I just read this announcement on Dewey’s blog, posted by her husband:
I’ve got a piece of sad news to deliver. Dewey passed away on Tuesday evening.
[...]
My wife was unwell and in a lot of pain; I don’t believe she ever discussed that side of her life here, and I’ve no desire to go against her boundaries, just know she was in a lot of pain. I am sad that my wife is no longer here, but she’s not in pain any more.
I am sitting in front of my computer with tears in my eyes. All of a sudden the day doesn’t seem so bright anymore. Dewey was one of the pillars of the bookblogging community. She was one of the most prolific bookbloggers and an overall great and generous person. Dewey set up so many online events that have become “traditions” among bookbloggers: the 24-Hour Read-a-Thon, the Bookworms Carnival, Weekly Geeks, it was all her idea.
Sunday evening my mom sent me a textmessage saying that a bookish parcel had arrived at their place. I wasn’t expecting anything from anyone, so I told her to open it and tell me what was in it. A bit later I received a message back saying it was a Ruth Rendell mystery from Dewey. She must have remembered this comment she made on one of my posts way back when. Reading the book won’t be the same, now that Dewey is no longer with us.
Dewey will be missed sorely by many people all over the world who never met her. Thank you, for everything, dear Dewey.
Dewey leaves behind a husband and a son. I wish both of them all the strength in the world to deal with their huge loss.
A Haunted House: The Complete Shorter Fiction - Virginia Woolf
Forgotten Bread: First Generation Armenian American Writers - David Kherdian (ed.)
De brief voor de koning - Tonke Dragt
I know, I’ve just read this news myself. I feel the same way. Though we may not have met her in ‘real life’ she was very important to us. I’m feeling very shocked and saddened.
I, too, am saddened by the loss of Dewey. Her blog is beautiful, and her words will live on.
I wondered if anyone would get a package from Dewey after she was gone. I know if she could arrange it, she’d still be sending things from the hereafter. It would appeal to her generous spirit and her quirky good humor.
When you read the book, I’m sure that you will be thinking of Dewey. We are all going to miss her so much.