Marie Knudson

As I posted my daily comment, sitting as I do in the public library, I saw the name, Marie Knudson, and realize that I can't let her passing go by without a reverent bow in her direction. She was not a nice lady, not a patient lady, but she was fierce about her library and her books and her feeling that they mattered. She used to keep lists of books you should read before college at the circulation desk. Once I began reading the 100 or so recemmended books she was very interested in getting my opinions about them. And she once advised me, correctly, not to spend too much time on Thomas Wolfe. She was an elitist in the Carlton sense of that word, but I count her as one of the influences -- along with Hannah Rosenberg -- that made that dangerous walk from Publican land at Alexander Baker across Catholic Land at St. Thomas well worth the effort, even if it mean going fist to fist with those knights of the church named Micheletti, Oettinger, Sether, Grandaw. So long, Miss Knudson.

Well I happen to remember Marie as a nice, simple lady. She didn't have many people that cared and she was particular about things but if you live to be 95 you have ever right to be picky! She was a great woman and is deeply missed...