Dr. Anne Knecht Wilson: 19 December 1943 - 06 July 2006
July 6th, 2006
Surrounded by loving family and friends, Dr. Anne Knecht Wilson, aged 62, died peacefully today after a long illness. A Professor of Sociology at Bloomsburg University, she retired recently after over 20 years of teaching Statistics and Family Studies. Her favorite course, though, was Folk Dancing. Since her retirement, she has funded a Chair in international folk dance at the University. In addition to her significant financial contributions for the University’s new Andruss Library, Dr. Wilson—as Advisor to the Bloomsburg University Democrats—organized a campaign that sent more than one thousand letters to the Governor in support of the new library, which he later approved.
Professor Wilson earned a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins in Sociology, a Masters from the University of Maryland , and a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College . As a teacher, it was important to her that her students not only do statistical analysis, but that they write the results in plain English.
Dr. Wilson was a member of the Susquehanna International Folk Dancers, which every year performs at Bloomsburg’s TreeFest and Renaissance Jamboree, the Mifflinburg Oktoberfest, and other community events. Through this group, Anne helped raise thousands of aid dollars for victims of war and ethnic cleansing, including more than $3,600 at this past spring’s 14th Annual Sedeljka, or “family party.” In addition to her role as dancer and dance instructor, Wilson was the group’s artistic director. One friend—in describing her approach to life—said, “Anne dances every dance.”
Anne Wilson is survived by her husband, Oliver Larmi, Ph.D., of Bloomsburg; their daughter, Julie Larmi, of Los Angeles; father, William Knecht, of Connecticut; brothers Paul Knecht and Bill Knecht and their families; along with a legion of devoted students, colleagues, friends and fellow dancers… many of whom traveled across the country and from overseas to spend time with her during her final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the Susquehanna International Folk Dancers to support its fund-raising efforts.
A memorial gathering and dance to celebrate her life will be held at 4 pm on Sunday, July 16 th, 2006, at her Bloomsburg home and garden, 1996 Millville Road. Her ashes will be spread in her favorite garden bed under a giant weeping willow.
posted by Susquehanna Int'l Folk Dancers at
12:08 PM
25 Comments:
There are special people who enter ones life, some for a day, some for a month, some for longer...but they each have something special to contribute. Anne was one of those very special people I was most fortunate to have known. She was a veritable font of wisdom, experience, skill and above all, dance. She could teach anybody to dance anything. She provided me with hours and hours of indescribable joy, laughter and sheer pleasure at 'tripping the light fantastic'. She introduced me to all manner of ethnic/folk dancing and taught me how to participate and perform. Some of my most ecstatic and thrilling moments were spent dancing with the International Folk dancers, with the Harrisburg dancers and at the indescribably fantastic subscription balls in Harrisburg. They were truly of Cinderella proportions, affording me the pleasure of dancing all sorts of dances with all sorts of folks, all while wearing one sort of fabulous gown or another...where else could I get away with wearing them?
She will be sadly and sorely missed by those left behind, but having witnessed her tragic death, I rejoice that she no longer suffers the boundaries of this existence, and now dances eternally in another plane, somewhere just beyond the rainbow...somewhere out there...where the music never ends.
Travel well and in comfort dear Anne, we will dance forever in your honour.
By
Anonymous, at 7:59 PM
Throughout our lives, we meet hundreds and thousands of people. However, when we stop for a moment and think back, only very few of them always come to mind. Anne is one of these people to me. Since the moment I met her, I could feel some special, indescribable aura about her. It seemed that she could make anybody comfortable and appreciated in her presence. No matter what we were talking about, she always seemed genuinely interested and was always willing to share her wisdom and help in any way she could. It is also owing to her, that I came to love and appreciate folk dancing. It became a special treat for me to dance with the International folk dancers. What I particularly admired about her was her unbreakable spirit and unquenchable optimism. Even her devastating illness did not stop her from LIVING her life rather than merely going through it. Undoubtedly, she has touched my life in a very special way, be it through stimulating conversations or dancing, and the memory of her will always stay with me.
Anne will be terribly missed by a great number of people who had a privilege of knowing her.
