NH Remembers Granny D, Who Walked Across US At 89

[Wilms]

NH Remembers Granny D, Who Walked Across US At 89

Mar 14, 2010

DUBLIN, N.H. (AP) ― Hundreds of people gathered at a church on Sunday afternoon to remember political activist Doris "Granny D" Haddock, who at age 89 walked across the country to raise awareness of campaign finance reform.

snip

A woman wearing a finance reform T-shirt passed around small pins in the shape of straw hats, reminiscent of the hat Haddock constantly wore during her walk. Unlike at some memorial services, the pre-service chatter in the church was robust and revolved around health care reform and other political matters, until the Rev. Michael Scott gave a gentle reminder to behave in the "spirit of preparation for worship."

But that feisty spirit carried over into the service, as speakers called on officials and citizens in the crowd to finish Haddock's political work.

Dennis Burke, who helped Haddock write her autobiography, "Granny D: You're Never Too Old to Raise a Little Hell," remembered Haddock as someone who spoke "without filter and without permission."

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While Haddock marveled at her late-life celebrity, Burke said, she believed she was no more special than anyone else. She believed, he said, every person had the capacity and responsibility to fight and speak up as she had.

http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsnh/Activist.Granny.D.2.1560324.html

[scarletwoman]

1. Thank you for this lovely post.

I have to admit, among all the sturm and drung of HCR, the fact that Granny D had just died slipped from the forefront of my consciousness. I'm very grateful for this gentle reminder that a truly valuable human being is no longer walking among us. :cry:

[Wilms]

2. Perhaps, in part, because I got to meet her, she 'gets' me too.

:cry:

:hug:

[scarletwoman]

3. I never met her. I read about her, and I read some truly outstanding writings by her.

To me she embodied the truly Gandhian spirit of living the way you want the world to be.

We badly need more people like her taking the message of common sense and civic involvement to the country at large.

I'm glad for you that you got to meet her. Thank you again for honoring her with your OP.

:hug:
sw

[graywarrior]

5. Same here

She called me a few months ago to ask for my help making phone calls. I told her I went back to school and she was thrilled. She told me how she started a new career at age 89 and that it was never too late to do the things you want to do.

I wll never forget that conversation. She was one of the most inspiring people I've ever met.

[stevedeshazer]

4. She was a beauty, and I'm so glad I got to meet her.

100. Wow.