her a direct question she didn’t hesitate to answer without sugar coating. She was very dedicated to her family’s business even through all the rough times. I am deeply saddened by my friend’s early departure from us. I’ve lost a confidant, a buddy and a good friend.
From Jack Sheldon, Scientific Instruments: I will always remember her kindness. She always had a smile on her face whenever I saw her. She went out of her way to make you feel welcome. She was genuinely interested in what you had to say.
From James Fesmire, NASA Kennedy Space Center: My prayers are with the family in their loss. We will miss Donna but do appreciate her work and the life she brought to the community.
From Nick Kreigh, Exelis Inc.: I worked with Donna’s father for many years, and on his passing, with Donna. What a great family with a clear focus on the customer. I am saddened to hear of her passing. International Cryogenics treated me as a friend, not just a customer.
From Stuart Koch, Amuneal Manufacturing Corp.: So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Her smiling face will be missed at the many trade shows we all attend together.
From Michael Capers: For 25 years, Donna was an integral and important part of the cryogenic community. In a field initially dominated by her male counterparts, Donna stood out and we all respected and loved her. She shared our laughter and our many good times and I speak for many when I say that we will miss her greatly. She was our dear friend.
