Credited with saving Anne Frank's diary, and its subsequent publication, Mrs. Gies died this evening after a short illness. When the Frank family was found and arrested, Anne's diary and all her writing was left behind. Miep saved it in the hope Anne would one day return to claim it, although she died prior to her 16th birthday. After Anne's father returned to Amsterdam after the war, he agreed to a "condensed" publication of the book, leaving out some excerpts in which Anne described an awakening of her sexuality, as well as detailing some of her parents' arguments.

BC

BC,

Thanks for posting this. I had forgotten the history of the diary. It's so interesting to think how Mrs. Gies' saving the writings resulted in millions of people knowing the details of Anne Frank's awful ordeal and tragically brief life.

There is one less good person in the world. Thanks for posting.

Her own book is well worth reading, as her own independent story is fascinating and inspiring.

There are several pages marking her death at the Anne Frank website, including a condolence register.
http://tinyurl.com/yhw63vc

She had a 'fall' on Christmas day. A wonderful human being. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miep_Gies

Thanks for posting this. A shining example of what we all should be, of courage that we all hope will be ours when needed.