Margaret MacArthur Gravely Ill

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur Passed Away
From:
Date: 24 May 06 - 03:20 PM

Margaret MacArthur passed away last night after a brief illness. Her family plans a memorial service on June 11th. Please see earlier messages regarding cards etc.

Her presence on this earth will be missed, but her legacy will remain for generations to come.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur Gravely Ill
From: KathWestra
Date: 24 May 06 - 03:08 PM

Here is the link to the other thread:
Margaret MacArthur Obit Thread
Kathy

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur Gravely Ill
From: KathWestra
Date: 24 May 06 - 03:05 PM

To Lynn and Margaret's many other friends and fans, I'm sorry to report that we lost Margaret last night, Tuesday, May 23, between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. She died peacefully at her farm in Marlboro, Vermont, surrounded by her husband John, children Megan, Dan, Gary and John, and her grandchildren. They were with her and singing for her until the end. Her struggle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, diagnosed just a little over a week ago, was mercifully brief. We are all the poorer for this loss. There is now an Obit thread about Margaret which should be used for future postings. I'll post the link in a subsequent message. Kathy

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur Gravely Ill
From: GUEST,Lynn Noel
Date: 24 May 06 - 10:01 AM

I learned this dreadful news at a FSSGB showing of the BBC memorial for Bob Copper. Margaret, I am not ready for this. None of us are. I am not ready to speak of you in the third person or the past tense, and can only hope that some of these thanks and prayers for your life work may make their way from Mudcat to you and your family.

Such a family as the MacArthurs enriches us every bit as much as the Coppers. To have singing families living the tradition right here in New England is a great gift, close to home and in our own community. Margaret has been a personal inspiration to me on so many levels--as a collector, as a ballad singer, a songmaker, an educator and a Vermont woman, all of which I've striven to be myself over the years. I can't imagine I'll ever come close to the nature of Margaret's gentle grace, but it speaks to me more with each passing year.

It is the irony of the living tradition that a strand of it dies with each life. We must weep anew when any tradition bearer passes, and pause before we reweave the hole they leave. Margaret chose to take up and carry the Vermont tradition with a depth and integrity that few can match, making of her life an instrument and a song. I'm grateful to have heard this news while you are still with us, for however short a time, and feel immensely fortunate to have lived and made music in Vermont with Margaret MacArthur.

Margaret, you're one of my heroes. I didn't get a chance to tell Jack Langstaff that. I hope someone in your family may be able to pass it on from me to you, with the understanding that it may already be too late and your focus is and must be on the passage ahead. But some things need to be said, when we won't get a chance to leave them unsaid at a next happy meeting. It's important to honor our own.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: kendall
Date: 22 May 06 - 05:46 PM

I find myself dreading to return to this thread, but I can't stay away from it.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 May 06 - 05:00 PM

This is very, very sad news. I fell in love with Margaret, her songs, and her singing the first time I heard her. After we met her she was always so generous, such a warm and charming person, that she became very special to us. She brought us so many fine songs and such a sense of the music and history of her part of the country.

Amost exactly 20 years ago, at an informal gathering, I got up nerve to approach her and ask whether she had recorded "the song about the crooked legged colt." She said, "Oh, I'm glad you like it. It's called Bill Hopkins' Colt and it's on the my album called "Make the Wildwood Ring.'" She said the LP was out of print at that time and she didn't know where I could buy it -- "So just find someone with the album and ask them to tape it for you." So nice.

Another time she let me try playing her MacArthur harp, which had fascinated me during her latest concert. I felt very much at home with it and was lucky enough to find one for myself. Of course I learned to play it from Margaret's book and tape. I'll likely never do it justice, or play it with her sensitivity and skill, but it's something to aim for anyway.

She is a bright star. I wish her a calm passing, filled with love and as much comfort and ease as is humanly possible.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 22 May 06 - 01:19 PM

Oh my goodness, this is terrible news. One of the first Folkways records I ever owned was Margaret MacArthur's Folk Songs of Vermont. About ten years ago I was so happy to learn she was still alive. And now this. Words fail me.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 06 - 02:42 AM

Margaret is a rare light. I am happy to know she had some selections included in the Mudcat CD, thanks to Kytrad who insisted on her being contacted before she would agree to be included herself. She is a gracious lady and a very talented and beautiful musician.

I am in Margaret's debt for "High Chin Bob", which I learned from her playing, and countless other songs I would like to learn.

I wish her peace and a happy transition to whatever is ahead for her.

