Mary Jeanne Fischer 1934 – 2023

My biggest fan has died – my book barmy mother passed away on July 24 — a day shy of her 89th birthday. Her last days were spent in a lovely hospice, peacefully, without pain and with my Dad and her children at her side – and for that we are grateful.

My mom was my biggest fan in all aspects of my life, whether it was my efforts to learn to ride a bike, struggles with high school algebra, cramming for my MBA finals, career woes, or just dealing with life – my Mom was always there for me.

She was the first to love me completely, to protect me, and to boast about me.

We agreed that we often had a difficult relationship. She and my dad had me when they were only 20. I often joked I was born 9 months and 15 minutes after they were married – pretty much true!.

So, not quite enough years between us to have a fully grown-up, mother-daughter relationship – as she, herself was still coming into her own. But we always had unbroken love and vast appreciation for each other.

My mom was a major influence in my love of books; she took me to get my first library card, and we went to the neighborhood library every week when I was growing up. She bought me Nancy Drew’s out of the grocery money, and let me read, and re-read, her copy of Little Women. We spent happy hours talking and arguing about books, and when together, we would seek out a bookshop or two (preferably used).

She loved this blog, and was my biggest fan, and enlisted followers among her book group and friends.

Not just an avid reader, my mother was an accomplished flutist, weaver, and knitter. She went back to school and got her college degree in her forties and then had a career as an accountant.

Next to my desk is the pile of books chosen and saved for her – I sent her books every month.

We laughed that she was the sole member of the Book Barmy of the Month Club.

There’s also a wrapped vintage collection of Anne of Green Gables found in a used bookshop on one of our travels and saved for her birthday – she would have loved them.

When I was back East, I picked up a book from Mom’s shelves which I had sent her, and she had saved the note I wrote for her in the book. Came home last week and picked up a book she sent me a few months ago and a similar such note from her was tucked inside – sigh.

Oh how I will miss my Book Barmy Mom ~~ this was one of our favorite quotes.

We had matching fridge magnets – and it still makes me smile.

In time, I will talk about her favorite books – she would have liked that.