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Florence Heide Obituary
Heide died in her sleep Sunday night, one of her daughters, Judith Gilliland, told The Associated Press Tuesday. The Kenosha News reports family members and friends said Heide was in good health, and her death was unexpected.
"It was just her time, I guess," daughter Roxanne Pierce told the Kenosha News. "It came as a huge shock to me this morning. We had such a wonderful evening last night together. We watched a movie, made popcorn, laughed our heads off. It was very, very good, cozy and comfy. It made me feel good."
Gilliland said her mother, a longtime Kenosha resident, was the author of more than 100 children's books. Heide's works include mostly children's books, works co-authored with others, lyrics and poems She also wrote under the pseudonyms Alex B. Allen and Jamie McDonald.
Her most critically acclaimed work was "The Shrinking of Treehorn" in 1971, which was illustrated by Edward Gorey. The New York Times named it one of the best illustrated children's books of 1971.
Carthage College professor Marilyn Ward recalls times that she brought her entire class to the author's house.
"She was everybody's favorite, and she was such a fun person, always enthusiastic," Ward told the Kenosha News. "She had a real zest for everything she did."
In addition to Heide's daughters, survivors include sons David Heide and Parry Heide. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and a son, Christen.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Carthage College in Kenosha.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
32 Entries
Samuel Chell
April 28, 2012
I have never met a more caring, generous, and giving person than Florence. Attempts to congratulate her on her achievements or to console her on her personal losses were invariably deflected back to the offerer, who suddenly found himself the unlikely center of attention! Her radar about other people and her composure in the face of life's setbacks were truly remarkable. Like her character Treehorn, she had mastered the "growing game," and she remained a player for life, always up for a party, an adventure, a "good" time. I remember our discussions (and disagreements) about Donna Tart's "The Secret History" and our plans to project my old 16mm movies in her back yard on a midsummer's night. Her books were all about empowering young people to play the challenging game of life, and what the stories left out, their creator supplied by her instructive example.
Michelle Edwards
November 3, 2011
Roxie,
I remember fondly that lucky day in Racine at a SCBWI conference when you came up to me and told me your mom wanted to meet me. So modest. I was thrilled to meet Treehorn's creator. And over the years, I felt honored to get to know Florence through her many cards and letters. She will be missed.
EB
October 31, 2011
I would like to express my condolences to the family. During this time of great sadness, I hope that the Heide family find comfort from James 4:8. It says, "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." May you all look to God during this difficult time.
How you can show support
Amy Kellman
October 31, 2011
Florence was a good friend for many years. I was her last Pittsburgh connection. We partied at ALA for her 90th birthday. I always wished we lived closer. I'll miss her. Amy Kellman
Beverly
October 31, 2011
God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during distresses...Psalm 46:1
C. G.
October 30, 2011
Letting go of the pain isn't easy but it can make way for the treasured mmories that will no doubt always remain with you. (Ecclesiates3:1,4)
October 29, 2011
Seeing your Mom's obituary in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel gave me pause, Roxanne, to remember you and the seventh grade English class I taught at Lincoln Junior High in the early 1960's. My condolences to you and to your family.
Peter Steffen, Mequon, WI
Henryk Zaleski USN-Ret
October 29, 2011
Rest in peace where every story has a happy ending.
M Baker
October 28, 2011
She was my pen pal for 39 years. We started when I was 13. She was such a dear dear friend. I miss her terribly!
October 28, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Heide family on the death of Florence From reading her life story and amazing talent for reaching childrens hearts it reminds me of the words of (Ecclesiastes 7:1) "A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one's being born". May Ms Heide's fond memories grant you the peace and comfort needed to get through this most difficult time-
A.C.[charlotte nc]
L. Ellis
October 28, 2011
Sincere condolences to the family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Isa 33:24
Johnie M
October 27, 2011
I wanted to take a moment to express my condolences the Heide
Family. I prey they can take solace in the fact that there was no better
Way to have spent the last moments with this wonderful
Woman. After bringing untold joy in countless lives, She is now at rest, and waits
For the fulfillment of the words at John 5:28.29, where she will be in a paradise
Described for us at Isa 11:6-9
Ann Pissard
October 27, 2011
My memory of Ms. Heide were the wonderful times she opened her home to all friends and family who participated in many English Festivals parties. I loved her grace and sharing of her stories. Knowing her daughter Roxie also reflected in her mother's memories. Thank you both for you grace and hospitality. Everything on earth has its own time, and its own season... for crying and laughing, weeping and dancing....Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 Lifting everyone up in prayer in your loss. Hugs...Ms. Heide will be missed.
Sheri Sinykin
October 27, 2011
I was so blessed to know and love Florence Parry Heide, my first children's book writing mentor. I hold Roxie, Parry, Anne, David and the rest of her family in the Light as they move through their grief. Florence was such a source of love and inspiration. May her memory be for a blessing.
October 27, 2011
Her life story shows that she was a kind, compassionate, and loving woman. I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope these words brings comfort to your family during this difficult time. "He is healing the brokenhearted ones,
And is binding up their painful spots." Psalms 147:3
John 5:28, 29
October 26, 2011
My heart goes out to all who loved and cared about this sweet little lady. She truly had a special gift. I am sorry for your loss.
S. N. Shriver
October 26, 2011
God bless Florence for making this
a kinder world... for teaching children
gentle ways
S N Shriver
October 26, 2011
RIP
October 26, 2011
i wonder who wrote these book in 1971 , what a sweet soul she was,, her books will carry on,, what good memory you have of your mom, ,god be with her family as they trow this difficult time,,
J Ours
October 26, 2011
My heart goes out to the family. I've enjoyed the books written by Ms. Heide. My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Walsh, in 1991 had introduced me to her writings and took us on a field trip to her house in Kenosha. She will be dearly missed. God Bless.
October 26, 2011
May the God of all comfort give you peace and see you through this difficult time.
Kristi Rahm (Pfaff)
October 26, 2011
To Roxy, Heather and family,
I was so saddened to hear the news about Nainie. What an amazing woman! What an imagination! Her life is certainly something to be celebrated. Her undeniable zest for life, positive outlook and laughter will continue to live on through you…I always loved that about your family. You could see the love she had for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even those of us who have had the privilege to spend even a small amount of time with her have been touched and inspired by her warm spirit. May the many, many wonderful memories you have of her be comforting to you. Love and prayers to you and your family in this time of sadness. She will be missed.
Judy Garty
October 26, 2011
How I treasure Florence, my very dear friend! My heart goes out to Roxy, Judy, and the boys. She left as she lived--without fuss and with quiet elegance.
Tami Bramblett
October 26, 2011
I have enjoyed her work since I was a child myself. My condolences to the family, God Bless
October 26, 2011
May it comfort the family to know that God, as well as others, care about your feelings at this time.
Cynthia
October 26, 2011
"In themselves the days of our years are seventy years.And if because of special mightiness they are eighty years"Florence show my her days she had that mightiness may she be remember for a life time.
walterrean salley
October 26, 2011
A beautiful woman with great talent. A treasure has been taken from amongst us, but we will cherish her legacy. God bless the Heide family. With deepest expressions.
Michael Marbury
October 26, 2011
The time will come that we will all look to.Psalms 145:16
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
October 26, 2011
REST IN PEACE
Sheila Smith
October 25, 2011
Rest in Peace Florence for a life well lived.
S. Brady
October 25, 2011
Oh to help a child read...it opens their mind to so many things....What a gift Flo gave the world!
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