A

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 22 May 06 - 01:00 AM

What a tragic loss - one of the greats. It is a small, though inadequate, comfort that she will be remembered immortalized in the instrument she rediscovered, the MacArthur harp. She is also a fine songmaker.

This news leaves a big hollow feeling. I'm so sorry to learn of it.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 22 May 06 - 12:35 AM

I remember Margaret as a fount of Vermont lore and music of incalculable depth. She was always friendly, remembered me whenever she saw me, and was generous with her materials. Whenever I heard her sing something (for example, in the informal "guerilla ballad sessions" at the Old Songs Festival), and I wanted it, she always sent me not only the words and the music, but a wealth of the history and social background that were the contexts of the song. In everything she did, the music and history and social lore and scholarship were so bound inextricably that it became a model for me; I too had a responsibility whenever appropriate to bundle the songs I sing with the extra materials that set them into place.

I can only wish her an easy exit, and a supply of grace to face her final journey with awareness of the context that she journeys there with the love of many who have known her.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: GUEST,Lisa Null
Date: 21 May 06 - 11:04 PM

Margaret is a wonderful and helpful friend who taught me much about researching songs but even more about the mysteries of juggling life, family, and performing. Throughout the seventies, we visited back and forth many times-- me to immerse myself in her library, and she to chill out among friends while on the road. Often she slept in her big blue van in my front yard, even in winter because she preferrred the crisp cold at night to the heat of my house. My children loved her and felt at home with her. As sweet and cheerful as she is, she can be emotionally extremely forthright about how she feels and what she thinks--and that for me was a great plus as it helped get our friendship off to a rolicking start. I loved the way she combined the sometimes grueling tasks of self-sufficient farm living with her life as an artist-- sometimes complaining a little at the stresses it placed upon her but also taking pride in handling both parts of her life so well. This gave me hope that singing vs. domesticity didn't have to be an either/or situation though she helped me understand that sometimes one or the other might have to take a back seat for awhile.

One of my fondest memories is of the day we got to talking so fast and furiously as she salted a huge, freshly butchered pig and set up preserves for the winter. I remember her hard-working, strong hands moving methodically back and forth from one task to the next-- hands that were just as skillful and surprisingly delicate when playing her dulcimer and lap harp. Suddenly we both realized a terrible thing had happened: she had sugared the pig and salted the preserves. This is a terrible mistake when one thinks not of the evening menu but of a season's food supply ruined. Still, after lamenting her loss, Margaret let on that it was also pretty funny so we laughed and laughed.

It's that kind of double-edged perspective that both delights and inspirea me about her--and I hope I can draw upon it now as I hang on to the joy of knowing her while lamenting that she has to take this all too final road trip too soon and with only the gratitude, love and well-wishes of friends and family for company,

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: CeltArctic
Date: 21 May 06 - 08:41 PM

It has been a long while since I have posted - too long. But this news has inspired me to share.

I met Margaret only once, sad to say. I live in Yellowknife, NWT, far from the kinds of face to face circles that would allow me to know a person like Margaret better. However, thanks to the Internet, I was able to make a connection with her prior to the Folk Alliance Conference in Vancouver. I had sent a request out to anyone interested in sharing a ballad set with me at the conference. Margaret responded.

Together, along with fellow Canadian balladeer, Paddy Tutty, we shared one of the most magical evenings of ballads I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

One of the things that made this evening so special for the three of us was that we represented three generations of ballad singers. We sang similar ballads. We all played the Appalachian dulcimer, although we each had distinctive styles. Most importantly, we all shared a tremendous love of ballad singing.

Since that night, Margaret and I have kept in touch by email. I had always hoped we could get together again, maybe even collaborate on an album. I regret that that will no longer be possible. But I am very grateful that we had our chance to connect.

I will miss her more than I can express with words.

Moira Cameron

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: karen k
Date: 21 May 06 - 08:39 PM

There are no words right now. Margaret has been a dear friend for about 36 years. Many memories of good times and good songs. The contribution Margaret has made to traditional music will last forever. She will not be forgotten and will live in my heart forever.

Margaret, I wish you well on your final journey home.

We've got loved ones over yonder,
We've got loved ones over yonder,
We've got loved ones over yonder,
Over yonder's ocean.

Some bright day we'll go and see them,
Some bright day we'll go and see them,
Some bright day we'll go and see them,
Over yonder's ocean.

Won't that be a happy meeting,
Won't that be a happy meeting,
Won't that be a happy meeting,
Over yonder's ocean.

