Breckenridge, Jill Age 85, of Mpls, passed away on March 30 of complications from Alzheimer's. She was followed in death by her long-time partner John Fenn. Jill was a mother, artist, and writer whose five books of poetry, short-form prose, and memoir were published by Milkweed Editions, Nodin Press, Bluestem Press ("How to Be Lucky" won the Bluestem award) and in many literary journals. "Civil Blood," her sequence of poetry and prose about the Civil War was nominated by the American Library Association as a Notable Book. Jill's feminism and engagement with the Civil Rights Movement inspired her to co-found the groundbreaking collective Women Poets of the Twin Cities. Her work across creative disciplines always reflected her values, which she instilled in her children. Jill earned her BA in education and then an MFA in creative writing and a MSW, all while raising five teenagers with John. She worked as a high school English teacher and a counselor at a community clinic. Jill was an early Coordinator of The Loft Literary Center, initiating in 1979 the nationally renowned Mentor Series. It was her vision to pair prominent authors like Marge Piercy and Philip Levine with promising local writers, a legacy that continues today. She made her living as a writing consultant and as an editor. Jill loved horses. As a girl in the West, she competed, with her horse "Lucky Strike", in rodeo events against boys on bigger horses, winning cash prizes and grudging respect. Jill hated meanness and water and self-promotion, and championed cooperation among women in the arts. She loved fudge and carrot cake and birds, and especially, to laugh - always with you - at times the experience of mirth escaping in a scream as she doubled over in a near-epileptic fit. "Oh gawd oh gawd" she'd say between gasps. This was her secret weapon against the Midwestern reserve. Her vigor and wit; veneration of beauty; and her impeccable style are legendary. Jill was fond of saying "I hate that;" "I love it!" She was generous with affection and praise; people were always drawn to Jill: beautiful, fiery redhead. Scorpio. Diminutive in size, great in stature. Jill Breckenridge is survived by her sons, Mark (James); Michael "Vi" (Eriq); Chad (Alexia); Lee (Lynette); daughter, Sharon; sister-in-law Sally Brown; and five grandchildren.

Published on June 30, 2024