The Passing of Ginny Heinlein
COLLECTED BY
Web crawl snapshots generously donated from
Accelovation
. This data is currently not publicly accessible.
From
the site
:
Accelovation is pioneering the delivery of Insight Discovery? software solutions that help companies move from innovation idea to product reality faster and with more success.
Our solutions are used by leading firms in the Fortune 500 and beyond ? companies from a diverse set of industries ranging from consumer packaged goods to high tech, foods to chemicals, and others. We help them mine the online world for market and technical insights to help speed the process of innovation.
The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20061003132309/http://www.heinleinsociety.org/rah/ginny/GinnyNotice.html
|
The Passing of Ginny Heinlein
January 18, 2003
A virtual wake was held for Ginny using the
AIM
Lanai Meeting Room
On Saturday Evening 1-18-2003. 36 people attended.
Laura Haywood, a close friend of Ginny's had been reporting daily on
her condition.
On Saturday Morning 1/18/03 I received the following:
Not very much to report. She did her physical therapy today. I got there
around three and she was deep in herself. I had brought her a new magnifying
glass and she literally patted me on the head and said, "You're a good
girl." But after that, she was silent. I asked her if she wanted to go
outside for a cigarette and she didn't answer. "Ginny, just say yes or
just say no," I said. "Just say yes or just say no," she replied. And that's
about it.
L
Then came the sad news:
I'm sorry to tell you that Ginny passed away this morning. She slipped
away peacefully in her sleep. I don't know any details beyond that.
Laura
I responded with:
This is very sad news. My heartfelt condolences to all who were close
to her. I am going to miss her very much.
David Wright
Laura responded:
We'll all miss her -- she was one of a kind.
Laura
David Silver responded:
Oh, Dear God, may she find peace.
I am so sorry to read this.
David
Dr. Amy Baxter, Ginny's "Granddaughter" responded:
Thanks to everyone who was close to her and gave her comfort, solace,
mental stimulation, and support over her life and especially this last
tough year.
I was talking to Jim Cunningham about what to tell people who want to
do something in her memory. When she and I spoke about how she'd like to
be remembered, she said she didn't much care because she wouldn't be around
to appreciate it anyway. Jim suggested anyone who wished to do something
could donate a pint of blood in her memory, and I added write a letter
to try to get a stamp made of Robert (maybe both of them?) As the news
spreads, if you would all pass these ideas along in lieu of flowers, donations
of money, etc.
Love,
Amy
David Silver posted the following on A.F.H. and SFF.Discuss.Heinlein-Forum
I received the following e-mail message from a close friend of Mrs.
Virginia Heinlein, this morning:
"I'm sorry to tell you that Ginny passed away this morning. She slipped
away peacefully in her sleep. I don't know any details beyond that."
Mrs. Heinlein had been in the hospital since Thanksgiving when she fell
and broke her hip. At her wishes, since that time, those of us aware of
the accident, have not given out that information or other details.
I'm sure there will be more formal announcements, requests, details,
later. I am deeply saddened. She was an inspiration to all she touched.
Most regretfully,
David M. Silver
As expected, there were many expressions of grief and sympathy by participants
of the newsgroups.
James R. Cunningham posted on the newsgroups this additional news:
For those of you who know of Ginny's cat Snowy, he has been staying
with a friend since Thanksgiving, is happy, and will remain there.
If you'd like to know how Ginny came by Snowy,.... Lela and I had a
litter of kittens, or rather, one of our momma cats did. One became trapped
in a piece of string while we were at work, and we had to take it to the
vet that night and have its leg amputated. The next day, I was telling
Ginny about it, and she said, "Oh, I wish I could take it, but they don't
allow pets here". I told her we'd bring it to her if it survived and Fleet
Landing decided to allow it. She said she'd check and called the next day
to tell me to bring it on as soon as it could travel. So, even though it
was touch and go with the kitten, we made plans to carry it to Florida
if it survived. The day before we were to leave the kitten died, rather
unexpectedly. I called Ginny to tell her and she remarked that she had
really been looking forward to a new kitten (she still missed Pixel). So
I responded with, "I got another one, only there ain't nuthin' wrong with
it". She said, "Bring it on", so there we went with Snowy. Let me tell
you, kittens don't like spending 4 1/2 hours in a small plane. Snowy turned
out to be a great white hunter, and the source of several Fleet Landing
tales. I'll pass them on later if anyone wants to hear them.
