I first learned about the Lucy Eleanor Leary paper dolls from the late Peggy Ell, who was an avid collector of this paper doll artist. Above: "Emily,"1956.
Peggy was a regular at the Morgantown Paper Doll Luncheon; last year her husband Bill joined her, too. I loved learning about Peggy's work and varied interests over the years, when we would sit and chat about paper dolls and everything else under the sun.
On Sunday, the New York City paper doll group met, and my friend Carol mentioned that she had just been in touch with Peggy via email and did I know that Peggy was performing in a community theater production of The Glass Menagerie? I didn't! But I did know that Peggy had caucused for Bernie Sanders in the recent Iowa Caucuses. I couldn't wait to ask Peggy what that was like, and now I also wanted to know all about her theater work. We had a lot to catch up with at the next luncheon.
As so often happens now, the terrible news was conveyed on Facebook, where her family called for prayers after she was felled by a stroke during a Monday rehearsal of the play. There was a glimmer of hope that Peggy would pull through, but she died early Tuesday morning.
I will miss her fellowship, generosity and knowledge. I'll treasure the conversations we had during our paper doll reunions.
She was certainly a very special paper doll person, wasn't she.
ReplyDeleteI did not know Peggy, but I have always loved Lucy Eleanor Leary paper dolls. So, it was wonderful to see this one, even if the reasons for posting it were sad. Condolences on the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteAs I was searching information on Lucy Leary Paper Dolls this is the first link that I found. To my surprise it was a link about my sister. This was very nice Linda, I THANK YOU!, even after 3 years. I am in the process now of helping to liquidate her collections, it is a daunting task, but this brightened my day.
ReplyDeleteoh how I miss Peggy! A wonderful person. I'll remind people here and on Facebook that your are selling her collection on eBay.
DeleteMy Aunt just came across this blog while research my mom, Peggy Ell's, Lucy Leary paper dolls. What a special blog.
ReplyDeleteYour mom was a special lady.
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