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Madge Turner Griswold

Madge Griswold Obituary

GRISWOLD, Madge Turner, author, historian, and genealogist, died November 25, 2007 at her home in Tucson. The cause of death was complications from breast cancer, which she fought bravely for the last eight years. Madge Elaine Turner was born on December 3, 1941 in Fulton, New York, the daughter of James Munson Turner and Virginia Jane Sperry. She received her BA degree with majors in history and journalism from Syracuse University and an MA degree in history from The University of Arizona. Between pursuing those degrees, from the mid 1960's through 1971, Griswold was a technical writer with Bell Telephone Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey. Subsequently she became a freelance writer, working out of Tucson. Griswold was the author of numerous books and articles, largely in the fields of food, food history, and computer science. Among her culinary works was A Cook's Tour of Tucson, as well as the "Arizona and New Mexico" section of Culinaria, The United States, and coauthor of its "Texas" section. Among the computer science works are The SNOBOL 4 Primer and The Icon Programming Language (both with husband Ralph Edward Griswold), which helped popularize the two influential computer programming languages. Griswold was also an avid volunteer for her communities, for example volunteering at Tucson Medical Center in the 1970's and later for the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). Griswold's husband, Ralph, preceded her in death, passing in October 2006. She is survived by a step son, William Gale Griswold (wife, Maureen Feeley) and their two children Atticus Joseph Edward Griswold and Hannah Ciona Feeley Griswold of San Diego, California; and a step daughter, Rebecca Griswold Reid (husband, Brian) and their children Kathryn Ann Reid and Emily Rose Reid of Coupeville, Washington. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Tucson. In lieu of flowers, in accordance with Ms. Griswold's wishes the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Madge Griswold

15 Entries

Mary Curtis

February 1, 2008

Madge was my college roommate. We did keep in touch from time to time, so when I didn't hear from her for awhile I suspect that cancer had stolen her away. We were sorority sisters, Episcopalians, and shared the same majors (history and journalism), as well as rooming together. I'm so glad I made the effort to visit her while on a western trip in 2001. My most vivid memory of her was, at a sorority party, dressed in a slinky dress singing singing, "Come on big boy, ten cents a day." And then there was that time when she painted the toe nails on the clawfoot bathrobe with a vivid red nail polish.
We did have fun!

Linda Berzok

January 6, 2008

I met Madge 7 years ago when I began spending winters in Tucson. I was looking for a colleague and friend and didn't need to go any further than Madge! Even then, she had just finished radiation treatments and was very tired. We spent many lunches together at local restaurants and I took her out for her last birthday dinner a year ago December. She was so much fun, a wise, witty and wonderful friend who is sorely missed. We talked a lot about the field of food studies, projects and research. She was always encouraging and supportive. But we shared many personal stories and secrets as well and fast became best friends.

Ann Sperry

December 23, 2007

My husband, Tim, was one of Madge's first cousins. We always corresponded at Christmas time. This summer we were so fortunate to reunite with Madge when she attended our Sperry Family Reunion. She was very interesting to visit with and so knowledgable regarding family history. We have lost a wonderful person.

Gregory White

December 13, 2007

I unfortunately, only met Madge and Ralph through their work. But I felt close. And had visions of one of the sweetest couple that I know.
I am left with great happiness to have bumped into their work and legacy.

Antonia Allegra

December 13, 2007

When it comes to bright writers,
Madge was with the top of the list.
Her abilities to research, write, and to link important information was outstanding - all while being a lovely human being. I miss Madge, her smile, and her sense of what was right and beautiful. We all miss her, without question. Love to her
family and very close friends.

Terry Ford

December 11, 2007

I knew Madge through the International Association of Culinary Professonals via Phoneix, brain smart, and one of the nicest people you ever want to meet, it saddened me about her death, I did no know about her illness, because I had problems with my heart, now healed by a transplant.

Mary Sperry

December 4, 2007

This past summer, during a family reunion, Madge came and everyone was so very glad to see her. The last time we say Madge and Ralph was at our daughter Jennifer's wedding 5/2003. Madge was my husband John Sperry's first cousin. She will be deeply missed.
Our deepest sympathy's go to Madge and Ralph's family.

Jennifer Santiago

December 3, 2007

Madge was my father's (John Sperry) cousin. We met when she travelled to New York for my wedding and again this summer for our family reunion. She was a wonderful woman who will be dearly missed. My love is with her family who surely feel her loss deeply.

Dan Doernberg

December 3, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Madge's (and Ralph's) death. I worked with both of them on the final edition of "Icon Programming Language" (and with Ralph and coauthors on the Icon Graphics book) and both were always wonderful to deal with: exceedingly competent and focused on quality, always modest about their many accomplishments.

My sympathies to the family.

PS-- I kept some book-related materials here (e.g. extra prints of the Icon Graphics cover that Ralph spent so much time getting just right) that I would be happy to send you if that would be of interest.

Dan Doernberg
Peer-to-Peer Communications LLC

Catherine Evans

December 2, 2007

Madge and I met in Gascony and after about three minutes became friends for life. We were roommates at many meetings and conferences and visited at each others homes.We shared passions for genealogy, food, new experiences, and writing. She will always remain an inspiration.

Martha Willoughby

December 2, 2007

Madge will be missed by all of her friends in IACP. She was a true treasure to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her.

Viktors Berstis

November 30, 2007

Madge and Ralph were a model couple. We will all miss them, but continue to treasure memories or them and their work.

Gordon E. Peterson II

November 30, 2007

I met Madge in Paris about 15 years ago, where she spoke about Icon to a group of computer fans there. Unfortunately, I never managed to meet Ralph, although I had E-mailed him on a variety of occasions while he had been alive.

Ralph and Madge's legacy leaves a remarkable contribution to the field of Computer Science, for which those of us aware of their manifold contributions to Computer Science will be eternally grateful!

Both SNOBOL and Icon will permanently change many of our attitudes about computer programming, and algorithmic development. A wonderful tribute to both Ralph and Madge.

Robin Kline

November 30, 2007

"Blithe spirit" comes to mind when I think about my treasured friend Madge. I carry her smile and laugh in my heart. Generous, curious, thoughtful, insightful and darned smart, Madge was gracious and had a wicked sense of humor--which we all appreciated! I feel her spirit with me, especially in the kitchen, as she continues to inspire my culinary creativity--and keep me on my toes for digging way behind the headlines in current events. What a beautiful student of life, Madge! What a model of how to be a friend. Dear Madge, can't wait to see you again soon. In the meantime, enjoy an exquisite bottle of red with Ralph and wait on our arrival. Thanks for the memories and the inspiration, always. Love you!

Andrey Yeatts

November 29, 2007

The world was greatly enriched by Madge and Ralph, and it was a pleasure and an honor to know them.

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