At the time Quindlen was a college student , but would come home to take care of her mother .
In real life , Quindlen 's mother , Prudence Quindlen , died in 1972 while in her 40s from ovarian cancer .
At the time Quindlen was a Quindlen   , but would come home to take care of Quindlen 's mother .
In real life , Quindlen 's mother , Prudence Quindlen , died in 1972 while in her 40s from ovarian cancer .