Mary Appelhof, author of Worms Eat My Garbage and Worms Eat Our Garbage, and publisher of other books on home and classroom vermicomposting passed away earlier today, May 4th.

Renowned as the "Worm Woman", Mary was the premier educator on home vermicomposting and is widely credited as the force behind the growing number of household worm bins around the world. She became the icon of the vermicomposting community. Loved for her humor and her kindness, admired for her energy and dedication, and recognized by her trademark tie-dyed t-shirts and the ever-present rubber earthworm in her pocket, Mary charmed and wooed thousands into keeping worms beneath the kitchen sink, and coaxed many into helping her encourage responsible environmental stewardship. The world has been better for her having been in it, and is a little lessened today with her passing.

In her memory I offer these words:

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

----Bessie Stanley (adapted)

Ah, Mary! What a success you have been, and how missed you will be!

Kelly Slocum