Reflecting on years past and my friendship with Martha Scharpf brought many warm memories. As detailed in a recent article (“When body washed ashore, a woman came back home, daughter says,” Feb. 27), health developments had clearly been difficult for her, and her passing quite poignant.

I enjoyed knowing Martha in a couple of ways. Literary, curious and knowledgeable about books and beyond, she was also consistently supportive of a number of us in the arts. Books by the Way was a favorite venue for music performance: Martha encouraged our duo, long-time island violinist Julie Blakemore along with me on flute, as well as Wishes A’Plenty — Merna Hecht’s magical storytelling punctuated by flute-violin melodies.

Martha assisted in planning and publicity, welcomed everyone and stood at the bookstore counter, smiling and savoring the audience’s pleasure in the tales and music.

Our paths also crossed as business neighbors. My office was next to the bookstore at Parker Plaza. In between flute lessons, counseling clients and résumé assistance, I would walk up to say hi and visit. We shared the mundane and newsworthy, from speechless shock at the Challenger moment witnessed together on her tiny office TV, to talk of family, work and life.

She was an astute communicator, an engaged listener.

The simple, old straight-back wooden chair at my low-tech cherry desk was hers. It means even more now.

— Nancy Morgan