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Thelma Lois Loftin, 81, known as "Tee," a journalist and author who was a writer at the National Geographic Society, died of congestive heart failure on December 21 at her home in Santa Fe, NM. Ms. Loftin wrote the books Westward Go! (2000) and Contest for a Capital (1989), transcribed and edited Staying Alive in Alaska's Wild by Andy Nault (1980), and created maps of Washington, DC as it was in 1800 and in 1865. She published these through her company, Tee Loftin Publishers, as well as publishing the English edition of Irene?Peace (1979), a children's adaptation of the Aristophanes play, written and illustrated by Sophia Zarambouka. A native of Kinston, NC, Ms. Loftin held a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri (1942) and an M.A. in Journalism from American University in Washington, DC (1965). Ms. Loftin began her career as a writer for radio (KBWD in Brownwood, TX and KMOX in St. Louis, IL). In 1947 she moved to the Washington area, where her early positions included Washington Correspondent for the Kinston Daily Free Press, Press Assistant for Congressman Charles R. Jonas (R-NC), and Editor for the National Academy of Engineering. During the 1960's she was involved in television productions including the quiz show "It's Academic" (WRC-TV), and originated the children's television show "Claire and Coco," which was on the air from 1965-69 (WMAL-TV). She was also an active volunteer for the American Field Service and for the Washington, DC Parent Teacher Association, which awarded her a life membership. From 1967 until her retirement in 1987, Ms. Loftin worked at the National Geographic Society, as a Researcher and then Staff Writer in the Special Publications Division, and briefly for World Magazine. She wrote the book The Wild Shores: America's Beginnings (1974) and chapters for about a dozen other books published by the NGS. In researching the material for these books she traveled extensively and made friends around the world. Beginning in 1992 Ms. Loftin lived in Santa Fe, NM, where she developed a wide circle of friends. She was a member of the Unitarian Church and served on the Board of the Santa Fe Playhouse. Her husband from 1944 until their divorce in 1976, Edwin M. Snell, died in 1994. Survivors include two children, Suzanne Snell Tesh of Bethesda, MD, and James L. Snell of Seattle, WA; a brother, Leonard Loftin of Warsaw, NC; and three grandchildren. Memorials will be held in Santa Fe, NM on January 10, 2003; Kinston, NC on January 17, 2003; and Washington, DC on January 24, 2003. Email jsnell@acm.org for details.
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