Marilyn Hagerty obituary: From Pierre, South Dakota, to national fame in Grand Forks, yet humbly grounded

Marilyn Hagerty, a newspaper columnist in Grand Forks, N.D., who suddenly achieved national fame and won a book contract after writing a positive review of an Olive Garden restaurant in her mid-80s, died of complications from a recent stroke Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Altru hospital in Grand Forks. She was 99 years old.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

In early March 2012, Mrs. Hagerty turned in her review of what was then a new branch of the restaurant chain in Grand Forks. As was her custom, she did not write a critique but rather described her experience. She reported that the “chicken Alfredo ($10.95) was warm and comforting on a cold day” and that portions were generous.

Internet wits stumbled upon the story and began mocking her for writing an earnest review of a chain restaurant