Smiling through the tears for Anna

If I were writing this column with pen and paper instead of the computer, it would be stained with tears. This community, this world, and most intimately the family of Anna Pearce are mourning her death … and celebrating her extraordinary life. So many memories came flooding in when the news of Patty Duke’s passing broke on Tuesday morning. And as is a testament to that courageous bright light and wit who was a friend to many, most of my memories bring a smile. I met Anna back in the late ’80s in the checkout line at Rosauers on Appleway and Highway 95, of all places. I was startled to recognize her as we were shopping. I was a bit star struck and explained to my 13-year-old daughter who she was but my daughter had no clue about the 1960s icon. Until I mentioned she was Sean and McKenzie Astin’s mom. Then my daughter was the starstruck one. More here.

• Edit: A heart bigger than the biggest screen /Coeur d’Alene Press