Janice Roseberry, Igloo Books’ US Sales Director tragically died in a car accident, Tuesday 1st September 2009.
It’s almost one year since Janice’s devastating accident. Not one day passes for many of us when we do not think of Janice. Our thoughts remain with everyone who is incredibly saddened by the loss of such a wonderful person.
At Igloo, Janice will always be remembered. We were extremely fortunate to have known her and lucky that our lives were enriched by her, all too short, presence in our lives.
Like many, on Wednesday, we will raise a glass of wine with ice, look each other in the eye (remember Janice told us why!) and remember our dear friend.
Rest in Peace and keep smiling, Janice – you deserve to.
All of us at Igloo Books and in the publishing industry around the world mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, Janice Roseberry.
The loss of Janice is devastating. Janice’s selfless approach to life and work will live on in all our memories forever. Testament to how much Janice is loved is demonstrated in the outpouring of grief for her around the world and her incomprehensible passing. Janice is loved equally by customers, competitors and colleagues alike in the publishing world. We would all count ourselves firstly as friends. We are a close family at Igloo and we are all very fortunate that Janice has touched our lives.
Janice joined Igloo in the early months of the company and has dedicated so much of her life to establishing Igloo Books in North America. Janice brought a fantastic knowledge of publishing to her role and amazing dedication and energy. Working with Janice was a pleasure. Whilst living in Germany, Janice probably clocked up more US air miles than most sales-people – from either side of the pond! Calm and serene under pressure, Janice’s loyalty and drive for our small company can never be forgotten, Janice is Igloo North America.
Nothing was too much for Janice - the secret was in the detail. As Igloo has grown up over the years nothing has changed. From birthdays to choice of drink, from ice cream preference to name of children or pets, from favourite moisturiser to preferred jewellery … Janice knew! The enclosed photo shows Janice at a Christmas party. Typically tight on time and arriving from a recent sales trip, Janice stole the show with admirable simplicity….Puss in Boots!
Janice Roseberry will be forever remembered at Igloo Books, even after we have all hung up our book publishing hats. No one will ever fill Janice’s beautiful shoes, but every year, Igloo Books will vote for the Janice Roseberry Employee of the Year… whoever wins each year will be extremely honoured. We will raise a glass of white wine with ice to her wonderful memories.
Our thoughts are with Ivo, her Mum and Dad and all her family.
John Styring
Judy kerzban
Janice, I could not believe the sad news.....still can't. Janice was one of a kind, a wonderful human being!! I remember my job interview at Koenemann NY- it felt like meeting a new friend. Janice & Gerald also attended our wedding in Germany & I was so happy for them to be part of our big day. Janice has always been in my thoughts - quick to give good advice & always having an open ear. If I sent an email - Janice always replied & took the time to ask how life is going.....I will miss her terribly!! I'm sad that I cannot share the news of the birth of our second son Nicklas with her, but I'm sure she looks down & is happy with us!! Our thoughts are with her family in this difficult time.
Esther Schürmann
I´m totally shocked!! Oh Janice... that shouldn´t happen to you!!! You will be my angel in heaven!!!
Mary Hill
Janice, your loss is incomprehensible. You were an exceptional person, full of joie de vivre and fun. Your generosity and support as a colleague was boundless. You were a real friend.
The last time I saw you, you took me to your local park where we enjoyed a few glasses of wine together in the late afternoon sunshine. You talked about the new flat you and Ivo had found together which you were so pleased about. It was a lovely and memorable end to the working day and typical of you to make it like that. I treasure that memory.
You were an inspiration, as somebody who really loved life and had an incredibly positive effect on other people. I will always remember you with admiration and love.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Ivo and your family.
Annette van Roojen-Diekmann
Janice was a great person. Whenever we bumped into each other we had a great time and laughed a lot. She was a very warm person with so much power. At the same time she was very attentive for every little detail. I was deeply saddened about this terrible accident - just in the middle of her life. A bright star which has suddenly disappeared. I give my warmest condolences to Ivo and all of Janice friends and family. She will be missed so much!
