Ellen-Mager-Obituary

Ellen Mager

Doylestown, Pennsylvania

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DIED
January 28, 2026
LOCATION
Doylestown, Pennsylvania

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Ellen Mager, a much-loved member of the Doylestown community, died in the Lansdale Hospital on Jan. 28, 2026.

For over 35 years, she owned and was the life force of Booktenders' Secret Garden Children's Bookstore and Gallery, providing quality literature, original art by children's book...

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Ellen was such an important mentor to me in my early days of bookselling. We lived far apart, but I had the chance to mingle with her at a few national events over the years. What a treasure! Leslie Hawkins (Formerly) Owner of Spellbound Children's Bookshop in Asheville, NC

I just found out last night that Ellen passed. Ellen and I were roommates at Temple our senior year. We continued our friendship for many many years after college. Sadly we lost touch these last few years. Ellen always wore a smile. She was so much fun to be with. I'm sorry we never reconnected. My condolences to Carol and Mimi. May her memory be a blessing. Ellen you will always be in my heart.

We are so sorry for your loss. Ellen was an amazing treasure. She made such an impact on others - her passion for children´s books, Doylestown and the community will be missed. So many authors and illustrators met, so many books discovered, so many wonderful conversations -all because of Ellen.

Ellen was such a treasure and enriched the lives of so many in Doylestown and the surrounding areas. Teachers counted on her recommendations for just the right book for their classrooms. I never left there without a pile of books in my arms. And so kind, when my dad died she donated books in his memory to our school library.

My condolences to Ellen's sisters and family. As a rep in the 1980-s and 1990's, Ellen was one of my all-time favorite buyers, and her store was a haven of love, compassion, and fierce passion for great books, authors, customers, and friends. We had many a huge signing in her tiny space, with enthusiastic and creative ways to expand her reach to schools, libraries and families far beyond. Doylestown. Always upbeat, friendly, curious and caring--she was a delightful friend.

Dear Ellen, We are heartbroken to hear of your loss. You were the best bookseller Doylestown will ever know-not just because of your incredible knowledge of books, but because of your biggest heart. You connected readers with stories, shared your passion with everyone who walked through your door, and made our community richer with every recommendation and conversation. Thank you for all the love you gave and all the stories you shared with us. Your warmth, kindness, and genuine care for...

What a treasure Ellen was for kids, parents and grandparents (us). God bless her and may she live on in the stories she loved!

Miss Ellen was a part of our family´s lives for 20 years... from the time my kids could walk they loved her shop, and she fostered their love of reading well into their high school years. So many special events, author signings and amazing opportunities we had because of her passion and her knowledge and contacts in the children´s book world... it´s hard to believe she is gone... We will miss her very much

She was a delight and so interested in finding books for my Twins. I will remember her fondly. Sorry for your loss. Allison Jenkins