I was out of the country when I heard the news of Molli Bernstein’s death in Fargo on Nov. 19 at the age of 27.

When I lived in North Dakota, I photographed Molli several times, including the above shot that appeared in an exhibit of my photography at the then-Dakota Harvest Gallery in Grand Forks.

I received several offers to buy the matted and framed print, but I had reserved it for her mom, Val Bernstein, and dropped it off at her office in Fargo.

Val had assisted Molli with the clown makeup and styling, which Molli had worn on the drive to Grand Forks. I’ve often smiled at the thought of what motorists must have thought when they passed her car on Interstate 29.

Molli was a natural model who had a special inner light and quick intelligence that I admired, even telling her once that although I had an outstanding daughter myself, I still wished she was my kid.

I was especially impressed with her writing ability, samples of which her friends have seen on Facebook.

She will be laid to rest after a memorial service Monday at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 Fourth Ave N. in Fargo. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service.

I returned to the U.S. late Saturday night with a persistent cold, so I won’t be there physically. But I certainly will be in spirit.

Bon voyage, Molli.