Verdura Executive Donna Sturm Dies at 67

RAPAPORT… Donna Sturm, manager of design and product development for
New York jeweler Verdura, died May 4 after a traumatic brain injury. 


Sturm, a 30-year industry veteran, was struck by a cyclist
who ran a red light while she was crossing 57th Street during her lunch break on
April 24. She was 67.


“Donna Sturm was a vibrant, energetic and wonderful woman
who died as a result of carelessness and negligence,” read a statement from
Sturm’s family released by her attorney, Ben Rubinowitz. “She died because a
bicyclist completely disregarded the law…Donna Sturm’s entire family is, simply
put, devastated. They will never recover from this loss.”


Sturm had been working at Verdura for more than 20 years. She was previously a bench jeweler at Tiffany & Co.


“A unique talent, Donna was equally skilled in both the
technical and creative aspects of jewelry design,” the company said in a public
obituary. “Over the nearly two decades that Donna was with Verdura, her
artistry permeated every aspect of the brand’s collections, and her kindness to
colleagues and partners characterized her relationships in the industry.”


Sturm is survived by her husband, Ted Panken, daughter,
Angelina, mother, Joanna DeLuca, and sister, Bettina Sturm, who is also a
member of the Verdura team. A memorial service will be held on June 16 in New
York.


Image: Donna Sturm. (Verdura)