Much love Margaret, John and family.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 May 06 - 08:33 PM

Truly a tragic loss and I too enjoyed her occasional posts at the 'Cat. My best thoughts to her good friends and family and all those who knew her best. I would wish her a quick passing. This is a horrible disease.

Karen and I were just talking about CJD the other day. It comes up in our conversations about once a month. Like most of you I had never heard of CJD until I married a lab tech 20 years ago. I was worried about her field of woork and all the possibilities for diseases such as AIDS. I soon found that lab folks pretty much laugh most of that stuff off as they closely follow sterile techniques in "fixing" the tissue samples for processing. What they all fear the most and I do mean FEAR is CJD. It is very rare but you can't kill it through normal means and often the brain tissue sample is not known or even suspected of CJD. There is a lot to be said of the disease, but you don't want to know. It moves quickly though and is like Alzheimer's to the Nth degree.

Again, all my best thoughts to her family.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 21 May 06 - 08:22 PM

Margaret has been an inspiration and role model for me
for decades. Although she doesn't know me, I feel that
she is an important part of me.

I recently heard that she was badly ill... but I guess
that none of us knew how badly. What a terrible way to go.
May she and her family find some strength and support from
those who know and love her.

-Pamela

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 May 06 - 07:41 PM

Boy, sometimes things just come out of the blue. Margaret is one of those folks that I would speak of with awe when I would speak about the Mudcat, The Getaway, and how much it has influenced my musical life. I wish her well on the next leg of the journey, and condolences to her family. Her voice will be easy to find in this world in the voices of those she has shared with and taught to. God be good to her.

Mick

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 21 May 06 - 07:24 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and her family.

Over the years, our paths would cross at various festivals and events. The last time I saw Margaret was at the Folk Alliance at Montreal. I did not even realize she was there until she tapped me on the shoulder to say hello. I will always remember her warm smile and gracious manner, and how her friendly demeanor would always make me feel welcome and special. It is people like Margaret MacArthur that make the "folk" community so very special and keeps all of us connected as a family.

I hope she takes some comfort in realizing how many people she has touched with her music, work and prescence over the years. Margaret is a treasure, and treasures will be in our hearts and minds always.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 21 May 06 - 07:14 PM

It is so hard to believe this! Our friendship and song-sharing go back many, many years...I love her, her devotion to her traditions, especially music, and the way she presented it to us. Poor world, without her. Deep grief, prayers and love,   Jean

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 21 May 06 - 06:24 PM

Caroline and I are deeply saddened to learn that Margaret MacArthur is gravely ill. We first met Margaret at a memorable folk music weekend at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts shortly after we moved to Vermont in 1961. Over the following forty-five years we have watched with admiration as Margaret collected and sang from her great treasury of traditional songs and ballads, enriching the knowledge and adding to the pleasure of countless friends and fans. Her devotion to traditional music, lore, and culture has never wavered. No artist ever deserved more the recognition she has received.
    We send our love and sympathy to Margaret and her wonderful family.
    Sandy and Caroline Paton

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 21 May 06 - 06:20 PM

This news has hit me hard. Margaret is a tremendous treasure trove of bllads and songs from her New England and beyond. What a sad turn of events. I last saw her at the Folk Alliance gathering in Cleveland 2000---or was it Memphis!? And her performances in La Crosse, Wisconsin at the Great River Folk Festival never failed to open new doors and insights for me. My only hope now is for an easy exit for her.

There is a good photo of Margaret MacArthur and John Roberts in my collection at http://rudegnu.com/art_thieme.html

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: GUEST,harpgirl
Date: 21 May 06 - 05:58 PM

Very sad news. I made Margaret a pallet on my floor once after she played The Ark in Ann Arbor, in the mid seventies. She was a great inspiration to me musically. My condolences to her friends and family.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 21 May 06 - 05:51 PM

I saw her last summer at "Old Songs" where she did a workshop together with Priscilla Herdman, Cindy Mangsen,and Sandy Patton. Very sad news indeed. She is a living icon in the world of traditional music.
                                                 SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Jeri
Date: 21 May 06 - 04:22 PM

Margaret MacArthur is a Mudcat member: Margmac, who posted a few times as a guest, but nothing since 2000. SINSULL, I'm sure you saw her at the Getaway. Wonderful woman who loves sharing the music. I first met her when I was in high school. I think she was at the first Niskayuna Fold Festival, and I sort of remember being in her house once. Later, she came to a high school retreat at Fox Hollow lodge organized by Vaughn Ward. The musical guests were Margaret MacArthur and Tony Saletan. She's always been in my world of folk music. She has mattered to me, and I wish her the best.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: NOMADMan
Date: 21 May 06 - 04:21 PM

This is terrible, terrible news. I have corresponded and spoken with Margaret in so many countless places over the last 30 years or so - beginning at one of Jerry's museum concerts back in the 1970s. She is one of the few who can claim to be not just a performer but a careful and methodical scholar of the traditional material in which she specialized. She has given us a wealth of material that might otherwise remain stored away in dusty libraries and archives. There aren't words adequate to express my sorrow.

