Susanna Springer, owner of Joseph's Coat, has died. I received word from Mary that she did not come to work at the shop on Friday. It is presumed that she died in her sleep Thursday night or Friday morning. I think of Susanna as being one of Missoula's most notable characters. She always had an opinion and never hesitated to share it. She was talented beyond measure and wildly knowledgeable about her craft.
There is no news yet regarding a service of any kind, nor has there been an obituary.
Susanna will be missed.
All Sparkles All The Time
2 hours ago
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5 comments:
Susanna was a staple in this community, and not to knitters. She will be missed by many. I was so sad to hear of her passing today, she seemed like the kind of woman who could live forever, telling stories from her childhood and talking politics. It's strange to think that she won't be sitting in her chair in Joseph's Coat anymore, waiting to greet the next customer....
I'm so glad to have known such a crazy ol lady. I'm happy she was active and able to do what she loved right up until the end of her life. The last time I saw her, I brought Dad and Gma into the shop for some birthday shopping. It's a wonderful last memory. I hope she went in peace and comfort...
I found this:
http://knittingiris.typepad.com/knitting_iris/2005/09/missoula.html
Very sad. I liked going in to the shop and hearing her rants. The one I remember most was a few months ago. Her dog-walker friend arrived from her daily puppy duty. She was about 12 or 13, slightly apathetic and eyes rolling but trying to suck it up for appearances.Susanna smiled at her and handed her some money, attempted some conversation, and the girl murmured her response and headed to the door. Before she reached it, Susanna said, "Hey! I love you- you know that, right? Have a good day." The girl eyes bobbled and she sighed a great and dramatic, "I know..." but I did see her perk up. After she walked out the door, Susanna chuckled and turned to me. Looking me straight in the eye she said, "I think its important for children to know they are loved- and by that I mean by everyone, not just the obvious. Don't you think?" I told her there wasn't anything she could have said that I could have agreed with more.
http://shakespeareandco.com/2009/06/09/susanna-springer/
Such a sad loss for knitters and Missoulians alike. 3 weeks ago, I called and needed some knitting needles. Susanna was on her way out the door, but she put the needles in her mailbox for me to pick up whenever I made it there, and told me to just swing by and pay for them when it was convenient. Last week she put in an order for EVERY SIZE addi lace needle because that is what I was looking for, and she didn't know about them, and wanted to make sure that next time I needed one she'd have the right size. She was planning on hosting a book signing... at her house though, not the store. She loved her house, and felt that it would distract people less than a shop full of yarn. I guess I always figured she'd go out in a ball of fire, but I'm glad she just went home at the end of the day and went to the deepest sleep. She'll definitely be missed by me and many others.
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