SPRINGFIELD – The passing of the widow of Springfield native Ted Geisel – better known to the world as “Dr. Seuss” –  was noted locally.

Audrey Geisel was 97 and became well known in the city with her involvement in the creation of the Dr. Seuss National Memoirial Sculpture Garden at the Quadrangle.

Mayor Domenic Sarno wrote, “First of all, my sympathy, thoughts, prayers and encouragement to her daughters Leagrey and Lark, family and friends of Mrs. Audrey Geisel.  Even though she was always so gracious and kind to our Springfield about enhancing our tributes to her husband, Theodor S. Geisel – ‘Our Beloved Dr. Seuss’ – she was fiercely protective of her husband’s ‘Dr. Seuss’ on how it should or should not be promoted.  For that she was deeply respected and appreciated.

“May God rest her soul – as she reunites with Ted – ‘Dr. Seuss’ – in Heaven.”

In a written statement, Springfield Museums President & CEO Kay Simpson, said, “The number one request after the sculptures were installed was for a Dr. Seuss museum. Audrey Geisel was integral to the Sculpture Garden, stepping forward with a $1 million dollar donation that kicked off a major fundraising effort for the project. And she was also in full support of creating The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, granting us permissions to use Dr. Seuss assets. Audrey helped make it all happen. She wanted to honor Ted’s Springfield roots. Audrey was a great friend to the Museums and we are saddened by her passing.”

The sculpture garden opened in 2002 with national news coverage and have been visited by more than four million people according to the Springfield Museums.

The   Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum has doubled attendance to the museum complex and has generated a more than $16,000,000 economic impact on the city of Springfield, according to the museums.