Inge Schöps
My brain still refuses the connection of the two words "Janice" and "death". If anybody ever was a symbol for life, then it was Janice! No matter when, no matter where - if at early morning flights or late at night among the last guests at a party - Janice was always full-on THERE. So funny, joyful, playful, loving, considered and at any time authentic! You simply had to love her! My thoughts are with Ivo, the families and close friends, especially Sally, Wendy and Gerald. I wish them all the strength and the support of this world! Inge Schöps
Sundip Sahota
Sadly, I only met Janice a few times, however you could see straight away that she was such a happy person. She was welcoming and very friendly. Rest in peace Janice. x
Tracey Lewis
Janice, Janice, Janice – I am so sorry I did not tell you more often what a wonderful friend, person and colleague you were. Your selfless, caring and nurturing ways set you apart from anyone I know. I have learnt from you, I miss you.
I miss our evening chats, catching up on business, throwing around ideas, hearing about your successes, of which there were many. I miss seeing your name come up on my mobile and the way we would greet each other “Janice Roseberry- how the devil are you” and your reply “Hey Tracey” in that wonderful smiling voice, I’d always picture your beaming smile that lit up every room, and that laugh! I still do and always will. I am so pleased the last time we spoke our last words were “lots of love”.
Many people have reflected on some wonderful times they have shared with you, and confirm your selfless amazing nature, I am also very fortunate to have the same memories that make me smile and cry as I write. To name a few:
-The Dive Bar, good old Sam Adams and the night you saved the guy in the wheelchair. -Your support when my grandmother passed. -My last night out with you in Cologne, my goodness did we see in the May! Even though it was yours and Ivo’s anniversary, you let me gatecrash.
There are so many more memories that I will treasure forever, thank you.
Janice, you have left many friends who are now all friends and will share in your memory forever, together. We will celebrate you always.
My thoughts are with your Mum, Dad, Ivo, brother and sisters.
Sue Tarsky
Oh, Janice. I remember the first time we met, and I remember the last time that I saw you. I remember all the phone conversations and e-mails; the laughter.
Janice, you cared about people and you liked people. You saw the good in everyone, and you brought out the good in them.
All that caring and love is returned.
You're in my heart and my thoughts, Janice, and always will be.
Ivo, my heart goes out to you, and to Janice's family.
Kathy Missell
Janice was a driving force to be reckoned with. Her care for her work, customers, friends and family are not matched by many people. There are certain people in this world who just have “it”. Janice was one of those people. She is a very special person whose light will not dim even with her passing.
I am stunned and so very sorry. Words can’t truly convey my thoughts and sadness.
To all of her friends, colleagues and family you are all in my thoughts and prayers as I know Janice will always live on in all our hearts.
Sarah Fabiny
Sadly I didn’t have the opportunity to work with Janice long at Igloo Books, but I will miss her smiling face and ability to have us laughing hysterically. Rest in peace, Janice; your memory will live on.
Jana Hesser
Dear Jannie,
You are an angel now. Always have been.
Much love,
Jana Hesser
Karran Marshall
Janice, you were beautiful to the core and I can’t find the words to express the emptiness and grief I feel like so many others. Unfair, tragic, devastating...none seem to capture the magnitude of this. You really was one of life’s angels that touched so many lives with the simplest of actions. I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to call you a friend. I am so very grateful that my beliefs give me the comfort to know you continue to watch over us from a place where you are taken care of and loved. Rest in peace with love all around you Janice.
As we began to work together I guess our bond started with a little mouse called Diddl. You went out of your way to find one for my daughter Chelsea and it meant so much to her. Then every time you visited another diddl friend appeared! Then there was the very late night chats about everything and nothing, there were always lots of laughs. You had endless stories of your travels and nice makeup and I had dancing penguins on my email and my trade mark saying “me duck” which made you laugh especially when you tried to mimic me! I will treasure all my memories forever.
All my love goes to Ivo and Janice’s family. You are always in my thoughts. x
Andreas Brands
Janice, I received the sad news about your terrible accident. But it doesn´t reach my reality. There are things you never understand. We lived next door. Whenever I come home, I sense that you´re still here.
Briony Britten
Never have I known someone who lights up a room like Janice. Her smile was just radiant. Her loss is so hard to take and I have spent many hours thinking how it would even be possible to put it into words. None seem to do her justice.