John

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: NH Dave
Date: 21 May 06 - 03:57 PM

I have known her for years, from back when I attended Marboro College.

One time, easily 40 years later I ran into her at NEFFA and she not only remembered me, but even remembered my class year.

Dave

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Susan A-R
Date: 21 May 06 - 03:31 PM

I have not know Margaret well, but have had the fun of singing with her a number of times, stretched out over about 30 years. I heard her first when I was a senior in highschool in Randolph Vermont, in a small church, with Dan and Meghan. It's why I got my dulcimer a few months later, and why I've done a lot of singing since then. It's' so hard to believe this. I can't even see the screen at the moment.

Susan

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 May 06 - 03:29 PM

Rick used to post about her MacArthur harp. I thought of him the other day after my sister and I had been talking about her wanting a Celtic lap harp, which led to me think of Margaret MacArthur. I told myself I should check Mudcat sometime to see if anyone knew how she was doing. This is very sad news. Thank you, though, for letting us know.

In Peace,

kat

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: kendall
Date: 21 May 06 - 03:27 PM

There are no words...

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Little Robyn
Date: 21 May 06 - 03:14 PM

Very sad news.
Please wish her all the best from NZ.
Folk on Sunday has played her CDs many times and always enjoys her music.
Regards from Mitch and Robyn

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:56 PM

Google search sites

Google search images

Such a horrible disease, such sad news.

SRS

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:51 PM

That is pretty sucky. NOBODY should have to die that way.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:48 PM

What terrible, terrible news! I've known Margaret for 40 years. She is one the finest people I've ever met. And I don't say that because of the news. I've been blessed with her friendship for all those years... She and John raised a fine family of kids, too..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:41 PM

Margaret MacArthur's web site
Happy! - May 7 (Margaret MacArthur)
Margaret MacArthur's new and finest CD
The Amazing Margaret MacArthur
Margaret MacArthur article

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: GUEST
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:30 PM

A member of the Maine group Trillium, I think.
Very sad.

No, the member of Trillium is Megan MacArthur, Margatet's daughter.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:28 PM

A member of the Maine group Trillium, I think.
Very sad.

Subject: RE: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:18 PM

Oh, no!

~ Becky in Tucson, Margaret's winter home.

Subject: Margaret MacArthur dying
From: GUEST,folkdj-l
Date: 21 May 06 - 01:52 PM

I have not seen anything posted about this, but just received this E-mail from a reliable source:

Margaret MacArthur has very little time left--a matter of weeks--to live. She has been diagnosed (by Dartmouth Medical Center) with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (the human equivalent of mad cow--always fatal, and very fast). This accounts for the seizures, disorientation, and memory loss Margaret has been experiencing. As recently as Mother's Day weekend, the doctors thought she had frontal-lobe epilepsy, but this definitive diagnosis came yesterday. This very rare disease is caused, not by a virus or a bacteria, but by a protein called a "prion" run amok--a normally harmless protein that somehow turns toxic and attacks the brain. The chances of getting CJD are something like one in a million.
Margaret is at home in Vermont, in hospice care, ensconced in a bed in her study with her family around her, and a bed for husband John in the same room.

The family has requested absolutely no visitors and no calls, but Megan said that cards and letters to Margaret would be very welcome. The address for written correspondence is: Margaret MacArthur, Box 15, MacArthur Road, Marlboro, VT 05344.
###

I might add for those of you unfamiliar with Margaret that she is a delightful and dear person and has supported traditional music for many years as well as writing some delightful original compositions. I have seen her at the occasional Folk Alliance conference and I would consider her a mainstay of our community.

Rich

Rich Warren
"The Midnight Special" and "Folkstage"
WFMT Radio - 98.7 FM / syndicated and on XM Satellite Radio
5400 N. St. Louis, Chicago, Illinois 60625
Please send CDs to: P.O. Box 58, Mahomet, Illinois 61853
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