Mary Travers, of the famous folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, died two days ago of leukemia. She was 72.

The trio’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” was an anthem for the times, for the rising social awareness of the turbulent ’60s. Folk music, not folksy at all. It asked the tough questions that needed asking.

I will miss her greatly, and I cringe at the unflinching march of time so relentlessly striking down the icons of my youth.

I learned of her death this evening, and the news was accompanied by a clip of the trio singing “Blowin’ in the Wind” in concert. I had to choke back the tears.