Beverly Cleary, the cherished author known for her beloved characters like Ramona Quimby, has died at the age of 104. Her passing was confirmed on a Thursday in Carmel, California, where she had resided since the 1960s. This news follows the recent loss of Jessica Walter, a star from Arrested Development.
Suzanne Murphy, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books, expressed profound sadness over Cleary’s death, stating, “Beverly Cleary was one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. She often reflected on her life with gratitude, saying, ‘I’ve had a lucky life,’ and generations of children feel fortunate too for the authentic characters she crafted, such as Henry Huggins and Ramona and Beezus Quimby.”
Cleary’s literary contributions include more than 40 published works and she sold an astounding 85 million copies throughout her career. Her journey began as a librarian in Yakima, Washington, leading to the publication of her first book, Henry Huggins, in 1950, which laid the foundation for her illustrious career.
Author and critic Ilene Cooper once remarked, “When it comes to writing books kids love, nobody does it better.” Born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, Cleary developed a passion for reading early on, thanks to her mother’s efforts in establishing a local library. After earning her degree from the University of California at Berkeley, where a dormitory is named in her honor, she later specialized in librarianship at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Cleary’s accolades include the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father in 1978, a Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw in 1984, and numerous other prestigious awards throughout her career such as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award and the 2003 National Medal of Art. In 2010, she received the Los Angeles Times Robert Kirsch Award, marking a significant recognition for a children’s author.
Murphy noted, “We were fortunate to collaborate with Beverly Cleary and enjoy her sharp sense of humor. Her timeless works resonate deeply with the joys and challenges that every child faces.”
Beverly Cleary is survived by her two children, Malcolm and Marianne, along with three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her late husband, Clarence, passed away in 2004.
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In summary, Beverly Cleary’s legacy will live on through her remarkable characters and stories that have touched the hearts of countless children and adults alike. Her contributions to children’s literature are invaluable, and her influence will be felt for generations to come.