Jamie Barsumian, general manager of Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop, La Verne, Calif., died November 12. Only a week before her death, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma, which was too advanced for any treatment. Barsumian was also just leaving the board of the Southern California Booksellers Association.

In an announcement of the death, Mrs. Nelson's owner, Judy Wilson called it "very sad news for all of us and it seems so sudden that I can hardly absorb it." Barsumian had worked with Wilson for 19 years, since the store's founding, "and, in many ways, she was the heart and soul of the store."

Cards may be sent to Barsumian's daughter Laura Veronneau at 8051 E. Sandstone Dr., Anaheim, Calif. 92808. Donations in Barsumian's name may go to Assisted Home Hospice, 2140 Eastman, Ventura, Calif. 93003.