It has been a long while since I wrote a blog post, life has a habit of getting in the way. Some things that we think are very important, take over and we let them consume us. Yesterday, I opened my email to the sad news that Jean Leinhauser had unexpectedly passed away. So many emotions flashed through my mind. I could not believe this news, it was not registering in my brain. This cannot be true, didn't I just get an email from Jean 2 days ago? When Jean's great friend and business partner, Rita Weiss confirmed Jean's death, I was devastated.
I cannot remember the year that I actually met Jean, but I remember the meeting. I introduced myself, so happy to finally meet her, and she took my hand and said "Margaret, I know who you are". I was so blown away by this that I was speechless. A few years ago, Jean and Rita presented me with a sparkly, rhinestone pin that says "Old Broads Rule" and officially inducted me into the OBC (Old broads club). It has been a running joke and great fun at conferences when we wear our pins.
Jean was to be honored next month at the Crochet Conference in Minnesota for being voted in as the first member of the Crochet Hall of Fame. Her lifelong achievements in designing and publishing are so numerous that it would take a book to list all her books. Now in addition to honoring Jean, all of us will be remembering her and all the great things that she accomplished, and what a great friend she was.
Jean was a legend in the world of crochet and she will be sorely missed. So many wonderful things have been written about Jean, she touched so many lives, I for one will feel her presence every time I attend a conference. I know that she will be with us and making sure that I am wearing my pin, and encouraging all the OBIT's (Old Broad's in Training) to keep on trying for excellence in their work, and to keep on submitting their designs.
We'll miss you Jean.
Margaret
Photo - Rita Weiss, Me, and Jerry R (from Texas Chapter) surrounding Jean.
6 comments:
A beautiful tribute, Margaret.
Thanks for that lovely blog about our great friend Jean. I only met her once at last year's Chain Link Conference in Manchester and I remember her sweet personality. I had planned to bring some of the early Lienhauser crochet leaflets from my pattern collection to N.C. and ask for her autograph. Alas, that is not to be. We always think we'll have more time and opportunity to be with our friends.
I'm going to miss her, too. I've no one to tease now, over the posts she used to send telling us to quit beating the dead horse and stuff like that.
Wasn't she just great? Thanks for sharing your memories with us.
And I'll miss her also, such a great lady, she knew how to make all of us feel special.
Margaret! It's good to see you on the blogosphere...
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and colleague.
Your friend Mary Kay from DFW Fiber Fest.
Margaret, that is a very nice tribute to Jean. I never got to meet her, although I did see her and Rita at CGOA conferences in the past. She was so influential in the world of needlearts, and she will be missed by so many. I'm happy to be an OBIT!
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