From Island Books’ store newsletter:
The past few weeks have been filled with grief for all of us at Island Books after the loss of Marni Gittinger. We not only lost a member of our book store family, we lost a dear friend. To say that Marni was a bright spot in many of our days is an understatement.
Mondays were my favorite day to see her bounding in the front door, with her Big Gulp and large handbag, checking the clip for specials, then walking and talking her way to the back room.
Marni was my biggest cheerleader. She wanted me to succeed as the owner of Island Books, she wanted us to be bigger and better than we have ever been. As many of the items purchased at the the gift show arrived this past week, I longed to show them to her. She would have loved the Unicorn Snot and I already missed the way she oohed and ahhed over the new arrivals.
Thanks to the many bookstore friends who have shared flowers, food, cards and warm hugs with all of us during a difficult time. We are grateful.
–Laurie Raisys, Owner, Island Books, Mercer Island, WA
Our sympathy and support are with the Island Books family and all those who knew and loved Marni.