Emily Bozzi, co-founder of Bozzi Media, dies after battle with COVID-19

A local businesswoman, known for grand social gatherings and a huge appetite for life, has died following complications related to COVID-19.

The death of Emily Bozzi, who along with her husband, Vince Bozzi, published Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine, was announced Thursday on Facebook by her staff at Bozzi Media. Her husband, Vince Bozzi, remains in the hospital as he, too, battles coronavirus.

“She taught us the definition of hard work and grit – she was the quintessential entrepreneur, a powerful woman who was determined to build a successful company and to provide a gorgeous glossy magazine that represented the best of our region,” company employees said in the Facebook post. “She was proud to create a space that honored the many stories from Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, as well as the many businesses who became her clients.”

The post, which did not include Bozzi’s age, described her as “a pillar … of this community for more than 20 years.”

Nostalgia Magazine editor Stephanie Regalado declined a Spokesman-Review request for an interview. She wrote: “At this time, we are honoring the family by forgoing further comment beyond our statement on Facebook.”

Spokane Valley artist Melissa Cole said that Emily Bozzi came in and out of her life over the years after they had past business dealings.

“She was amazing,” Cole said of Bozzi. “She followed my art career from the beginning. Whenever we saw each other, we would talk about new adventures in the future that we both wanted to do.”

Bozzi was always willing to give business advice, Cole said. “She was genuine and vibrant.”

About a year ago, the Bozzis purchased Nostalgia Magazine from Garrin Hertel.

“I certainly knew Emily over the years,” Hertel said. “She’s just a tenacious person, someone who seems to me got up every day and tackled the problems in front of her with a lot of energy and commitment.”

Hertel said he was still processing what her death, and Vincent Bozzi’s illness, “means, not just for Nostalgia, but Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine and the staff there and all the people she had friendships with. It’s a tough day.”

In the Facebook post, the staff offered comfort to Vincent Bozzi, and their son, Jordan.

“This news is incomprehensible to everyone close to the Bozzis,” the staff wrote. “We honor Emily with heavy hearts as we share of her passing after a battle with Covid-19. Our hearts are also with our publisher, Vincent Bozzi, as he remains hospitalized.”

The couple had hosted many social events, and Emily Bozzi greeted attendees with “a smile and a handshake,” they wrote. “As we find our bearings, we will share ways to support Vince and Jordan. Please keep them in your prayers as they grieve Emily’s sudden, devastating loss, and as Vince recovers from the virus.

“Our team will continue holding the torch for our leaders, moving the company forward, and caring for our clients,” the statement read.

Wendi Helmick, of Newman Lake, said she attended some of the many social functions for which the Bozzis are known.

“She’s sort of a Spokane icon,” Helmick said of Emily Bozzi. “She was doing all these outrageous things.”

Bozzi took part in Coeur d’Alene’s Polar Bear Plunge, and this summer she had invited several friends to go skydiving.

“She was just full of life,” Helmick said. “She has inspired me to definitely live life to the fullest. I think it’s a huge loss for our community.”