Reading everyone’s comments says so much about her – her endless love; humour; generosity.....
Only a few weeks ago Janice came to spend the evening with John and I. I was housebound due to our new puppy and couldn’t make it out for an arranged meal. But in her typically thoughtful fashion, Janice chose to cancel the dinner in favour of a night in, so that I could be a part of the evening as well. It was meant to be a quiet evening as we all had meetings the following day. However, as always with Janice, the evening became night, which became early morning, all fuelled by white wine with ice, and endless stories. We owe many good times (and hangovers) to Janice and whilst I cry whilst I write this, I smile at the memories.
It was fair to say that after that evening Janice did have a slight obsession with our new pup, who despite her best efforts just couldn’t squeeze him into her luggage.....
My fun memories with Janice will remain etched on my heart forever. My thoughts go out to Ivo, family and friends X
Nadine Berger
When I think of Janice I will always remember my first week in Igloo. She rang and even if she never met me, she said: “ Oh you must be Nadine who is now working on Igloo Germany and welcomed me to Igloo”. I will never forget how welcome she made me feel with these few words, she never met me but was aware I am there. She is a person I will always look up to, as even in times of pressure she took time to keep her relationships with colleagues and friends. She was never too busy to ask how I was and to have a chat and to make me laugh. I admire her for that, as we all seem to forget sometimes how important it is to keep good relationships and contact with the people we love. Janice never seemed to forget that. Fortunately I had the chance to meet her in person when she visited us a while ago, she made me laugh once again as we were talking in German and she told me about her first experiences in Germany. She was a fascinating and amazing woman and I wish she would have had some more time with us.
Wer im Gedächtnis seiner Lieben lebt,
der ist nicht tot, der ist nur fern;
tot ist nur, wer vergessen wird, und du wirst niemals vergessen sein.
My thoughts are with Ivo and all her family and friends.
Nicole Castillo
It is simply impossible for me to find the right words in light of this inapprehensible tragedy. I can only quote from a children's book that tries to explain unconditional love as well as loss to three year olds.As cheesy as these lines may sound, I believe Janice wouldn' t mind. My thoughts are with Janice's family, Ivo, and her many friends.
From "No matter what" by D. Gliori:
"'But what about when we're dead and gone, would you love me then, does love go on?' Large held Small snug as they looked out at the night, At the moon in the dark and the stars shining bright. 'Small, look at the stars - how they shine and glow, but some of those stars died a long time ago. Still they shine in the evening skiesLove, like starlight, never dies.'
Sean Halpert
I met Janice through Ralf when they were both still with Taschen and I loved her the moment we met. I was the new book buyer for the MFA Boston and unsure of myself and a bit insecure and Janice was so wonderful and kind to me. She was also so funny and kept an eye on me and was tremendously encouraging, she made me sit with her at one of the first fancy dinners I ever went to at the ABA convention in Chicago when I was nervous and shy around all of the crazy Germans she worked with , and she continued to do that at subsequent shows in other cities until I finally felt like I fit in. I will never forget that. She made me feel important and respected and she did not have to. I could tell her anything and get the best advice and she always made me laugh. This continued into the Konemann heyday. When Brian called and told me what happened I could not believe it and I am still in shock. I am so sorry for her family who I know I would also love because they are Janice. And I am so sorry for all her friends that also loved and adored her. She was an angel who flew low and she will be missed beyond words. Rest in Peace Janice and I’ll see you soon.
Anni Bartram
Janice was the most vibrant, caring and dedicated lady I have ever met. She has been a great support and friend to me over the last 4 years and I miss her immensely.
She would call me from goodness knows where and tell me the most hilarious stories about her journey. The most ridiculous situations that you could only ever imagine happening on TV would happen to Janice. She always made me laugh and kept me going when times were tough.
No one will ever replace her.
My thoughts are with Ivo and her family and friends.
Peter Feierabend
That is so sad. I’m shocked. It’s terrible how life can just be taken away so quickly! Rest In Peace Janice, I will never forget the days in N.Y. we shared. Condolences to your family and friends.
