Thelma Keane, who was in the inspiration for the mother in the “Family Circus” comics, has passed away. Her husband, Bil, created the comic and Thelma managed the business, in addition to providing inspiration and a whole bunch of children. One of their sons, Jeff, now works with Bil to keep the series going. In addition to Neal, Gayle, and Christopher, the family also includes prolific Disney animator Glen Keane.
The series was one of the first that caught my eye as a kid, and I remember at least one animated holiday television special. To this day, whenver I open a newspaper, I look for it.