Granny D., feisty New Hampshire activist, has died
Granny D., aka Doris Haddock, died Tuesday at her home in New Hampshire. She was 100.
Eleven years ago, at age 89, Granny D decide to draw attention to the need for campaign finance reform by walking across America. She began January 1, 1999, averaging about 10 miles a day. It took her 14 months to walk 3200 miles, accompanied by her son, Jim. Despite a host of physical challenges (arthritis, emphysema, and a bad back), Granny D., wearing her signature broad-brimmed straw hat, conquered deserts, mountains, and blizzards.
With the help of Dennis Burke, Granny D. wrote Granny D.: Walking across America in my 90th year (2001). When it was reprinted a few years later, a new subtitle, You're Never Too Old to Raise a Little Hell, more accurately reflected her deep love for citizen involvement. Also, Run, Granny, Run (2007), is a delightful documentary of her cross-country trek.
At the time of her death, Granny D. and Burke were working on her latest book,. My Bohemian Century which was expected to be published this spring.