Who is Miriam Reichl from Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table and what is their importance?

Miriam Reichl,Ruth's mother, is neurotic and is later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She is bohemian, wears no makeup and refuses to dye her gray hair. She is intelligent and has a PhD. Ruth's mother has lots of time and energy but not a lot to do. She is politely fired from several jobs as a magazine editor. The museum asks her to stop volunteering after she gives a risqué lecture on Picasso's personal life.