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Hillary Anne Gravendyk
Hillary Anne Gravendyk died May 10th after a long illness. Born March 1, 1979, she grew up in Carnation and graduated from Mt Si. High School. Hillary enjoyed fly fishing and kayaking in the valley rivers and summer sails in the San Juan Islands. Hillary was a gifted poet, scholar and teacher as well as a wonderful wife, sister and daughter. Hillary became an assistant professor at Pomona College in 2009, after earning degrees from Tulane University, the University of Washington, and receiving her Doctoral Degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Hillary's publications include a chapbook of poetry, The Naturalist, (Achiote Press, 2008), and the critically acclaimed Harm, (Omnidawn, 2011), along with a variety of individual poems in prestigious journals. At Pomona, she taught both creative writing and literature courses, on topics including California poetry, and the experience of illness. She was recognized as a talented teacher and dedicated mentor to her students. Professor Gravendyk was the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards, including the Roselyn Schneider Eisner Prize in Poetry (twice), the Emily Chamberlain Cook Prize in Poetry, and the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Scholarship.
Hillary was dearly loved by her husband Benjamin Burrill, her sister Megan and parents John and Katherine. Her life, although far too short, was a love poem to us all.
Numerous readings in Hillary's honor are taking place in the Los Angeles area and her recent collaborative projects including poetry and a work of fiction are forthcoming. More information on Hillary's life and work can be found at her publishers website (omindawn.com) or at the Pomona College website (pomona.edu). Please sign Hillary's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
Katherine and John, I am grieved to learn of your loss. Heartfelt condolences are sent to you as I learn of this only now.
Chris Equihua
Chris Equihua
October 6, 2015
We were surprised and saddened to hear of the passing of this beautiful young spirit. Although too short, she appeared to live a full life and left her mark with her beautiful poetry. My father and stepmother Dick & Marydell Doan always spoke with great fondness of Hillary and her sister Megan. They were quite proud of the lovely young ladies they had become and admired Hillary's strength in her battle with her health. Reading her obituary, it's obvious how much she will be missed. Earth's loss is heaven's gain. We send our deepest sympathy to all her loved ones.
Julie & Bob Mangino
JULIE MANGINO
July 8, 2014
Katherine and John,
We were so saddened to hear of Hillary's passing - Linda Adams sent us a note. Hillary lived a full and wonderful life and was so talented, we know you are so proud of her, she just left everyone too soon. we cannot even begin to know your heartache and how much you miss her, but we will be at the Memorial here in Seattle on July 26th to help celebrate her life. Thanks so much for keeping in touch. Barbara and Steve Dentz
Barbara & Steve Dentz
June 28, 2014
My beautiful niece continues to shine her light upon my spirit. Her words inspire me and memories of our times together fill me with joy. Thinking back to a beautiful day on the boat, cruising the San Diego Bay with Hillary and Ben reminds me of easy laughter and warm smiles....Hillary's signature.
Jan Cronin
June 7, 2014
Mikey V Vasquez
June 7, 2014
Dear John and Katherine
I so wish we had met Hillary, what an exceptional woman. We wish you peace and love.
Love
Jay and Linda
Linda and Jay Emory
June 5, 2014
Dear Ben and Family. I was shocked and saddened to see the notice of Hillary's passing in today's paper. I remember her wonderful spirit and enjoyed each moment of planning for your wedding. She will always remain one of my favorite people to work with in all the years I have planned events. All my love to you all. With hope that you find comfort in the wonderful memories, Judy Donnelly (Women's University Club)
June 1, 2014
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