Thank you all for caring,
Jim Cunningham
And Jim wrote the following also:
I'd like to add that arrangements were being made to provide some additional
safety features at Ginny's house, and to move her back home next week.
She was aware of that and pleased by it. She was a fighter to the end,
doing physical therapy as recently as yesterday (Friday), and her sense
of humor was intact. Lela and I are going to miss her immensely. But we
will be forever grateful that our circle of friends grew because of her
and those who care about her.
Jim Cunningham
From: Joel Rosenberg <joelr@ellegon.com>
Subject: A short remiscence about Mrs. Heinlein
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2003 10:38 AM
She'd been talking for some time about being ready to go; we had a long
conversation on the subject more than a year ago.
Tough lady; sweet lady; nice lady. It used to be a regular part of my
daughter Judy's morning routine to chat online with her before leaving
for school, and both Judy and Mrs. Heinlein (she insisted that Felicia
and I call her Ginny; it was all we could do not to say, "I'd be honored
to call you Ginny, Mrs. Heinlein" -- she was like that) looked forward
to them.
A short story...
Judy's had some trouble in school -- not getting homework done, and
such, and coming up with a whole variety of excuses, including, honest,
"the dog ate my homework." Her teachers were not pleased.
I got a call from her exasperated science teacher one morning. "You
wouldn't believe what her lie was this morning. She said she couldn't finish
her homework because she was too busy chatting with Mrs. Heinlein -- Robert
A. Heinlein's widow."
"Well," I said, "she does have to finish her homework, but . . . "
I could hear his jaw drop. "But what?"
"Well, yes, she was -- they chat every morning."
I told Ginny about it, and her first reaction was to apologize -- which,
of course, I explained was both accepted and unnecessary -- and, secondly,
to ask if it would be okay if they continued their chats, as she really
enjoyed them so much. (Actually, she was very formal about the last. "Might
I please have your permission. . . ")
Not exactly a hard call -- I said of course, that Judy would have to
do her homework, anyway, but she certainly could find time in her day for
five or ten or fifteen minutes to chat before she left for school.
From then on, every one of their chats began with Mrs. Heinlein asking
Judy, "Is your homework done? It's very important."
I had to tell Judy, yesterday, about Mrs. Heinlein. I've done things
I've enjoyed less, but I can't quite remember one offhand.
RIP, Ginny.
"Joel Rosenberg" <joelr@ellegon.com>wrote in message news:m2of6dw3lr.fsf_-_@joelr.ellegon.com...
(she insisted that Felicia
>and I call her Ginny; it was all we could do not to say, "I'd be
>honored to call you Ginny, Mrs. Heinlein" -- she was like that) looked
>forward to them.
I know the feeling, Joel. We e-mailed for a fair while before we ever begain
IM chatting. I always addressed ehr as Mrs. Heinlein, since she signed
Virginia Heinlein. I learned to call her Ginny when she began signing that
way, and someone (David Silver, was it you?) let me know she would prefer
it. I did not want to hold her at arm's length, just couldn't be so presumptuous.
>A short story... <snip> >
From then on, every one of their chats began with Mrs. Heinlein asking
>Judy, "Is your homework done? It's very important."
Oh, Joel, thank you
for a wonderful story that is so characteristic of this fine lady.
>I had to tell Judy, yesterday, about Mrs. Heinlein. I've done things
>I've enjoyed less, but I can't quite remember one offhand.
I cannot imagine one quite offhand, either. Special hugs to you daughter.
>RIP, Ginny.
Nah, she's not resting--she is DOING all those things she has missed for
several years now. Enjoying not resting: ice-skating, gardening, doing
research, making music, painting, taking photographs, and I don't know
what-all. And some fine snuggling with Robert, I feel sure. Or, if Jani
is right about it taking a little time, then she is getting ready for same,
and maybe seeing us wave goodbye.
--DeeIn article <v2ljp8o23mjs4a@corp.supernews.com>, "Dee" <ke4lfgDELETETHIS@amsat.org>wrote:
>>"Joel Rosenberg" <joelr@ellegon.com>wrote in message
>news:m2of6dw3lr.fsf_-_@joelr.ellegon.com...
>(she insisted that Felicia
>>and I call her Ginny; it was all we could do not to say, "I'd be
>>honored to call you Ginny, Mrs. Heinlein" -- she was like that) looked
>>forward to them.
