She was very important to me, as was John. I miss them.

Gwen was one amazing lady. The world needs more “Gwens”.  She touched so many lives and left so many fond memories.  We will all hold on to these and perhaps become a little better in the long run.  My love to the family.

Dear Family of Gwen,


   Your Mom inspired me.  She was generous and kind and the best employer I ever had.  She was remarkable…….

Gwen welcomed me as a new wife to the Merrill community, and asked me to do my first book signing ever. She was a friend and an inspiration, and Santa Cruz is a lesser place without her.
Laurie R King

My condolences. I worked with Gwen at Capitola Book Cafe in 1980s. We had enjoyable conversations about the Midwest, since I had recently moved from Indiana. When the bookseller convention was in Dallas, we went to a steak house in Fort Worth where there was a photo of Gwen & prize cow from the Iowa State Fair, purchased by restaurant. We rode a train cross country together. Love to all.

I felt lucky to be called one of Gwen's many friends and political allies in the struggle to keep bookstores independent, but the truth is that Gwen was really more of a mentor.  She picked up my exhausted spirit and spurred it to forming Working to Advance the Village Environment (WAVE), a non-profit dedicated to local, sustainable development. Probably Gwen boosted everyone she met.