Double your giving power with NewsMatch. Donate Now!

Local Shop Owner, Teacher Suffers Burst Aneurysm

Maggie Simpson Adams died suddenly on Monday afternoon, April 1, 2024, according to a public Facebook post issued by her husband, Colin Adams. The beloved shop owner suffered a burst aneurysm on Sunday, March 31, that proved to be fatal, her husband stated.

Alameda Post - Photos of Maggie Adams in front of her store, and in a recent photo from Facebook
Facebook photos.

Maggie was owner of the popular and eclectic Magpie and Thorn store and nursery in the historic Towata Flowers building on Santa Clara Avenue, a teacher for the Alameda Unified School District, and a talented artist and filmmaker.

More than 200 people had commented on the Facebook post by early Tuesday morning, offering condolences and expressing their sadness at reading the news. At the same time, another 325 people had acknowledged a notice issued on the Magpie and Thorn Instagram page, expressing shock and heartbreak at the loss of her kindness, creativity, and impact on the community.

The Instagram notice read, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maggie, beloved owner and operator of Magpie & Thorn. Maggie’s passion for curating eclectic treasures brought joy and inspiration to all who knew her. She had a unique ability to make people from all walks of life, no matter how ‘different,’ feel at home in her presence. Her vibrant spirit, creativity, and kindness will be deeply missed by her family, friends, employees, and the community she so passionately dedicated herself to. In loving memory of Maggie, may her legacy continue to brighten our lives.”

The store will remain closed for now, according to the notice, “but we hope to reopen soon to carry on Maggie’s dream. Please stay tuned.”

No notice of services has yet been issued. The Alameda Post offers our condolences to her family, friends, and the community who feels her loss.

KQED Curated Content
Thanks for reading the

Nonprofit news isn’t free.

Will you take a moment to support Alameda’s only local news source?
During November and December, double your giving power with NewsMatch!