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ELAINE KONIGSBURG Obituary

KONIGSBURG Elaine Lobl Konigsburg passed away on April 19, 2013. She was a teacher, author and artist. Her novels and illustrations delight children throughout the world. E. L. Konigsburg was born February 10, 1930 to Adolph Lobl and Beulah Klein Lobl. She grew up in Farrell, Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University. In 1952, she married David Konigsburg and moved to Jacksonville, Florida. The family relocated several times during Dr. Konigsburg's career, but eventually retuned to Jacksonville and settled at Ponte Vedra Beach. When her youngest child started kindergarten, E. L. Konigsburg began to write and illustrate children's books. Her first novel, Jennifer, Hecate, McBeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth, was a Newbery honor book in 1968, and her second novel, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler , won the Newbery Medal in 1968. She is the only author to be both winner and runner-up in the same year. Her 13th novel, The View From Saturday, was awarded the 1997 Newbery Medal. E. L Konigsburg wrote and painted throughout her life. She authored 16 children's novels, illustrated 3 picture books, and published a collection of her speeches. Her work has been translated into over a dozen languages and made into movies and plays. Ingrid Bergman starred as Mrs. Frankweiler in a 1973 adaptation of her most famous book. Father's Arcane Daughter won the sweeps week ratings in 1990 as a Hallmark Hall of Fame special called Caroline. She was a featured speaker at schools, universities, and libraries. New York City and the Metropolitan Museum of Art never failed to inspire her. Although she enjoyed meeting new people and seeing new places, she always looked forward to being home in Ponte Vedra Beach. In fine weather, she would walk along the shore and search for shark's teeth. David Konigsburg passed away in August 2001. He and Mrs. Konigsburg had been married for 49 years. Her sister, Harriett Rosenberg, her brothers-in-law Leonard Konigsburg, Marvin Konigsburg, Leonard Rosenberg, and her sister-in-law Mae Konigsburg also predeceased her. E. L. Konigsburg is survived by: son Paul, his wife Lesley and their daughters, Anna and Meg; daughter Laurie, her husband Robert, son Sam, Sam's wife Beth and their children Charlie and Garrett; son Ross and his daughters Amy and Sarah; sister Sherry and her husband Michael; brother-in-law Sidney Konigsburg; and sisters-in-law Shirley Konigsburg and Debby Konigsburg. Many nephews, nieces and cousins also survive her. E. L. Konigsburg was a true friend and a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was generous with her time and talents. She was fun. Friends and family take comfort that her writing and art leave people throughout the world with a lasting connection to her. Services will be at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery on April 22, 2013 at 1 P.M. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union on Apr. 21, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for ELAINE KONIGSBURG

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Lisa

June 6, 2013

I can't believe I hadn't heard of Ms. Konigsburg's passing until now. I found the announcement because I was re-reading "From the Mixed-Up Files...", as I do almost yearly, and decided to Google her. At my age (well past 40), I am not at all embarrassed to say that I regularly revisit these favorite childhood books because Ms. Konigsburg understood that the best children's books are ones that can be appreciated at any age. My sympathies go out to her family - I hope they are comforted by the wonderful legacy she has left. I look forward to continuing the tradition and sharing her books with my toddler daughter as soon as she's old enough.

Mary Hatzikazakis

May 8, 2013

I just read about Mrs. Konigsburg's passing and wish to express my sympathy to her family and friends. I read The Mixed-up Files every year and have a wonderful quote from it on my teacher profile page. E.L.Konigsburg touched me as a teacher, a lover of great stories, and a fellow human being. May her memory be eternal!

Polly Anderson

April 29, 2013

We are reading "The Mixed-up Files" in class right now. I know my class will be moved to hear about Elaine's passing. I am so glad that she walked this Earth and left us with so many stories to treasure.

April 25, 2013

E.L. Konigsburg was my favorite author when I taught school. I read her books to my 6th grade class for years. My students would then check out her books and reread them! She was such a great story teller and her work will live on to delight her readers. Val Brewer (Crestview, Florida)

Sarah Prager

April 24, 2013

I read many of E.L. Konigsburg's books as a child, and just finished reading "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" to my daughter this past weekend. Her literary legacy is strong and will continue to live on.

April 23, 2013

Dear Paul, Leslie, Laurie, Robert, Ross, Sherry, and Michael,
Buzz, our "boys" and I were sad to hear of Elaine's passing. To me, more impressive than her amazing writing and artistic ability was the strength and dignity she exhibited after her first debilitating stroke. Undoubtedly, her kind and generous spirit will live on through her many works and through her children and grandchildren. Love, Mimi

Ron & Dianne Farb

April 22, 2013

We were so honored to be Elaine's next door neighbor and friend for many years. She was a warm, sweet, and a very inspirational woman, and will be missed.

Beth, Jeff and Kaila Stein

April 22, 2013

We send our deepest condolences to the entire family. I have been an admirer of Elaine's books since I was a child, and my daughter has enjoyed them, too. We were fortunate to meet her and talk to her and we know she will be greatly missed. She was an unbelievable talent and touched so many lives. To all the kids and relatives - and Aunt Sherry - please know how sorry we are. I truly wished we could have been there today. With our love,

Maxine Levine

April 22, 2013

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler was, and still is, one of my favorite books from childhood.
When I visit museums now I still think of Claudia and Jamie sleeping on the beds in the history display.

