Dear friends, I am writing with the sad news that Lorraine Gaudet's husband, Floyd, died earlier this week, and to ask for your help. Lorraine and Floyd were long-time fixtures in Fells Point and could often be seen walking along the waterfront or sipping coffee at the Daily Grind. Many of us know Lorraine through her love of knitting and her enthusiastic advocacy for the craft. Lorraine has introduced countless students to the joys of knitting, helped experienced knitters expand their skills, and encouraged creativity in all who know her. Her Saturday morning knitting group was a beloved institution among the Baltimore knitting community. In nice weather, Floyd would sweep the sidewalk and set up tables so the group could meet outside her shop, A Good Yarn, in Fells Point. Many a passerby learned about knitting during those get-togethers, and some even became knitters themselves!

As many of you know, Floyd suffered a stroke in 2018 that left him with significant physical and cognitive impairment. As his condition worsened, Lorraine had to curtail and ultimately stop teaching to care for him full-time. Floyd passed away at home and in Lorraine's arms earlier this week. As she said, it was a good death.

But now, in addition to mourning, Lorraine faces the sad task of burying her husband. Because she has been his full-time caretaker for so long, she does not have the resources to pay for burial arrangements. As friends of Floyd and Lorraine, I am appealing to you to contribute what you can to help out in this challenging time. All money raised will be sent directly to Lorraine for burial expenses and other costs associated with this transition.