Nancy Willard

She is one of the treasures of the heart of the world. Nancy's poems and stories and presence was/is a source of magic - the real magic that renders us more human. Trying to find a particular poem this morning, deciding to finally write to thank her.. I discovered that Nancy had died and was shocked .. but then calmed by the knowledge that she remains always with us as inspiration. She will be deeply missed by family, neighbors, students.. perhaps the moon herself will have to force itself...

Oh Anatole!

Lucky world, to have had Nancy Willard's presence and her particular enchantments. Lucky us, to have her books as evidence that such a rare, generous-minded soul actually walked among us. Meeting her was a quiet, lively privilege. Reading her is a perennial joy.

Dear Eric,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Nancy gave so much to so many of us. I'm grateful for her friendship and for the time we spent together when I was a student at Vassar. Sharing Nancy's children's books and poems with my son Aidan over the years has been a joy.
Thinking of you and your family,
Mary Reed

She was a true angel on earth. She came to teach at Hollins when I was there and we shared a house there for two weeks.... she couldn't have been kinder and more in love with life and beauty.

Nancy was a beloved teacher and friend of mine. I am sad that she is gone, but will remember her always since she has been inspired me for all these years.

I feel so fortunate to have known her. Each encounter was a delight. Vassar and Poughkeepsie have lost a ray of sunshine who warmed and charmed all she met.