Good By to a Special Friend

   Whenever we talk to a group about the Hurdy-gurdy and then ask for questions, one of the first isn’t about it’s history or it’s mechanics but rather “How did you learn about such an instrument?” Then begins our tale of discovery.

  We saw our first Gurdy nestled on the lap of a camper at the Evart Fun Fest 8 or 9 years ago. It was love at first sight for the sound, the instrument, and of course before long for the lady holding it. Judith Lindenau became our mentor, cheerleader, and friend as we made our way from vendors of guitars to “Hurdy-Gurdy Crafters".

 It has been a fun and challenging journey for us and it seemed that at each bend there would be an e-mail, phone call, or meeting with Judith telling us stories and encouraging us to keep going.

   On Wednesday, May 14, 2014 we received word through the Hurdy-gurdy line of communication that Judith Lindenau, passed away May 13.  She had cancer that was metastasized throughout. She got the prognosis at the end of last week and passed peacefully and in no pain. She was an artist, a musician, a writer, an encourager and best of all a friend of the Hurdy-Gurdy world. She will be greatly missed.

Judith pictured here at the Evart Festival doing what she always did...encouraging another young gurdy player, Brian McCoy.