Martha L. “Marsi” Breslau, 74, of Blue Bell, owner of The Paperia, a stationery and greeting card shop in Chestnut Hill, died May 24 of a brain aneurysm at Abington Hospital.
Recognizing the need for a contemporary stationery store on the Hill, Mrs. Breslau started The Paperia at 8521 Germantown Ave. in 1982 and remained personally active in the business, with her husband, George, until shortly before her death. The Breslaus opened a second Paperia in Suburban Square, Ardmore, in 1992.
The store has won numerous accolades, including “Best of Philly,” and “Best of Main Line.”
Mrs. Breslau’s husband said his wife’s “business acumen, expert knowledge and dedication were rewarded by the respect and loyalty of all who had the fortune of knowing her.”
Earlier, Mrs. Breslau had worked in sales for a packaging firm and was involved in the development of shrink-wrapped necks for bottles.
Raised in Germantown, she was a graduate of Philadelphia Girls High School and attended Temple University.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons Ben Barbash, Joff Barbash, Tony Breslau, Bruce Breslau and David Breslau; a daughter, Marcie Baker; and 10 grandchildren. A graveside service was held May 27 at Riverside Cemetery in West Norriton.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 100 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, or www.phsonline.org. – W.F.
