Kathy Fortney, former co-owner of Chester County Book Company in West Chester, Pa., died on October 27.
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| Kathy Fortney | |
Fortney started her career as a buyer for Barnes & Noble in New York City prior to purchasing an existing bookstore, Margaret Alburn Bookseller in West Goshen, with her then-husband, Bob Simoneaux, in 1982.
The store's growth led to a move to a larger location on Paoli Pike. Eventually they added a music section, more book space, and a New Orleans-style restaurant. Throughout the late '80s and '90s the store was a premier stop for popular author events and was one of the largest independent bookstores in the Mid-Atlantic. Fortney was an avid reader and often advocated to host events with her favorite writers.
In 2012, she married Phil Fortney and they enjoyed trips to the North Carolina beaches. Due to the lease ending, Chester County Book Company closed in 2012 and reopened in a smaller location in 2013, which closed in 2016. Fortney was the heart of the store, and she was full of warmth and humor and had a hearty laugh. Longtime employee Thea Kotroba stated, "Kathy was a great mentor and friend and boss who taught me so much about books."