By
Anonymous, at 2:35 PM
I met Anne and Oli when I was 11, and "yes" it was through dancing - I was a performer with the biggest Bulgaria dance group, Rosna Kitka. From the moment we met, Anne and I developed this close friendship where she acted as my mentor, a mother and a friend. Anne thought me a lot, but the moments I will never forget is the time we spent talking and sharing our most intimate fears, joys and dreams.Anne and Oli gave me the biggest gift in life - knowledge through my Bloomsburg University education (both B.S. and M.S.), as well as through all the things they taught me on their own. One of these lessons was learning never to give up, no matter how hard it is to achieve. Anne had this immense strength, which always amazed me, but also made me believe that maybe some day, I can develop a little part of it. I think, with her and Oli's coaching, I did it: I became stronger on my own, and I know, like Anne, I can face the world and fight for the things I believe in! Thank you Anne! Thank you for always being there for me and my family! Thank you for loving me like your own daughter and surrounding me with wisdom, love and strength. Thank you for loving my child Alexander, and holding him when born and telling him that you love him! Thank you for being you!
I promise that I will never disappoint you: I will stand up for the things you and I believe in. I will teach Alexander to dance. I will never give up and be afraid of life!
By
Anonymous, at 8:09 AM
I’m not a member of the dancing group; I met Anne in grad school at Johns Hopkins. Anne was, quite simply, one of the best people I have ever known. An extraordinary combination of intellect, insight, strong principles, wit, and generosity came together in her character. I am lucky to have known her, and I will always remember her with fondness and admiration, as I know many others will.
By
Anonymous, at 9:43 PM
I was one of the lucky people to meet Anne. A friend of mine has introduced me to her. The way she greeted me with Oli at her house struck me by their sincere warmth and hospitality.
She was absolutely an amazing person, willing to help others and always be there for people. Such a kind heart she was.
I am so proud that i knew Anne. When I left the United States, I have always remembered her and Oli, remembered how kind they were to me. Thanks to Anne I have not only learnt dencing, but also learnt how one person can make a difference.
She was truely one of a greates people i've known and I will never forget her. We all will miss her so much.
Lyuba from Ukraine
By
Anonymous, at 9:30 AM
I had the pleasure of being Anne's Secretary in the Dept. of Soc., Soc. Welfare and Criminal Justice at Bloomsburg University for 15 years. I certainly loved her to death as she always was interested in what was happening in my life despite the tremendous obtacles she had to overcome in her personal life. Every time I bite into a strawberry I will think of Anne as Oli and Anne purchased many quarts of strawberries from my children (Eric and Jenna) for 5-6 years. Thanks for the memories, Anne!
By
Anonymous, at 10:28 AM
Anne could make you smile even on a bad day. Through all of her trials and tribulations, she kept a very positive outlook on life. Always giving, always caring, always a wonderful friend. I will miss her smile. May she dance to her music for the rest of eternity.
By
Anonymous, at 10:34 AM
Although I am not a dancer but always appreciate it as a fine art. Anne and Oli worked together toward a Universal appeal it and an enjoyable artform for everyone.
I have many fond memories of Anne since we first met in August 1986. We have worked and fought together for issues we thought important to the University, including goals and missions of Bloomsburg University. In fact, She and Oli helped us get settled in Bloomsburg.
Anne was a brilliant, witty, loving and a courageous women. The world seems a little less bright in her absence. Ruhul
By
Anonymous, at 11:56 AM
Anne Wilson - an extraordinary person. I had the opportunity to know Anne through the university she served so well. Working with Anne, serving on committees and picketing for just causes, I admired Anne and her ability to rise above all. She was a role model to many of the women on campus.You will not be forgotten. Cheryl
By
Anonymous, at 12:25 PM
Anne's spirit danced through everything in her life, it carried her to the top of the mountains and through the lowest valleys. Her everlasting smile and zest for life, even in the midst of suffering has been a true inspiration to me. Dance now with the angels, Anne. I will miss you.
By
Anonymous, at 12:55 PM
I will really miss Anne. Like many others, I came to know her through dancing -- first at the fundraiser parties, and then through the Bloomsburg University folk dancing gym class. Whenever I returned to dance and visit, she would inquire about my life and how I was, and waited to really listen to the answer. She offered me a lot of helpful advice, as well as words of kindness and wisdom. She was and is a great role model for me. I hope to someday be as kind, intelligent, open, accepting, and caring as she was.
