She never came to the microphone and she wasn’t an author, but Edwina Leggett, whose passing we heard of earlier this month, made an important contribution to the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference. Married to Jack Leggett, one of our founding directors, she enthusiastically supported the conference and served as devoted friend and hostess from 1988 through Jack’s death in 2015.
She loved attending readings, keeping up with gossip, and meeting authors; she was also a generous donor and advisor. Her most important contribution, though, was the welcome lunch she hosted for faculty, year after year, on the first day of the conference. The gathering took place at the Leggett home high in the hills west of Napa, on Partrick Road.
Edwina clearly relished meeting new faculty and seeing old friends; she was unfazed by latecomers and unexpected guests; and she prepared for us the most delicious meal: chicken salad, asparagus, potato salad, fruit crumble, brownies. Jack poured wine liberally and, year after year, the conference got off to a great start.
Edwina was a handsome, intelligent, and unique woman who loved poetry (especially women’s) and art. We’re grateful for her life.
