In Memoriam: Maryly Wallof, Longtime Member of Motherlode Weavers and Spinners
by Christy Hamilton
Maryly was indeed a special person. She was a vivacious woman who enjoyed life. She had a great sense of humor, a profound sense of kindness, and a wonderfully optimistic outlook. She tried different art forms throughout her life and became a talented sculptor; but it was when she discovered weaving that she found her place. She was enthusiastic about all aspects dealing with fiber and took advantage of a variety workshops offered by MLWS and CNCH. Maryly was curious and always ready to learn new techniques with fiber. She wove towels, scarves and lace curtains.
Spinning was something she enjoyed because of the social context: she almost never missed attending once-a-month home spinning and, in fact, was a core member of a spinning group that met outside regular guild meetings. She remained active well into her late-nineties.
Several years ago, I did an interview with Maryly for our guild newsletter. In talking about her background, she said she had three goals:
- get her degree in plant pathology — she graduated from Berkeley in 1940
- learn to fly an airplane — she was one of ten women and 110 men selected for the government’s Civilian Training Program at Berkeley in 1939
- live in Hawaii — she was in Honolulu when Pear Harbor was bombed, and pressed into medical service because of her knowledge of lab techniques.
A group of spinners (including a few ex-spinners) who dubbed themselves the “Spin Sisters,” continued to meet weekly until Covid restrictions, during which we met less often and very carefully masked and separated. It was this group that celebrated Maryly’s 104th birthday in February of this year.
In an article by Chace Anderson (Friends and Neighbors, Summer 2015) in answer to the question on her advice to younger generations, Maryly said, “Be kind. Avoid conflict. Try a little of everything, in moderation…and above all, enjoy life.” That’s how Maryly lived.
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Motherlode Weavers and Spinners Guild
c/o Christine Hall, Karen Swanson, Co- Presidents
and Patricia Henderson, Treasurer
Dear Motherlode Weavers and Spinners Guild,
On behalf of the Advisory Council of the Conference of Northern California Handweavers, Inc., I wish to thank the members of the Motherlode Weavers and Spinners Guild for their donation of $100.00 to the Fiber Arts Heritage Fund. We are grateful that you have chosen the Fiber Arts Heritage Fund to honor Maryly Wallof, longtime member of this guild.
With your permission, we would like to publish the name of the honoree in the next issue of CNCHnet, the online newsletter of the Conference of Northern California Handweavers, Inc. The newsletter will state that Motherlode Weavers and Spinners Guild has made a donation to the Fund in honor of Maryly.
The Conference of Northern California Handweavers, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code and Section 23701g of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Donations may be tax deductible. For your records, the CNCH, Inc., Federal Tax Identification Number is 94-161-7454.
Sincerely,
Erin Maclean