By
Anonymous, at 10:31 PM
I was amazed as I have read the comments that others have posted to find that everyone has said exactly what I wanted to say about Anne and her influence in my life. What is remarkable is Anne's consistency in her approach to life and with all who she came into contact with. Gracious, honest, loving, sincere, open, interested, fun, humorous--these are all words that I can use to describe Anne but like a great work of art, the sum of Anne is greater than her parts--much, much greater. My life is so much richer for having known her and a little less so for losing her though she has ensured her immortality through the kindness she showed to each and every person she met.
I especially thank Anne for being a very special mentor for me as a female junior professor--she helped me with so many of the endless challenges of beginning a career in academia and her support will continue to help.
And like others, the reason I met Anne was through dance--I have not met many other people who have the capacity to always want to dance as much as I do and in that I certainly found kindred spirits in both Anne and Oli. There is a bond that one has with one's village dance group that can never be described nor duplicated and so of course that is where I miss Anne the most--though I find great pleasure in imagining that Anne is now dancing with, of course, everyone she has ever met because she remembers them all.
Paula from Lewsiburg by way of Arizona and California
By
Anonymous, at 2:51 PM
End of August, 2001... I had just arrived in the US, when I met Anne and Oli for the trip to Buffalo Gap. It was them introducing me to folkdancing back then. And I remember the whole trip as if it has been yesterday... the stops we made ...getting some ice-cream, having supper at the Indian restaurant, the arrival at this beautiful place in between the hills... not only because of the foreign surrounding, but more because of the people that were taking me with them, introducing me to something they loved so much.. dancing. Right from the beginning I was fascinated by this love, their experiences, their openess, willigness to share everything they had. My thougths are full of laughter, great warmth, numerous dance lessons and funny cooking sessions when thinking back. When I dance today, my thoughts always go back to you.
Dear Anne, I have not seen you since I went back to my country but whereever you are, you will always be in my heart because of the lasting impression you have made. I am deeply grateful to have met you, together with Oli you have changed my life and given me food for thought.
By
Anonymous, at 3:26 PM
We met Anne four years ago when Oli and her came to Transyvania. She was interested in every aspect of their life, open to every new experience. We found this openness in the USA also, where she and Oli shared their life with us for months. We will never forget her – this was the biggest adventure of our lives. We are very greatful for Anne! A strong, generous, noble and persuasive person - made us even dance!
And that's not easy with musicians like
Kata & Bela (Bodo Band) from Hungary
By
Anonymous, at 11:23 AM
Anne will always be in my heart. I have known her for 45 years, since she was a freshman living next door to me at Carleton College (1961.) Even as an 18-year-old, Anne's warmth and connectedness were enchanting. She was my best friend during college years; we were each other's bridesmaids; I was able several times to visit at the wonderful farmhouse in Bloomsburg, and even to be introduced to one evening of folk-dancing. Oli, you made her SO happy! Thank you!! For me, the world has dimmed a little, but I will think of her dancing up on the stars, and it will brighten again.
By
Anonymous, at 9:19 AM
I knew Anne as a colleague at Bloomsburg University and was impressed and inspired by her dedication to students. She was a joy to work with, committed to her convictions, but flexible and collaborative. She has touched countless lives and has enriched the university community by her association. My condolences to Dr. Larmi and to all of Anne's family- may she rest in peace under the willow and may her spirit remain in all of us.
Sincerely,
Lynda
By
Anonymous, at 1:28 PM
Im a local friend of Ann's
I too work at the University and we would see each other at events.
Ann alway had an infectious smile
everytime I ever saw her. I to became sick and recently crossed paths with her a Geisinger. I was leaving a treatment and she was comming in for treatment. There she was smiling and having a conversation with one of the hospital information people.
I was not smiling, but just seeing her inspired me to change my thought to a happy one and a smile came on my face. I didn't even speak with her, it was just seeing her wonderful face.
By
Anonymous, at 2:43 PM
Thoughts about Anne Wilson.
Anne was first and foremost a people person. She completely ignored the differences among people, people often of disparately different dimensions, sprinkling her magical sociability dust on them, and poof, like instant coffee, she conjured impromptu groups. When she first came to Bloomsburg, she organized “Thursday Night” a social group that started with new faculty, then any faculty, then anyone who came. Various people hosted Thursday Night, we drank beer and argued politics, mostly university politics, and Anne insisted that we buy only “union” beer…preferably in returnable bottles. She had a way bringing social responsibility into any and all gatherings.
