Obituary: Menlo Alum, Environmental Advocate Dies at 27

Contributed by Pam Jones:

Courtney Wilson, 27, of San Carlos and Ann Arbor, MI, died unexpectedly of a neurological event of unknown origin on Sept. 9 in Michigan.  

Courtney, who completed her master’s degree at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment in June, had just begun her doctoral program at the School. 

Courtney graduated from Hobart and William Smith College in New York in 2008 with a B.A. in public policy studies and environmental studies and minors in economics, French and Francophone studies. After graduation she worked for three years at Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology developing curriculum and delivering training to science teachers about using data and graphical information systems to analyze environmental conditions.  

Courtney traveled around the world working on environmental projects, attending and speaking at international conferences and observing climate change negotiations. Her undergraduate thesis proposed a path forward for international negotiators on climate change.

Courtney’s curiosity, seriousness of purpose, determination, and passion for the environment and animals were recognized by all who knew her. She was a 2004 graduate of Menlo School in Atherton and graduated from Central Middle School and Brittan Acres School in San Carlos. 

Courtney is the daughter of Bonnie and Lloyd (Dick) Wilson of San Carlos, longtime owners and operators of Crystal Springs Pet Hospital in San Mateo. 

A Celebration of Life to honor Courtney will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 at noon at the Maverick’s Event Center in Half Moon Bay. 

Contributions in her honor may be made to The Courtney Wilson Fund at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (goo.gl/9g0UWv) or to Project Bay Cat to support cat rescue efforts that are dear to the Wilson family. Donations can be made in Courtney’s name via Homeless Cat Network (homelesscatnetwork.com/donations).