RIP: Marie Pizelo

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)