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Ellen Mager Obituary
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 illustrators, special events, and visits from authors and illustrators. She had a knack for picking the perfect book for each child and an encyclopedic knowledge of children's literature.
Ellen was active in the Doylestown community, serving on the board of the Business and Community Alliance and the Chamber Women in Business Committee as well as volunteering with schools and other nonprofits.
She is the daughter of Sidney and Jackie Mager of Kingston.
She is survived by her two sisters, Carol Mager and Mimi Mager, as well as the many family members who affectionately referred to her as "Aunt Ellie."
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday from Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, 348 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre, with interment in Ohav Zedek Cemetery, Hanover Township. Lunch will follow for all who attend. Plans are being made for a celebration of Ellen's life and community contributions in Doylestown on her birthday, April 11, 2026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Mager
Nancy McElwee
Earlier today
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.
Annette l hughes
Yesterday
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.
Will and Jane Hillenbrand
February 2, 2026
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 people and books made such a difference in so many lives.
With deepest sympathy and gratitude,
Jane and Will Hillenbrand
The Rendons
February 2, 2026
What a treasure Ellen was for kids, parents and grandparents (us). God bless her and may she live on in the stories she loved!
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Cheryl Castro
February 1, 2026
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
Allison Jenkins
January 30, 2026
She was a delight and so interested in finding books for my Twins. I will remember her fondly. Sorry for your loss. Allison Jenkins
Cynthia Compton
January 30, 2026
All of Ellen's colleagues in children's bookselling celebrate her immeasurable contribution to our industry, and mourn her loss. We send our deep sympathy to her family - and thanks on behalf of so many booksellers who enjoyed her friendship and wisdom.
With warm regards,
Cynthia Compton
4 Kids Books & Toys, Zionsville IN
President, Board of Directors of the American Booksellers Association
Holly Ruck
January 30, 2026
I was so very sorry to hear this news. Ellen was one of the first people I met as a young sales rep in 1998. I will never forget walking into her store and beginning a relationship that would last for many years. She was a true giant in the book industry and I learned so much from her. Her knowledge, wit, fierce love of books, and dedication to her community was inspirational. My love to all her family and friends.
Carol Lorentz-Burnett
January 30, 2026
Ellen was wonderful. A force to be reckoned with when it came to children and what they needed. May her memory be a blessing.
Steve Buch
January 29, 2026
So sad to hear this! Ellen was such a sweet soul. I met her through the Scranton crew at Temple, including Ellie and Rick and the rest. Was fortunate to visit her years later at her store in Doylestown. She will be missed.
Jessica
January 29, 2026
My son and I loved shopping at Booktenders with Ellen. She really fostered a love of reading in kids. My son is now a captain on his reading Olympics team and so many of his books growing up came from Ellen! Sending her family peace and comfort.
Elizabeth Wyckoff
January 29, 2026
My kids loved Ellen's Secret Garden bookstore in Doylestown, and we've missed having her in that wonderful space. May it be a comfort that her love of books will be passed down through her customers for generations. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Gina
January 29, 2026
Ellen was a true gift to the Doylestown community. Her love of children´s literature and the magic she created at Booktenders´ Secret Garden will be remembered always. She will be deeply missed.
Samantha & Family
January 29, 2026
Ellen used to give me her advanced readers copies as a teenager and exposed me to many beautiful books for free. She was a wonderful person and I will always remember her for her generosity and passion for books. Condolences to her family during this trying time.
Nickey Hollenbach
January 29, 2026
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Debbie Dadey
January 29, 2026
Ellen was a children's literature treasure!
ellen Silva
January 28, 2026
Dear Mimi & Carol,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved sister, Ellen. She was a special person in Bucks County, PA, with her gift for finding the perfect book for children & teens at her beautiful bookstore. What a beautiful life she lived, giving joy & the gift of literacy to so many. Sending big hugs, Ellen Rob & Sacha
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Funeral services provided by:
Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, Inc. - Wilkes Barre348 S. River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
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