>
> I know the feeling, Joel. We e-mailed for a fair while before we ever
>begain IM chatting. I always addressed ehr as Mrs. Heinlein, since she
>signed Virginia Heinlein. I learned to call her Ginny when she began
>signing that way, and someone (David Silver, was it you?) let me know she
>would prefer it. I did not want to hold her at arm's length, just couldn't
>be so presumptuous.
>
>>A short story...
><snip>
>>
From then on, every one of their chats began with Mrs. Heinlein asking
>>Judy, "Is your homework done? It's very important."
>
> Oh, Joel, thank you for a wonderful story that is so characteristic of
>this fine lady.
>
>>I had to tell Judy, yesterday, about Mrs. Heinlein. I've done things
>>I've enjoyed less, but I can't quite remember one offhand.
>
> I cannot imagine one quite offhand, either. Special hugs to you
>daughter.
>
>>RIP, Ginny.
>
> Nah, she's not resting--she is DOING all those things she has missed for
>several years now. Enjoying not resting: ice-skating, gardening, doing
>research, making music, painting, taking photographs, and I don't know
>what-all.
And holding a book in her lap and READING it!
>And some fine snuggling with Robert, I feel sure. Or, if Jani is
>right about it taking a little time, then she is getting ready for same, and
>maybe seeing us wave goodbye.
>
>--Dee
>
>
01-19-2003
For Ginny
Lord it is evening
and the night has come.
It is the time for peace.
It is the time for rest.
It is time to lay down
the work we could not finish
--
Lord you have closed
our sister Ginny's eyes.
You have stilled her form,
she is at peace.
Take her in your arms
and carry her to her rest.
--
Ronald A. Harrison
January 19, 2003
Go To Top of Page
01-26-2003
From: David M. Silver <ag.plusone@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: ReTITLED: LA Times Obit: Virginia Heinlein
Date: Sunday, January 26, 2003 5:59 AM
To heck with it. You all should be able to read it whether you can access
their site or not. They did such a wonderful job, I'm copying and posting
it here (only one slight confusion). They can come sue me:
OBITUARIES
Virginia Heinlein, 86; Wife, Muse and Literary Guardian of Celebrated
Science Fiction Writer
By Elaine Woo, Times Staff Writer
Virginia Heinlein, who gave her husband, science fiction writer Robert
A. Heinlein, the idea for his acclaimed 1961 novel "Stranger in a Strange
Land" and inspired many of the strong female characters in his stories,
died Jan. 18 at a retirement community in Atlantic Beach, Fla. She was
86.
Heinlein died in her sleep after a long struggle with respiratory illness
and a broken hip suffered on Thanksgiving, said David M. Silver, secretary-treasurer
of the Heinlein Society.
Her husband's muse, manager and literary guardian, Virginia Heinlein
was widely known and respected in the science fiction community for her
devotion to the Heinlein legacy after the prolific writer's death in 1988
at the age of 80.
She was responsible for the posthumous publication of the original,
uncut manuscript of "Stranger in a Strange Land" in 1990, as well as for
"Grumbles From the Grave," a selection of his letters; the travel memoir
"Tramp Royale"; and a political handbook, "Take Back Your Government."
Robert Heinlein was considered by many to be the most influential science
fiction author since H.G. Wells. During a five-decade career that produced
37 novels and 11 short-story collections, he won an unprecedented four
Hugo Awards, given by popular vote of science fiction fans for the best
novel of the year.
"Stranger in a Strange Land" was his best-known work. It became, to
the author's dismay, a favorite of the iconoclastic '60s generation, in
part for its apparent advocacy of free love and cynicism about organized
religion.
The story behind the novel began with the November 1948 issue of the
magazine Astounding Science Fiction. In keeping with the speculative nature
of the genre, a letter writer complimented the editor on an issue a year
in the future, going so far as to mention stories by specific writers.
The editor, John W. Campbell Jr., decided to fulfill the letter writer's
fantasy and have the stories written for the November 1949 issue.
The letter writer said one of the stories was "Gulf" by Robert A. Heinlein.
Heinlein accepted the assignment, then held a brainstorming session with
his closest advisor -- his wife.
"Among other unsuitable notions, I suggested a story about a human infant
raised by an alien race," Virginia Heinlein wrote years later.
Her husband liked the idea, made some notes, but then set them aside.
The idea was "too big" for a short story, so he pursued a different theme
for "Gulf."
He returned to the notes for the other story in fits and starts over
the next decade. The eventual result was "Stranger in a Strange Land,"
which introduced the character Valentine Michael Smith as a baby raised
by Martians on Mars with a wisdom far beyond that of any earthling.
