Remembering Florence Parry Heide

Florence Parry Heide, a well-known author of many children's books, died Oct. 23, 2011, in Kenosha, the city where she lived for most of her life. The Center for Children's Literature at Carthage College extends deepest condolences to Florence Parry Heide's family and friends.

A memorial service and celebration was held at the A. F. Siebert Chapel on the Carthage College campus for Florence on Oct. 29, 2011. During the celebration, various neighbors, friends and relatives sang songs, recited poetry and related stories depicting her gracious, enthusiastic, fun-loving personality. At the conclusion of the celebration, guests lofted numerous brightly colored balloons over Lake Michigan and remembered one of Florence's book characters, Princess Hyacinth, the floating princess.

Back in 2005 Carthage and the Center for Children's Literature recognized Florence as a talented author of more than 100 books, gracious lady, and an unforgettable friend. In the fall of that year, Carthage honored Florence at a celebration called "One Author, Many Artists: A Tribute to Florence Parry Heide." An exhibit featuring original artwork by Victoria Chess, Cathryn Falwell, Jules Feiffer, Judy Glasser, Edward Gorey, Marilyn Hafner, Barbara Lehman, Ted Lewin, Kenneth Longtemps, Wendell Minor, and Nadine Westcott was on display at the H. F. Johnson Art Gallery.

In remembering Florence, Prof. Marilyn Ward recalled that Florence regularly visited her children's literature classes at Carthage. There were also times when Prof. Ward brought her whole class to the Heide home for a visit with the author. "She was everybody's favorite, and she was such a fun person, always enthusiastic," Prof. Ward commented. "She had a real zest for everything she did."

The family has suggested memorial remembrances in Florence Parry's Heide's name be made to the Center for Children's Literature at Carthage College, 2001 Alford Park Dr., Kenosha, WI 53140, or to Kenosha Public Library Foundation, P. O. Box 1414, Kenosha, WI 53141.

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