She spread her magic sociability dust on practically every activity. She had a lunch group, a petition drive group, a going to union meeting group, a going off campus to eat group, a paper correcting group, a protesting the first and second Iraqi war group, of course her dance groups, and even, if you can believe it, a studying Marx group, but even her magic dust couldn’t keep that one going. She would invite you to join a group, particularly the lunch group, no matter how much you were warring with her over issues; breaking bread, for Anne, was truce time.
Anne seemed to seek out the socially dispossessed and needy; they always ended up in her groups. It was one of Anne’s best qualities, she strived to be inclusive; she warmly embraced people who were socially insecure and offered them acceptance and a network of people to meet and know.
Anne always wanted children, and, with her magic dust, she had many. She opened her arms and her home and her heart to children, and gave them part of herself. She willingly became their mother, and like the loving gardener that she was, she got them started, but let them grow. She was a good gardener and a very good mother.
Her magic dust came, in part, from her unpretentiousness. Oh she had her prejudices. She did not suffer well those whom she saw as enemies of social justice or antagonists to her strong points of view. She had no patience for them. But she put on no airs. What you saw is what you got. She faked no smiles, she faked no tears, she faked no hysteria. When she got an idea in her head or rectitude in her heart, she could drive herself and you crazy, especially with her dogged insistence and politicking. She drove me to violent moods more than once. But the next minute, as always, she was inviting me to lunch.
Anne bore her physical tragedies with incredible inner strength and support from her loved ones. She stubbornly refused to let her burns and her cancer take one grain of her spirit. And remarkably they didn’t. They were no match for her soul. Who could forget the outrageously fluorescent wigs she wore during chemo as if she were snubbing the disease and mocking fate.
The last time I saw Anne, she was riding off in a convertible, the wind caressing her face. That’s the way I’ll picture her, flying off somewhere, spreading her magic dust and bringing people together in another life.
Love you, Leo.
By
Anonymous, at 7:06 PM
I have been a friend of Anne and Oli´s ever since I was a boy. Their smiling, intelligent and tolerant faces were always a welcome sight when I taught at the University, amid so many strange, paranoid people.
I wish so that I could be with you all to celebrate Anne’s wonderful life, to mourn her absence among us, and to share the moment with you all. I will perform a Buddhist ceremony here in my home in Chihuahua, Mexico at the same time I imagine you will be marching around the willow.
In honor of Anne and of you all, I thought I would send you all five poems by Rubén Mejía, a Chihuahuan poet, whose book, Expirit, I have been translating. I hope they speak to you.
I live far away from you all, but know you are welcome here on your way through to somewhere else, or just for a visit. Especially, you, Oli, my old friend. Fall and Winter are the best seasons.
Dreams of Sand
In my hourglass, the falling grains
of sand don´t count.
The measure of my short time
is what´s left:
transparency
XXII
Voice of Life
To have death deep inside
and ch
(cha
cha)
chat
–in the syllables of silence–
about life’s wonders
Z
I wish I could see myself
with your eyes
Even brush myself
with your fingers
Hear my voice
in your ears
Wrap my emptiness
in your body
Change my time
for your time
your death for my mind
Open my flesh
and navigate inside you
on this long dream journey
Dawn
How can I look
without dying?
Every gaze is a final sun.
How can I jump over
the horizon toward
other suns
your eyes?
How can I look at you
without dying?
W
The gaze beyond
the world of some
star
sparkles
in your human eyes
in that lunar
twinkle
on the threshold of dream
at the place where poems
begin
Like Anne´s gaze, the place where poetry begins. Gracias a la vida, que me ha dado tanto.
By
Anonymous, at 11:04 PM
To Oli, Julie, Anne's given family and the family members she created wherever she went,
Today is the day you have chosen to celebrate Anne's life and replace our melancholy with thoughts of all the gifts she has given us. How fitting that the day began here in Sudbury with a most powerful thunderstorm, followed by a windswept day filled with sunshine, both reminscent of her indomitable spirit and her resolute commitment to realizing her ideals.
Raju and I could not travel to Bloomsburg so we have performed our own little ceremony to honour Anne's life and pledge ourselves to keeping those same principles alive.
