Margaret Rose Vendryes

Margaret Rose Vendryes, Ph.D. (1955-2022)

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art’s Board and staff are devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved Margaret Rose Vendryes, Ph.D. I am grateful to have been in her orbit, learning daily from her wisdom, kindness, and breadth of experience. As a trustee, Margaret embodied the trajectory and growth of LLMA. Her passion for the arts, expertise, and love of our community were critical in shaping Leslie-Lohman into the queer, responsive, engaged institution that it is today. As our Board Chair, Michael Manganiello so beautifully shared, “We have lost a beacon of light who shines on all of us. Margaret Rose Vendryes, Ph.D. was an accomplished academic and a brilliant artist. She spent her entire life breaking through glass ceilings. Margaret's life was truly one of "firsts". Her absence in all of our lives will be profound.”

Margaret was an art historian, visual artist, educator and curator, and served on the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art Board of Trustees from 2014-2022. In 2014 she was recommended to the Museum by fellow educator and academic James S. Saslow, Ph.D, and was appointed to LLMA’s Board. Margaret held multiple committee titles including Co-President with Dr. Daniel S. Berger, M.D. (2019-2020), and Vice President (2021-22) under Board Chair Michael Manganiello, as well as ongoing leadership of the finance and governance committees.

Margaret’s legacy will live on abundantly in the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art’s continued growth and expansive vision. Her dedication helped shape the dynamic Museum of today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her two sons, friends, extended family, and esteemed wife Jacqueline Herranz Brooks.

We will continue to keep you updated on how her legacy will be celebrated in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, sending much love to you as we mourn the heavy loss of Margaret.

Yours in grief,

Alyssa Nitchun, Executive Director, Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

Image credit: Margaret at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art 2021 Fall Gala in NYC.

Photo by Leandro Justen/http://www.leandrojusten.com/