Karen Strauss
I met Janice during the wild days of Konemann. She was such a beautiful, driven and accomplished person. You couldn't help but feel energized just being in her company. I will always remember the sweet combination of doing business while also having a great time. Not many people could do both so well. I will always remember you as one of the good ones Janice! Tragic loss for her family, friends and the publishing industry.
Brian Brash
Janice, you are absolutely fabulous! I have the fondest memories of us being the Patsy & Eddie of Koenemann USA. We worked hard and played hard, and I'll never enjoy such days in the publishing industry again. My deepest sympathies to your loving parents and siblings, especially Chris. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Powers
We heard today from Phil Bruno that Janice died in a car accident this week near Lake Tahoe.I’m not sure what else to say but we were very upset to hear this news.
After working with her for a number of years we had developed a real affection and friendship for Janice.
Is there any additional information you can give us?
Is there anyone accepting donations and /or condolences?
I really hope you reply with a note that this is some sort of colossal mistake, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.
I want to pass along our sympathies to you and your corporate family, as I’m sure this is incredibly tough to absorb on many levels.
We grieve with you for the loss of our good friend.
Dawn Smith
Janice was a such a lovely lady to work with, from the first day I joined Igloo Books, I remember talking to Janice on the phone, she make me feel so welcome and was always so happy, She would always ask about my children, and how I was doing because I know she cared.
Whenever I was having a bad day, the office phone would ring and I would just hear Janice on the other end saying “ Hey Dawn “ she made me feel better and smile. I remember one time we were chatting on the phone while Janice was waiting at the airport for her cases to come off the plane, she looked round and was standing on her own, everyone had got their cases and left, but Janice hadn’t come through. Lost her bags again.
I will always remember Janice, her happy smiling face and having a laugh in the office. I will miss her so much.
Nadika Garber
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we all feel. Janice was such a lovely woman that touched our hearts. We all loved her dearly and respected her. Her joy and love for life inspired us all. To Ivo, her family and friends - you're in our thoughts. May the love and strength of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Wendy Friedman
I love you Janice. My life is forever changed because of you. You will walk with me through life and share in every moment.
Alexander Foyle (via facebook)
I just don’t want to believe it. Why you? Why now? One of the most happy and radiant persons I ever met.
You were one of the publishing world’s finest and most of all a wonderful and charming person, always and to everyone that crossed your paths.
My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends and the many who knew and loved her. Peace forever!
My dear sweet, beautiful friend. My heart aches that I will never hear your voice again. There are few people on this earth that "get" me and you were one of the few. Your love for me was never in question, and I can only pray that you knew how much I loved you. We had so many wonderful times together and I will never forget that you have been along for the ride of life....from the moment we first met our Freshman year, till just moments ago....you are what God gives people to carry them through. I will miss so much our talks and chats and plans.......my memories will carry me through till we meet again someday...and I know when that happens, we will laugh and cry about all the crazy stuff we did. I love you with all my heart, my wonderful friend. You will be forever missed by all who loved youhow much I loved you. We had so many wonderful times together and I will never forget that you have been along for the ride of life....from the moment we first met our Freshman year, till just moments ago....you are what God gives people to carry them through. I will miss so much our talks and chats and plans.......my memories will carry me through till we meet again someday...and I know when that happens, we will laugh and cry about all the crazy stuff we did. I love you with all my heart, my wonderful friend. You will be forever missed by all who loved you.
Garth Kobal (via facebook)
I'll always be grateful for Janice's warm hospitality, humor, and smile. Janice's outstanding professionalism combined with true friendship is something I'll remember fondly. My prayers and condolences to her family and many, many... friends. She lived in grace and remains in grace. God Bless Janice.
Robert A. Marino (via facebook)
Janice was a wonderful woman loved on both sides of the Atlantic. She lit up every room she entered, and left each of us better because of her bottomless heart. Her death leaves each of us poorer. Her life made humanity enriched. May her spirit live ...in through those she touched. She will never be forgotten but will always be missed. Love Bob
Raynier Picard
I knew Janice since 12 or 13 years ago from the Publishing industry and even though I didn't had direct contact with her in regular basis I did see her in must of the book fairs around the world and she always was enthusiastic and full of energy. Even though my contact with her was not as frequent as I would like to be I can say that every time I saw her with that energy I can say that she lived life to the full and happiness.We will miss her and we will always have her in our minds.
