The Kent State University Libraries are without their chemistry and physics librarian after she lost her battle with cancer this month.

Erica Barditch Lilly, 50, a Baltimore native, died May 22 following 10 years with the disease.

Lilly, an associate professor, had served for 17 years as a faculty member at Kent State. She earned a master's degree in library science from the University of Maryland.

Erin Michael, an administrative assistant in Kent State's chemistry and biochemistry department, said Lilly's positive attitude earned the admiration of faculty and students alike.

"Erica's beautiful soul, gentle spirit, kind heart, witty personality and thoughtfulness resulted in a legacy that only few could hope to follow," her obituary reads in part. Read the full obituary here.