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Molly Daniels Obituary
Molly A. Daniels passed away at her home in Ithaca on November 26, 2015, at the age of 83. Born July 2, 1932, in Tiruvella, in the state of Kerala, India, she was the daughter of the late Leah Mikhail and A.C. Daniels. Molly Daniels came to the United States on a Fulbright Fellowship to Indiana University in 1961. She earned a doctorate from the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago in 1986. Daniels taught fiction and poetry writing in the Continuing Education Program at the University of Chicago and also founded and taught at her own school, The Clothesline School of Writing in Chicago. Over 3,000 students went through her program between 1979 and 1999, when she semi-retired. She published three books of fiction, two books of criticism, a creative writing manual, a book of short biographies of people who live in Ithaca, and she edited eight books of poetry and prose. Daniels was married to Indian poet A.K. Ramanujan, who died in 1993. She is survived by her son, Krishna Ramanujan (Karryn) of Ithaca: daughter Krittika Ramanujan (Aaron Bass) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and grandchildren, Simon Bass, Kalyani Ramanujan and Ana Malina Ramanujan. Over the last years of her life, Daniels was cared for in Ithaca by Bonnalee Vann, Lisa Stevertson, Lissy Culver, Mackenzie Stilwell, Jane Hancock and Jewia Payne. A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 3. Lansing Funeral home is assisting the family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Molly Daniels
Holly Montague
May 6, 2016
My father and I studied at Molly's Clothesline School, and it meant a great deal to us both. When Molly heard that my mother had died, she left a message on my phone: "I want you to breathe." I remember that often. All the best to her family.
Roberta Dillon
January 30, 2016
Several years ago, I took a Saturday morning creative writing class from your mother. The class included an evening meeting where she advised us to walk in a group for safe passage and a Sunday afternoon reading at the Woodlawn Tap. She was a creative teacher as well as a teacher of creative writing. I thought of her this evening and learned of her recent death. i hope that remembering her will bring smiles as well as tears. Thank you for sharing her with so many, including me. She was a blessing. Gratefully, Roberta Dillon
Michael Daniels
December 29, 2015
Krittika and Krishna: Heartfelt condolences to both of you and your families. Memories, memories, memories. So many of them.
Goodbye, Molly. Happy trails forever.
December 24, 2015
Dear Krishna and Krittika:
Molly was a wonderful teacher who helped us to discover our talents. She knew how to access the well of creativity by leading us in meditation, and guiding us the right books and the right poems. I was too shy to share my work and the required Sunday readings at Woodlawn Tap were liberating.
Thank you for sharing her with all of us.
May God bless you and your families.
Mumtaz Champsi
December 17, 2015
Aunty Molly and my mum, Teresa Mendes were school friends and i feel sorry that Aunt Molly is no more. A fab writer. We got to know about her sad demise from Aunt Mariam, her sister. My deepest sympathy to Krish and Kartika and their families. Will say a specail prayer. As one must believe "Death does not stop at the Cross, there is more to it as in 'Resurrection'. Aunt Molly has no more sickness nor pain and is now in a special place. Filled with peace and joy well rested. May her soul rest well. My Mum was sooo sad to have heard about Aunt Molly's passing away. I love Aunty Molly's book on the 'People of Ithaca' She made people feel very special always. May the Lord bless her. Love : Larissa D'silva. - The daughter of Teresa Mendes D'silva. mobile +91-9819816580 - Arcille House, Plot No. 6, Chottani Cross Road, Mahim, Mumbai 400 016 - INDIA.
Darwin Olson
December 2, 2015
I had the pleasure of sharing time with Molly and family when they lived in Northfield, Minn. at her beautiful home! May she rest in peace!,
Linda Glaser
December 2, 2015
May her memory be for a blessing. Sending love and sympathy to all of you.
Ritva and Joel Barsness
December 1, 2015
Thinking of you and your Family!She was a Great person we will miss her.
Kurt and Chieko Pipa
December 1, 2015
She was a generous neighbor. May her soul rest in peace. We miss her.
Donna Olson
December 1, 2015
Blessings to all of you, hold tight to all the treasured memories.
Kay Marie
December 1, 2015
I am grateful for the gift of this woman and her brilliant and beloved children and grandchildren to the world. Much love to all of you.
Valerie Milton
December 1, 2015
I'm glad that our paths crossed. I enjoyed reading two of your books. You were a fabulous writer. May you rest in peace
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