EBMA - EBMA Remembers Marilyn Abel.

09 Apr 2013 5:42 PM

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Message # 1264465

Anonymous

Please use this space to share your memories of Marilyn Abel.

11 Apr 2013 9:12 AM

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Reply # 1265939 on 1264465

Stuart Bernstein

For ten years in the 80s and 90s I was the buyer for an independent bookstore in New York City and Marilyn was my sales rep for the University of Chicago Press. She was a marvelously intelligent person, a kind person, a generous person. She guided my decisions with great gentleness and clarity--all of which could be heard in that warm, enthusiastic speaking voice of hers. Ran into her at BEA a couple of years ago after not seeing her for maybe 15 years. That's when you know you really like somebody, when you can't stop smiling at the surprise of seeing her again.

It's clear that Marilyn was much more than the narrow view I had of her. But I'm sure there were many others like me who always looked forward to seeing her to go over each season's list. Peace and blessings to her family and friends. And love to Marilyn!

11 Apr 2013 9:37 AM

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Reply # 1265974 on 1264465

Michael Rockliff

Marilyn was simply one of the warmest people it has ever been my pleasure to know. No matter how fraught the trip to EBMA, one sight of Marilyn beaming at you was enough to cause all the tension and angst to melt away. Even her e-mail seemed to be smiling!

11 Apr 2013 9:49 AM

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Reply # 1265982 on 1264465

John Wetterholt

For many years the annual meeting of the EBMA was a highlight of my winter, and so beneficial to my work as a buyer for a large wholesaler. Seeing Marilyn's bright smile throughout meeting week was a comfort to us all. And her warmth and sense of humor easily elevated her from "colleague" to "dear friend." She was an asset to the industry and a visionary thinker, and will be sincerely missed by all who knew and loved her. Kind thoughts to her family and friends.

11 Apr 2013 10:33 AM

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Reply # 1266024 on 1264465

Arnold Cardillo

I have a number of memories of Marilyn. She was always a kind and gracious person. As a former EBMA board member, I got to see Marilyn at work with three different EBMA Presidents: Fred Johnson, Tom Milano, and Dick Tinder. It would always amuse me when something would come up at a board meeting, and the president would invariably turn to Marilyn as if to say, "What do I do now"? As each new president came into office, Marilyn would hold their hands, as it were, and guide them through the duties of their position. She was their mentor; and, by the time they left office, they had become experienced and effective administrators under and as a direct result of Marilyn's tutelage. We will all miss her patient and pleasant smile.

11 Apr 2013 12:12 PM

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Reply # 1266155 on 1264465

Joyce Skokut

As a newcomer to EBMA many years ago, Marilyn helped me acclimate and I will remember her ever-present smile and good cheer. A bright light has gone out with Marilyn's passing.

11 Apr 2013 6:53 PM

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Reply # 1266516 on 1264465

Neil Jaffe

There is so much to say about Marilyn and the way she supported the EPA/EBMA and all of us. From day one, she made sure that EPA was an egalitarian association -- every publisher would have the same size table, whether they were the largest publisher in the room, or the smallest. I would smile every time Marilyn would have to explain to a new board member why we couldn't allow big publishers to sponsor parts of the meeting because of how unfair that would be to small publishers. Whether you were a board member of the association or a brand new attendee, Marilyn made you feel like family. It was Marilyn and the values she infused into our organization's culture that made our meeting the most special of the year. She will be missed by so many of us.

12 Apr 2013 11:00 PM

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Reply # 1267589 on 1264465

Bob Laronga

As a past president and board member of what was then EPA, I had the privilege of working very closely with Marilyn. She was the one constant guiding light of the Association through many years. She was our North Star. Marilyn navigated our way to many fine resorts, eateries, and excursion sites for productive and memorable annual meetings. Our meetings were always a nice mix of serious business, camaraderie and great fun.The EPA annual meeting was the one meeting that I most looked forward to every year, as did many others, thanks to Marilyn Abel. At the meetings, two often heard words were "Ask Marilyn" whenever there was a problem or a need to be addressed and she was there to help. Beyond the matters of business, my wife, Sharon, and I developed a truly meaningful friendship with Marilyn through many shared moments of conversation. We will both personally miss her.

23 Apr 2013 2:19 PM

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Reply # 1275942 on 1264465

Lynda Wagner Bradley

As a third generation bookseller, Marilyn knew my family well and embraced me with open arms when I joined the EPA/EBMA 16 years ago. She loved telling me anecdotes from the "old days" and especially her dealings with my Dad. She ran the organization with grace and fortitude and I always enjoyed my time with her. She would ring the "chimes" between meetings and usher us along (especially the slow pokes) She had a way with people, no matter how adverse the situation, she could always end it with a smile. A selfless, thoughtful person, who will be sorely missed.