Remembering A Hero
Has this ever happened to you? I was on a cross country car trip over the Thanksgiving holiday to visit some of the most important women in my life (daughter Vanessa and two granddaughters, Rosemary and Corrine) when I had an out-of-the-blue memory of another incredible woman, albeit, one that I had lost track of. With curiosity, I checked Google to see what what going on with her.
I was so saddened to learn about her recent passing.
One of my early mentors, Marilyn McGuire, founder of NAPRA and the Nautilus Book Awards (among hundreds of other things), died peacefully in October back in her home state of Georgia, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. I met Marilyn in 1999, the early years of Foreword Magazine. She was one of the brightest lights at bookselling, library trade, and New Age shows, and she wrapped me up in her wings when she realized she could pass along vast amounts of business knowledge to a wide open vessel hungry for magazine training and female friendship. Marilyn was always gracious, gregarious, and glorious with everyone, but when I was alone with her, she made me feel like the center of her gorgeous universe.
I had the opportunity to visit and stay for a long weekend at her home on Orcas, in the San Juan Islands. Her generous spirit started locally and you could feel it with every hello and short conversation she had with her islander neighbors. I felt the legend she was there, and was duly inspired to make sure philanthropic efforts in my hometown were as authentic as hers. She showed me how much community matters.
The incredible life she lived as outlined in her obituary was truly a surprise to me, and that was Marilyn. Humble and dignified, I owe so much to her for her friendship and leadership in an industry that is not easy to enter let alone thrive in. With so much gratitude for the presence you have in my soul, rest in peace Marilyn.
Victoria Sutherland