Alex Foyle
What horrible news! I just heard and found out about theterrible loss of janice, I am totally shocked. why her? this wonderfulsunshine angel, that touched everybody that came in contact with herwith charm and happiness. I emailed with her just last week and waslooking forward to seeing her at the book fair the latest. From all thepeople I know that knew her I think you were the closest and that's whyI send you/us all the strength to get through this senseless loss.
Polly
Janice I wish I had told you how much you affected my life and theextent to which you helped and supported me, you always had a hug andknew the right thing to say.I hope you find my mum up there in heavenwith all the other wonderful, strong, infinitely loving andinspirational women who are prematurely taken.There will always be ahuge void without you x
Imke Leopold
I'm still totally shocked about Janice dead - I can't believe it.I know that you were very close with her in a special way. Life can be so brutal.I'm always thinking about Gerald - I still met him last week and he told me about Janice and Ivo´s new apartment. He was so happy. It is hard to loose his "big sister".
Amy and Scott Leist
We have had the pleasure of knowing your daughter for many years. She ismy sisters closest friend. Your daughter arrived at my parents house andmy dad feel instantly in love with her. She was beautiful, funny, lovingand brought a light to a room. She always compimented everything andeveryone around her. She made you feel truly special. You must be extraordinary people tohave raised such a compassionate daughter. We aretruly blessed that we knew janice. Although her life was cut short it was incredibly full. She had thepower to make everyone feel special. I'm sure at this moment nothing isgoing to fill her void, but I hope you know how lucky Scott and I feelto have known her. She is someone who will always be in our heart andour prayers. With much love Amy and Scott Leist
Annette Sobel
What I remember most about Janice was her stamina. Regardless of the fact that she just landed in NY from Germany, she met up with her friends wherever we were and stayed out with us all night. With a smile on her face and a drink in her hand, she fell right into the current time zone as if she lived there. Janice was sincere in her concern for her friends and her customers.
"Girls night out" during trade shows, Janice was the one that kept us all in line and made sure everyone was having a great time.I was the new comer to this group and it was Janice that made sure that I was included in the conversation and made me feel welcomed.One CIROBE we had at least 50 people in a hotel room, cleaned out the mini bar, raided the concierge suite for chocolate chip cookies and stayed up all night sharing stories. Even after the party broke up, Janice and a few of us continued on into the wee hours of the morning catching up with close friends.
Marcus Leaver
A number of us were stunned to hear yesterday of the tragic death of Janice Roseberry of Igloo Books. She was too young and she will be missed. Janice was always a welcome face to see at international Book Fairs and I cannot believe she will not light up the Sterling booth with her smile at this coming Frankfurt as she always did at some point.
Raynier Picard
I just got the news of Janice and I'm impact of what happened. I knew her for many years ago since Konemann and is a terrible news, please give my regards to her family and will have time to talk about the wonderful and professional person she was.
P Brigandi
I met Marcus on the way home last night and he told me the tragic news about Janice. The last time we saw her she was so excited about her new apartment. You and Janice are in my prayers.
Debra Assurian
This morning Shauna told me about Janice's accident. I just spoke with her last week and she was telling me about her father's situation. This is just so tragic for that family. I know you were such close friends and I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about this news. I'll never forget spending the day with you, Veronica and Janice out shopping in New York. Janice was so energetic and full of life, she will be missed by all. It really makes you sit back and bring life back into focus on what is really important. Risa is here and we were just talking about how news like this is such a wake up call to stop and think about your life and how fragile it really is.
Pennie Clark Ianiciello
I am so sorry to hear about Janice. It's a terrible shock to lose someone unexpectedly, and the circumstances surrounding her accident make it impossible to make any sense of. I ache for you, Pennie, Janice's boyfriend and Dad, and all the other people who knew and loved her. I agree with you that it really makes you appreciative of each day - it is a gift we all take for granted most of the time¸ until we are jerked into the reality of the fragility of life and love by a tragedy such as this. I am sending loving energy and thoughts of peace to you, Pennie and all those who have been touched by her death. When I next see you, I look forward to sharing a warm hug, too.. Take care, and let us know if there's ANYTHING we can to do to help , or to ease your sorrow.