The author turned in a manuscript 800 pages long. His publishers, fearful
of some of the contents, including lengthy descriptions of Martian sex,
requested a big reduction, of about 250 pages.
"He always resented the fact they had made him cut a substantial amount
of his work," Silver said. "She wanted it restored." But it took an act
of Congress and Robert Heinlein's death before that could be accomplished.
In 1976, Congress passed a law that allowed renegotiation of copyright
issues after an author's death. The copyright for "Stranger" came up the
year after Heinlein died, in 1988.
Virginia requested a copy of the original manuscript, which was archived
at UC Santa Cruz along with other papers. "I ... read that and the published
version side by side," she wrote. "And I came to the conclusion that it
had been a mistake to cut the book."
In 1990, the unexpurgated, 220,000-word version of "Stranger" was published
by Ace/G.P. Putnam's Sons. Reviewers were split over the new edition. Some,
like Rudy Rucker in the Los Angeles Times Book Review, preferred the older,
shorter version, commenting that much of the material restored in the new
one was "glaringly sexist." Others, such as novelist Kurt Vonnegut, found
the restorations salutary. Writing in the New York Times, he pronounced
them "icing on a cake which for people who like that kind of cake was already
quite satisfactory."
The Heinleins married in 1948, a few years after they met at the Naval
Air Experimental Station in Philadelphia, where she was a chemist and aviation
test engineer and he a civilian engineer. He had been a first lieutenant
in the Navy before receiving a medical discharge because of tuberculosis
in 1934. She was his assistant, even though as a lieutenant commander she
outranked him.
A Brooklyn dentist's daughter who majored in chemistry at New York University,
she was an accomplished swimmer and diver who reached national competitive
levels in figure skating. She spoke seven languages, including French,
Latin and Russian, and studied for a doctorate in biochemistry at UCLA.
Her husband, who called her Ginny, once described her as "redheaded
and quite ... an athlete -- four letters in college -- and [she] could
probably lick me in a fair fight.... She outranks me on the Navy rolls,
which seems to give her quite a bit of satisfaction."
Athletic throughout her life, she once saved Robert's life when he collapsed
on a hill in Tahiti. Although shorter than he, she threw him over her back
and carried him down to the beach, where he was flown to Australia for
medical treatment.
Another time, she amazed him and a friend, writer Jerry Pournelle, when
they were snowbound at their house in Colorado Springs. The two men were
desperate for breakfast, but seeing no hope of obtaining any after inspecting
the Heinleins' 1948 Cadillac frozen to the driveway, returned glumly to
the kitchen. There, to their astonishment, was Virginia, frying bacon and
eggs.
"She said, 'I just went up the hill and got some. There were steel lugs
in the tire, some water in the driveway, and the tires had frozen, so I
just took a pot of hot water and got them loose and drove up the hill.'
"
Virginia Heinlein, Pournelle said, "was a better engineer than he was.
He was very proud of her."
She was the model for many of the superwomen who crop up in her husband's
stories, such as Maureen Johnson Smith, the mother of the immortal Lazarus
Long in "Time Enough for Love," published in 1973. The female characters
tend to have red hair, like Virginia's, as well as great wit and an ability
to overcome adversity with aplomb.
Greg Bear, a science fiction writer who knew the Heinleins, said he
has met women who were inspired by Robert's stories to become scientists.
"And Robert," Bear said, "was inspired by Ginny. Ginny was their original."
The Heinleins had no children. Her ashes will be scattered in the Pacific
Ocean, as were her husband's.
02-02-2003
Tributes on Jerry Pournelle's Chaos Manor Site
here
09-05-2003
Newsletter article about Ginny's Farewell (Requires acrobat reader)
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Go To Top of Page
A virtual wake was held for Ginny using the
AIM
Lanai Meeting Room
on Saturday evening 1-18-2003. 36 people attended.
![Join The Heinlein Society and Pay Forward the legacy of Robert A. Heinlein and Virginia Heinlein.](/web/20061003132309im_/http://www.heinleinsociety.org/images/whitegraphics/buttons/joinbottom.jpg) |
Return to main page
|
?2001-2004 The Heinlein Society
PO Box 1254
Venice, California 90294-1254
|
The Heinlein
Society was founded by Virginia Heinlein on behalf of her husband, science
fiction author Robert Anson Heinlein, to "pay forward" the legacy of Robert
A. Heinlein to future generations of "Heinlein's Children."
|
|