Thank you for creating such a wonderful book for children to read at any age and in any time (I would have read it in the mid 90's). It is still on my bookshelf today and one day I will be happy to pass it on to my children.

Lyndsey Fronterhouse

April 22, 2013

"Mixed Up Files" is the first book I remember loving. Thanks, E.L. for inspiring a love of reading and words that have lasted me a lifetime. I am forever grateful.

Mary Huffman

April 22, 2013

It was a pleasure to have met Elaine through a mutual friend. My deepest sympathies to her family and many friends.

Carrie Laughlin

April 22, 2013

Her books are gifts I give to all the children in my life, and keep in my own library to read again and again. She is a national treasure.

Jean Dodd

April 22, 2013

Elaine was such a beautiful spirit, a wise and talented woman. She inspired me through her words and actions. It was my joy and honor to work with her on the Cummer Museum's exhibition of her exquisite works in words and art. Visiting with her I enjoyed learning about the details of her life and hearing stories of trips to Paris and other places with David. Crossing the "street" to her office, we climbed her hand-painted steps to a second floor that revealed more of her art and inspiration. She was generous to this community, thoughtfully choosing and supporting our libraries, schools, and people. My life is richer having known her. My love, blessings, and deepest sympathy to her family.

Janet Russac

April 22, 2013

It is with heavy heart that I heard of Elaine's passing. I owned a children's bookstore in Mandarin for 4 years in the late 80's/early 90's, and whenever she was in the area, she would graciously stop in and autograph all of her books I had in stock. She touched an uncountable number of children's (and adult) lives and will forever be in our hearts for her beautiful spirit and unforgettable creative works in both words and art. RIP. You will be missed but remain immortal through your books.

April 22, 2013

Dear Paul, Lori, Ross and Families,
Elaine, David and you are all in our thoughts today and we're sending love. Your mom was a such a force. I see her walking into our house for some gathering-- warm, ready smile, engaging, sparkling, impeccably dressed, and always so generous. Her books and art were on our shelves and walls - part of our lives. On behalf of Debby, who can't come today, and all the Drehers and my own family who knew her too, our deepest sympathies for your loss and our best wishes for your celebration of her life.
Diane, Joel, & Debby Dreher and our families

Gary E. Adler

April 22, 2013

To say that Elaine was my favorite childhood author is an understatement; I read "the Mixed up Files" over and over again... I have almost memorized it! I have read it to my nieces and nephews, and given copies of it to my friends- I received a copy of the 35th anniversary edition from Elaine for my birthday in 2003, which she inscribed to me at the Cummer Museum. It is amazing that we both ended up living in Jacksonville, Florida some 35 years later (I grew up in Atlanta,Ga.) Warmest wishes and heartfelt memories to all her family, and friends for generations to come.

Heather Campbell

April 21, 2013

My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. I was introduced to E.L. Koningsburg's books in children's literature courses in college. I was delighted by the humor and depth of the books. When I first started working at the Haydon Burns Library, a colleague pointed out a woman who was using the photocopier ; "That's Elaine Konigsburg". I was in awe. She appeared at so many Much Ado About Books events in support of Jacksonville Public Library. It is so fitting that she's featured in one of the murals at the current Main Library. She was just as delightful as her books. I mourn her passing but celebrate her life and wonderful works.

Madge Bruner Hazen

April 21, 2013

My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends. I interviewed her at WJCT-FM Stereo 90. She was a quiet person but with such an imagination. We never were able to get together as friends.
She was a fruitful gift to our presence.

JoAnna Anderson

April 21, 2013

Thank you for giving so many children and adults such wonderful books and stories. May God bless and comfort your family and friends. You will be greatly missed.

Jay Meisel

April 21, 2013

Sorry to hear about Elaine. Her husband was a first cousin of my mother. I enjoyed her books and I met her several times.

Johna Long

April 21, 2013

She inspired me when I was young.To light such a flame is a wonderful thing. I passed the torch to my daughter who is now a Librarian,and my niece. Now my daughter will share your works with my granddaughter from my very books.Thank-You wonderful Lady.

Anita W. Moss

April 21, 2013

A beautiful, talented, witty woman has
passed from the world. I was a major fan, read all of her books, and met her
many times during her career. Her intelligence, open mind, and engaging
personality will shine in my memory.

Pamela Cone

April 21, 2013

My deepest condolences to Elaine's family. Elaine and my Mom Lois Volk-Ackerman became good friends as they got older and both lost their husbands. Mom used to tell me how she enjoyed their conversations. I know she is at peace and is probably enjoying visiting those family who went before her.

April 21, 2013

Thank you for everything, Mrs. Konigsburg. My sympathies to her family, and to the literary world.

John Slatery

April 21, 2013

Ross and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. You and your mother mean a lot to our family. May you find comfort in your memories of her and may she continue to inspire you in the days to come.

Nicole DiCarlo

April 21, 2013

Deepest sympathy sent to all family and friends...Every year, I share her writing with my 5th grade students and they are delighted by her stories, as I have been...so saddened by this great loss.

American Heart Association

April 20, 2013

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

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