Shirley Balser, dealer in rare books and art

Former copywriter opened Studio North in Towson in 1961

"There was no longer public access, and it was by appointment only," her sister said.

Miss Balser placed this entry in the Yellow Pages of every major city in Maryland and Virginia: "BALSER SHIRLEY 16 TO 20TH CENTURY PAINTINGS PRINTS & BOOKS."

"From the Renaissance onward, first editions, illustrated books, Maryland - for the collector who has no imprint from Maryland's years as a British province, she has a copy of Vallette's Commissary Guide, Annapolis 1774, Anna Katharine Green, with the engraved title page, bound in brown calf," wrote James H. Bready, author of the Sunday Sun's Books & Authors column in 1981.

At her apartment, "Shirley had every nook and cranny filled with books and artwork," Ms. Jones said. "She always had good books. She was a good scrounger and bought things she thought would be of interest."

Miss Balser, who had not retired, recently participated in the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show at the convention center.

In addition to books and art, Miss Balser enjoyed writing poetry and was active in several poetry societies.

Services were held Wednesday.

Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.