Thu., Oct. 20, 2011

RIP: Marie Pizelo

In 20 years as a greeter at the Women's Hearth, Marie Pizelo, center, touched the lives of many struggling women through her warm welcome and her artwork. The women of the day center in downtown Spokane recently gathered in honor of Pizelo, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. "All my life, I've had a thing for people who suffer alone," she said. (Colin Mulvany)

Marie Pizelo, a woman who turned her childhood abuse into beautiful art and advocacy for women, died yesterday at Hospice House.

In my October 9 story (and in Colin Mulvany's wonderful video) Marie passed on her words of wisdom to dozens of women who gathered in her honor at the Women's Hearth in downtown Spokane, where Marie volunteered for nearly 20 years.

She greeted women when they first came in the center. She remembered every name.

In life, she said, "We don’t give the simple acts enough credit.”

Marie knew that Theresa Lamkin, a sister from the St. Francis of Philadelphia community, was on her way. Sister Theresa, who now lives in Portland, knew Marie during her eight years in ministry at the Women's Hearth.

Sister Theresa arrived. Held and hugged her old friend. And a few minutes later, Marie passed on.

Do you think that dying people wait for certain people to arrive before they let go?

(Colin Mulvany S-R photo)

Posted Oct. 20, 2011, 3:17 p.m.