Circulator Terri DeRose dies

Word has reached us that Terri DeRose, Vice-president of Consumer Marketing at Transcontinental and a very well-respected and hard working volunteer for the magazine industry, has died of cancer at the age of 57. She had been on sick leave for about three months but, nevertheless, the death seemed sudden and unexpected. Staff at Transcon are in shock at a place where DeRose was always known (as around any place she worked) as a chipper, friendly and energetic.

[UPDATE] Death notice for Terri DeRose:

DeROSE, Teresa Helen  Passed away peacefully, at North York General Hospital, on Thursday, June 7, 2007, in her 56th year. Loving wife of Gerry and loving mother of Stephanie. Dear daughter of Helen and the late Victor Sabino. Will be sadly missed by Ralph, Tony, John, Pam, Dave and family. Friends may call on Sunday, June 10, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles). A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 11, 2007 at St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church (670 Sheppard Avenue East) at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences www.rskane.ca.

DeRose, who had been Avid Media's vice-president, circulation consumer marketing at the time of its acquisition in 2004 by Transcontinental, became vice-president, consumer marketing, at Transcontinental. As well she might have been. It was under her leadership that Avid had taken Century Home magazine (16,000 circ when they bought it) and transformed it into Canadian Home & Country, with a paid circulation today of 125,000. Since then, she's been deeply involved in all of the consumer titles in the Transcontinental stable, Canada's largest.

DeRose was one of the founders of the Circulation Management Association of Canada (CMC).

[UPDATE:] Mastheadonline has done an excellent job of collecting tributes from friends and colleagues (sub requ'd), among which:

Michael J. Fox, senior vice-president,circulation and deveopment at Rogers: “Terri was a leader who inspired the best in people and who focused on what's really important. As a circulator, she launched several magazines and built them into profitable market leaders. She was not afraid to ask tough questions or to ask the most of people, but she was always professional and fair. Many people were mentored by Terri and motivated by her energy. All of us are in shock and saddened by the rapid and tragic end to such a brilliant and accomplished career.”

Colleen Moloney, associate publisher of Skynews, another long-time friend and associate of DeRose: “She was just an amazing powerhouse,” says Moloney. “She was so quiet about what she did, but she did it so well. She really made a big difference in this industry.”

Linda Chick, circulation manager of Ontario Out of Doors and a close friend: “Terri was so humble and modest. She didn’t like the limelight, but she deserves it. I think it’s important for everyone out there to realize who Terri was, and what an amazing person she was for our industry and as a friend. She’s going to be greatly missed.”