Sydney Stanley
Wendy- My heart is breaking. I can't call you just now as all I will do is cry once I hear your voice....know that I am thinking about you and thinking of Janice as our Guardian Angel. Janice was a person I always enjoyed seeing over the years. - that twinkle in her eye and her vibrant personality. Really tragic. Try and be strong. Big Hug
Jeannie Bailey
Obviously, like all of us, my thoughts have been on Janice so much these last couple of days. Memories keep running through my head of this wonderful, beautiful friend. Over the last few years, as I dealt with the loss of both of my parents, she would call to find out how my heart was. Those calls would always last for hours about love and loss, happiness and sadness. She would talk with such deep emotion of the love she had for her family, and grieve with me over the loss of mine.
The first time I met Janice, we sat down to have one of those polite "get to know one another" chit chats that people do when they first meet and have a little time to kill. Hours later, early the next morning, I had a new good friend. Our conversation became one of those rare events in your life, when you meet someone that you feel you have known all your life and you are just filling in the gaps of missing information. Our conversation ran the gammut from men, to family, to spirituality. I walked away knowing that this was someone who would always have a special place in my life and my heart.
The next time we saw one another was several months later. We were all working to decorate Janice's offices for Wendy's big birthday party. Since no one can decorate without wine, we each had a glass, and Janice handed out wine charms to each of us to keep our glasses straight. When she came to me, she said, this charm is special. It was an angel. I can still hear her voice as she said "you will always be an angel in my life." That was years ago. (I'll let Wendy tell you how many.) Anytime that I get a notion to pull out wine charms for friends who are visiting, I take out my angel charm for my glass. I always tell the story of how I got it and why it is mine.
Now she is my angel. She always was.
I love her. I will miss her.
Dennis Engmann
My deepest Condolence to you Evo. She was a wonderful woman She will for sure be misses. If there is anything you need Just let me know. Biggest Hug
Peter J Norton
Janice was not only beautiful, sophisticated, smart and stylish--she wasalso incredibly thoughtful and kind.During one of our meetings severalyears back I noticed that she was wearing a very interesting ring.Itwas oversized and I wasn't sure what type of stone was in it so Iinquired.Janice went on to explain that it was designed by (I believea friend of hers in Germany or France--she was incredibly cosmopolitanas well) and that it was actually a simple marble not a precious stone.She took it off and showed me how different marbles were interchangeableso you could accessorize with whateveryou were wearing.I told her I loved it and that I wanted to get onefor Colleen.Next time I saw Janice several months later she had onefor me to give to Colleen.Not only did she remember but she wouldn'ttake money for it either...
She was such an easy person to just sit down and strike up aconversation with...horrible loss for everyone...
Holly Reagan
I met Janice In Frankfurt through Wendy, she was so classy and friendly.I remember thinking, this lady has something special.I would see her at fairs and we would talk and have a drink but then one year in Bologna I saw her and we decided to go have a drink in the outside café.We got a bottle of prosecco and drank it, we were having so much fun that we got a few more bottles. there was a lady sitting beside us with the longest hair I'd ever seen and she had it pulled up in this bun that made her look like a chia pet.So I would sing the chia pet theme song and Janice would laugh, the more she laughed the more crazy things I would do.She had the most authentic and amazing laugh.So when it was time to go Janice bet me 50 euros that I would not sing in this lady's hair; it looked a little like a microphone the way it was pulled up.So of course, after, I don't even know how many bottles of prosecco, I stood behind the lady and thanked the academy and then sang "I feel pretty". I never did collect the 50 euros but it was priceless just to hear Janice laugh. Then, one day, quite a long time after the fair, I got a card in the mail from Janice, I opened it up and there is the chia pet theme song playing, and it came at a time when I really needed a laugh, just like Janice to know.
Book of Condolence 
It’s almost one year since Janice’s devastating accident. Not one day passes for many of us when we do not think of Janice. Our thoughts remain with everyone who is incredibly saddened by the loss of such a wonderful person.
Dawn Smith
P Brigandi