Obituary -- Ann LaPietra, Bookseller

Ann LaPietra, 73, owner of The Kids' Place in Marshall, Michigan, died last month. LaPietra owned the bookstore from 1986 until its closing in 2006, due to her poor health.

LaPietra was born on June 30, 1933 in Decatur, Illinois, to Robert M. and Virginia (Lipscomb) Yoder. She graduated from Northwestern University's Theater School in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech.

The Kids' Place was known for hosting many events, including the "John Bellairs Walk," at which LaPietra guided participants to the places in Marshall that inspired the children's book author and introduced some to the key characters from his books.

LaPietra was also a supporter of First Amendment rights and would create dramatic visual displays in support of Banned Books Week.

In 1990, LaPietra received the Women's National Book Association's Lucille Micheels Pannell Award.

She is survived by her son, John A. LaPietra of Marshall, and daughters Katherine A. LaPietra of Big Rapids, and Margaret T. LaPietra-Kunz (James) of Baltimore; two grandchildren and two brothers.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Marshall Community Foundation for the Ann LaPietra Fund.