Anne would be so gratified, not just that she touched so many people's lives, but that people have chosen to communicate with one another and be together to shore up their connections. I am sure that Anne was with you today and that she gained some assurance from your strengths that she can free her soul to join the eternal dance of the universe.
Good-bye dearest Anne.
By
Anonymous, at 5:24 PM
I knew Anne for all the time she spent at BU as a collegue and friend . She was a good person and even though we had our run-ins she respected the other point of view. I hope she is at peace. Jim H.
By
Anonymous, at 8:49 PM
I was one of the many students that Anne Wilson taught at Bloomsburg University. I was introduced to her during my junior year at Bloomsburg University through a folk dancing class. I know that I am fortunate and blessed to have gotten to know her over the past three years. She is one of the most accepting, loving, kind-hearted, quick-witted individuals I have ever met. Her knowledge, passion, and love will continue on through all the lives she has entered. The memories will not be forgotten.
-Laura
By
Anonymous, at 9:37 PM
I have been touched by the strength of Annes abilty to find the good in ever situation, no matter how insurmountable it seemed to others. She was the best I have know to see the good of any conflict and could breing any of us to see the problem in a different light. Hence, finding a solution. It is a gift not many of us can claim. It was also frustating that she could see thru any issue and hit the point so quickly, mainly because we cound't. Not to say I ever took offence or was put off by anything she said. But was drawn closer to her by all her talents.
I will miss her mediation abilty, because our group seems to have its troubles, but in her name we will go on and try to get done all the things she had planned. Ollie graciously attended our meeting Saturday the 15, and told us of one of her want-to -see done issues. We will make every effort to fulfill her thots of unity, with her continued guidence, because she will always be a part of me, it will
be done in her honor.
I love you, Anne and remember, with me, the onion and soggy bacon pizza
Until will meet again.......Belinda
By
Anonymous, at 11:41 AM
A life well lived. A person who truly made a difference. From loving daughter, sister, wife, and stepmother, to wonderful friend, mentor, and teacher... Anne played significant roles in the lives of so many. Unafraid to speak out when she saw an injustice, but also able to embrace others who held different views. What a moving tribute was her memorial under the weeping willows, friends and family gathered to give witness to her life.
She touched me in many ways, most notably as a mentor to female junior faculty at Bloomsburg University. An excellent teacher devoted to training her students both in and outside the classroom, so served as a role model from afar. Although it appeared that she gave all of her time to her profession and vocation, it was also clear that she had a "full" life outside of the academy. Her passion for politics, dance, and gardening among other pursuits was admirable. How did she do it all with such zeal?
Anne will remain a role model for me the rest of my life. I will never forget her smile, her warmth, and her ability to put one at ease. She lived life, although shorter than it should have been, to the absolute fullest in every sense. This I will remember.
My heart and thoughts go out to Oli and Anne's family... many share in the depth of your loss. May thoughts of her comfort you and give you peace.
By
Anonymous, at 12:36 PM
I have known Anne for a long time, and I want to tell a story that she told often. I hope I get it right.
As a child, her family moved to a small town in Connecticut in the middle of the school year. On her first day at the school there -- a small school where everyone knew everyone else and Anne was the new kid -- the principal took her around and introduced her to every class, and otherwise acted to make her welcome. This made a big impression on Anne, and I remember her telling this story more than once.
It was only after hearing this story repeatedly that I realized that this is exactly what Anne did here in Bloomsburg, all the time.
If you were new faculty, a student in her classes, someone from afar who landed in Bloomsburg, an adult returning to school after many years, someone looking for a social connection or a community to belong to, sooner or later (usually sooner) Anne Wilson would find you and invite you to lunch, or to a faculty union social, or to folk dancing, or just to her office or the lounge for a chat. She welcomed people from all over, with a diversity of interests and strengths, and all with her characteristiic genuine warmth and engagement with you as a person she found interesting. Not surprisingly, much of her memorial service was testimony after testimony of Anne's kindness and reaching out.
There are many other strengths of Anne's that I could talk about: her sweetly insistentent way of asserting her strong commitment to social justice, her resilience during the most trying forms of personal adversity, her ability to find hope even in the midst of difficulties and setbacks. Others have spoken aptly to these already.
Anne, wherever you are, may you be dancing and joyous. And may the rest of us, when we see someone looking for community, when we stick up for the underdog and for social justice, and when we face adversity, remember Anne.
By
Anonymous, at 10:46 AM
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