Mary Walked In Beauty
Mary Kahlenberg died peacefully Thursday morning, October 27, with her husband, Rob Coffland, by her side in their Santa Fe home. Late autumn was an appropriate time for Mary's passing, as she loved the changing of the seasons. The cottonwoods outside their bedroom window still had a few golden leaves uttering in the early winter chill. The prior evening a storm moved into Santa Fe bringing a gentle rain that turned into a light snow in the early dawn. This very light blanket of white upon the earth, trees, and other plants was beautiful and also brought moisture for the garden that for the past twenty-five years she lovingly cultivated and which brought her great happiness. The sun broke through the clouds with the outdoor landscape brilliantly illuminated as a reminder of why they moved from Los Angeles to New Mexico.
Two weeks earlier the potted plants in the patio entrance to their home were moved inside for the coming winter. These are in the hallway outside Mary's office. The morning of her death a morning glory plant in one of the pots had a single luminous blue flower which bloomed and, was gone by the end of the day. This is a reminder of how precious every moment in life is.
This is not the time for a full obituary of Mary's life, but a few things must now be said. Textiles were her life long passion, and Mary loved being with people who were of a like mind or willing to be converted. Great thanks are given to the doctors who treated her over nearly seven years that gave her the gift of time. Mary and Rob were thus able to travel and spend time together and with friends. Lastly, through the kindness and generosity of her long time friend, Lloyd E. Cotsen, Mary realized her dream of publishing Five Centuries of Indonesian Textiles that won the prestigious 2010 George Wittenborn award. This could not have been accomplished without a wonderful team of colleagues.
For Mary's obituaries, see: The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Santa Fe New Mexican.
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