Pulitzer-Winning Poet Maxine Kumin Dies at 88

Poet Maxine Kumin, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973 for Up Country, has passed away at 88, The Associated Press reports.

The U.S. poet laureate died Thursday at her Warner, N.H., home after a year of failing health, the Bennett Funeral Home in Concord said.

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In addition to poetry, Kumin also wrote fiction, nonfiction and children's books. She also took a stand as an activist for women writers, social justice and animal rights.

She taught writing on a graduate and undergraduate level throughout her life, including fellowships at Boston University, Brandeis, Columbia, MIT and Princeton.

Her final work And Short the Season will be released later this year. Her family also is planning a celebration of her life and work for this spring.