Angela Lloyd’s vibrant spirit, magnetic joy, and boundless creativity left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her. From Oregon to Northern Ireland, from Tennessee to California, stories of her kindness, laughter, and artistry weave a rich tapestry.
When learning about the passing of Angela Lloyd, so many odes, thoughts, and memories existed. We wanted to honor some of what was collected or shared. You can also share your own comments at the end to continue this reflection and celebration of her life.
A Heart that Embraced the World
Angela’s storytelling wasn’t just performance; it was an invitation. Drea Douglas recalls how Angela transformed the familiar tale of Cinderella into something profoundly human, blending humor and sorrow. “Less than ten seconds after her description, it became one of the saddest stories I’d ever heard,” Drea said. Such was Angela’s gift: to make us laugh, weep, and reflect—all in a single breath.
Kevin Cordi captured her essence in his poem, celebrating how she turned strangers into friends, “a magnet for smiles” who carried her washboard, autoharp, and stories with an open heart. Her melodies were more than music; they were bridges, connecting people through rhythms that served as currency for care.
A Life of Whimsy and Wonder
Angela was a living embodiment of Carl Sandburg’s poetic magic. Miriam H. Nadel remembered her quirky instructions to sing the Bonanza theme song when entering her ranch, and Laura Simms described her as a “wildly inspired, deeply contemplative, and unbelievably original performer.” Whether she played a squeaky floor or handed out painted rocks at the Exchange Place, Angela reminded us that life’s simplest moments could be transformed into treasures.
Claire Hennessy recalled Angela’s singing at a Christmas show, a memory now made even more poignant by her passing: “So pure. She will be greatly missed, and the world will be a poorer place without Angela in it.”
The Eternal Pedlar of Joy
David Novak likened her to the magical pedlar in her own tales, stringing up a clothesline where worries could be exchanged for joy. Her presence, much like her stories, offered solace and wonder. “Angela was the magic pedlar,” he wrote. “She brought us to a place of easy happiness and profound joy.”
Loren Niemi’s poem reflects the profound emptiness left in her wake:
There is a bare umbrella
Spokes and handle festooned
With ribbons and bells
There is a slight accent
Like warm chocolate when she
Speaks, a gentle laugh
There is an empty stage
As she makes a too soon exit
Saying, “It’s been fun”
I will not be surprised if you call
From the other side, and if you do
Be sure to leave a message.
After posting this poem on Facebook, someone asked Loren, “Who is she?” Loren replied, “Angela Lloyd. Storyteller. Musician. Mistress of mirth and curator of magic.”
Yet, even in absence, Angela’s light persists. Her influence is felt in the washboards bought by aspiring storytellers inspired by her artistry, the laughter she sparked in workshops, and the simple truths she wove into her tales: “Beauty is a gift. Kindness is a choice.”
A Legacy That Lives On
From Utah to Massachusetts, from Washington, D.C., to the Bay Area of California, Angela’s impact is celebrated. As Pippa White recalls, Angela’s small, thoughtful gifts—like an orange-painted rock—brought calm and comfort to others. And as Karen Chace aptly described, “She was like Tinkerbell, spreading joy wherever she stepped.”
Angela Lloyd was more than a storyteller. She was a healer, a muse, and a reminder of life’s profound beauty. Her songs, laughter, and stories remain in the hearts of those who loved her, a testament to the power of art and connection. Though she has moved on to her next great adventure, we still hear the bells of her joy, and our baskets begin to fill again.
Rest in radiance, Angela. You were, and always will be, a light in our lives.
If you have links to add – video, audio, articles – please share by emailing info@storycrossroads.org or commenting on this blog post.
You can see more details and odes on Angela Lloyd with the Story Artists Memorial.
Do you know a Story Artist who has passed on and want others to remember them? Memories? Pictures? You can submit names and memories of Story Artists who have passed on through our online form.
I appreciate Angela Lloyd for being the Woman of Wonder. She was ageless and timeless and will continue to be so. She is playing her washboard and kazoo and dancing with star dust and celestial bodies, always a story and song to be shared.
Angela Lloyd still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.
Angela was a gracious, grateful, loving soul who spread joy to everyone she met. I love and miss your playful spirit, sweet Angela!
Ed Lewis