MARLBORO, Vt. (AP) - Children's book illustrator Tasha Tudor, whose whimsical drawings of country outings, gardens and family life in rural New England echoed her own picturesque lifestyle, has died. She was 92.
Tudor, who illustrated such classics as "Little Women" and "The Secret Garden," died Wednesday at her home, surrounded by her family and friends, according to a statement posted on her Web site. Her death was confirmed by Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro, which was handling the arrangements.
"She was ahead of her time, but she lived in the past," said Jill Adams-Mancivalano, a longtime friend.
Tudor, who quit school after eighth grade, wrote or collaborated on nearly 100 children's books after making her debut with "Pumpkin Moonshine" in 1938. Besides "The Secret Garden," she illustrated "The Night Before Christmas" and wrote books of her own, including "Corgiville Fair."
Her home in this southern Vermont town was a replica of a 19th-century New England homestead, replete with antique utensils, tiny windows and doorways of varying sizes. In later life, she burnished her reputation among fans with her gardening, weaving and sewing exploits.
She made her own clothing — fashioned after 19th-century apparel — and raised Nubian goats for their milk.
Adams-Mancivalano, whose family farm in nearby Wilmington hosted open-to-the-public birthday parties and other events in which Tudor held forth with fans, called her a witty, engaging homebody who loved to insert friends, family members and little details of her own life into her work.
"Just to watch her draw — the detail and the whimsy that she had in her later life was just incredible. I asked her about that one time, how her work has evolved, and her comment to me was, 'Well, my eyesight is starting to fail, and I don't have the perfection I used to,' so she'd add more stuff."
Her family said an online memorial on her Web site was open for fans to share their feelings and memories of her. The address is www.tashatudorandfamily.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
I used to work on her farm, caring for her horsed, for a while and stayed at her home in Warner, N.H. for the summer. I will always remember the time, at her beautiful farm. I enjoyed the experience, of caring for her animals. I was also, glad I'd had the chance to meet her and know her. She was a special Lady, and one of a kind.
Virginia Perez
November 06, 2023 | Keene, NH | Friend
I have been blessed by the beauty Tasha shared in her lovely artwork. Take Joy was my first book of hers and is my favorite.
I believe that was the message she wanted us all to get. This world can rob us of that childlike joy! And she sought to share that. And true joy is found only in the Lord.
Anne Tanner
November 13, 2019 | Palm Bay, FL | Acquaintance
A woman who was a great inspiration to me. Loved her books, illustrations, gardens, corgis and her unique way of living. She will be passed on to my children and grandchildren to continue loving. Rest In Peace my dear lady. I would have liked to known you!
Deb Novakovic
August 03, 2018 | Ithaca, NY
I loved Tasha Tudor!I have all her adult books with her Christmas,art,fall everyone I could find. I was so sad to hear she past. I have a CD take joy.May you Rip Tasha!
Karen Jakeway
February 19, 2018 | Petoskey, MI
I remember when I was a child my mother gave me 5 stories from a collection of Tasha, they were the most beautiful books I've ever had in my life. The good thing is that I have lived for so many years, creating beautiful things.
maby martin
February 17, 2018 | Buenos Aires
I know it's a few years since Tasha passed.But I so loved reading about her life in the original Victoria magazine in the 1980's.
The pictures and her writings with her artwork were so magical and enjoyable.If only Victoria magazine had stayed as they were. I d still have a subscription, and someday I will order a Tasha Tudor big art book and stories just for my birthday.
Tasha,you were a Lady of Ladies before your time.Your approach to life was so very simple,beautiful and...
Vickie Pierce
January 16, 2018 | Ringgold, GA
I first found Tasha Tudor from a book of the month club. It looked interesting, so I ordered it. Little did I know how much it would change my life. I fell in love with Tasha, her gardens, her corgen, her "Choose Joy" attitude. I planned a surprise getaway to Williamsburg for 2 close friends, packing homemade lunchboxes for the trip. What a thrill to see Tasha''s Doll House , stuffed Corgis, Firesidestove, Teacups, artwork all in person. It was Fabulous. Darling Lady, may you garden in a...
Jeanie McMahon
October 17, 2017 | Richlandtown, PA
Today I discovered Tasha Tudor.I am from the Netherlands. I love her story and illustrations and art of living. To honour her I posted her story on my Facebook: Winy's Window.It is a magic world.Thank you Tasha Tudor for your gift to the world. Winy Brouwer
Winy Brouwer
August 14, 2017 | Harderwijk Netherlands
Valenda Newell
June 19, 2017 | Indianapolis, IN