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Rita Corbin, whose line drawings graced the pages of Catholic Worker journals across the country for many decades died last night due to injuries from a car accident. She was 81 years old.
An accomplished artist, Corbin had the ability to see the holy and the beautiful among the disregarded and disdained. I first saw her artwork when I began reading the Catholic Worker as a college student. I have long forgotten the articles, but Corbin’s tender depictions of the poor and outcast continue to influence my understanding of Christian solidarity.
Devoid of ego, Corbin generously provided her artwork free of charge to Catholic Worker communities, including our own. In her quiet, unassuming way, she exemplified the bold and audacious claim of Peter Maurin, co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement, who often said we are called to "be co-creators with God."
Married to the late Marty Corbin, one-time editor of the Catholic Worker, Rita leaves behind five children, five grandchildren and countless individuals who take inspiration from her art and life.
Look for a full obituary in coming days.
