GENSLER--Drucilla Cortell.

Died peacefully on the morning of July 20th in her home in Mill Valley, CA. The only child of Robert and Marie Cortell, Drue was born on New Year's Day, 1936 in New York City. She did her early education at Barnard School for Girls and her University studies at Middlebury College in Vermont where she met Arthur Gensler, her husband of nearly 60 years. Drue focused her energy on many community and charitable activities. She was an early and active participant in the Women's Movement, and a founding member of the Women's Center at Chellis House at Middlebury. For ten years, she served on the Board of Trustees of Middlebury College and was past President of the Initiative to Educate Afghan Women (IEAW). One of Drue's most important accomplishments was, with her husband, the founding of Gensler, today the largest global design firm in the world. She served on the Board of Directors for many years and had a passion for working with the women in the firm, encouraging them to grow and take on leadership roles. For Drue, family and friends were everything. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and doted on and nurtured her ten grandchildren. Her generosity of spirit, sense of humor and fun was magnetic. She surrounded herself with friends of every age, constantly organizing trips, social events and other activities. Drue lived her life to the fullest. Her passion for life was infectious all the way to the end. Drue is survived by her husband, Arthur Gensler and their four sons and their families: David and his children (Aaron, Thisbe, Dunia and Pales) with Alisoun, Robert and his wife Gillian, Kenneth and his children (Morgan, Jake and Sam) with Jennifer, and Douglas and his wife Kinzie and their children (Cortie, Cailin and Mamie). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Institute for the Education of Afghan Women (ieaw.org or PO Box 603188, Providence, RI 02906), or the Middlebury College Women's Center at Chellis House. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for DRUCILLA GENSLER

28 Entries

Miranda Wagner

November 19, 2017

I had the unique and distinct pleasure of meeting Dru as her esthetician if you can imagine, an unlikely viewpoint on her life from my outside yet intimate perspective. After reading her obituary, I recognized every single item mentioned from her children, her grandchildren along with the global Travel and her philanthropy with Afghan Women, Middlebury and women's rights.
She thrilled me with her stories of travel, her involvement with politics,, her hysterical recounts of her crazy life events. Yes, she told her esthetician everything! She made me laugh, and she made me think, and she was compassionate to me in a time of sorrow.
But behind the entertainment, which she delighted in providing, Dru was the real deal. She understood people. She stood for what was right.
She also enjoyed making fun of herself, a rare quality in a defensive world. Dru was unique, a leader and defiant challenger to the status quo.
I miss Dru and her countless stories, all inspired to bring a smile or laughter in this world. What a very special woman she is.
My heartfelt condolences to her entire family, at this late notice.

Tammy Stevens

August 21, 2017

My condolences the the Gensler family, during this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy.

Natalija Kokotovich

August 14, 2017

Art,
my condolences to you and the Gensler family during this difficult time. She was truly an incredible woman and will always be in our hearts.

Yu Cao

August 13, 2017

"A pioneering businesswoman and entrepreneur, Drue mentored other women in the firm and encouraged them to take on leadership roles." Drue, your light is still and will always be on.

Tressie Wintner

August 13, 2017

Art and Family, I was so sad to hear about Drew's passing. I have some very happy memories of conversations with Drew in Tahoe and at other Gensler spouses gatherings. I remember her as intelligent, wise and so much fun to be with. I held her in very high esteem and am sure you will miss her presence daily in your lives. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of her family.
Love, Tressie Wintner

Jon Ball

August 13, 2017

Art;
I just heard about Drue's passing, and I want you to know how deeply I care about you, your family, and the Firm. A long, impactful life is everyone's wish, and I am sure you are so proud of Drue's many meaningful contributions to our society.

Sam Fajner

August 10, 2017

Art, David, Doug,
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and the Gensler family. As an anecdote: I had the honor and great pleasure to sit next to Dru at a fundraising dinner for California College of the Arts a few years ago, at Gumps in San Francisco. We ended smoking a cigarette together outside, as probably the last two renegades in San Francisco to still enjoy tobacco. A memorable evening and great conversation with a fantastic, so very special personality. a memory that will stay with me for many many years. So very sorry for your loss.

Leeza Reyes

August 9, 2017

I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. Dru was a great woman and she will be truly missed and will always be remembered.

Michael Way AIA

August 9, 2017

I worked for Gensler for 12 years and had the pleasure of meeting Drew. My condolences the the Gensler family, during this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy.

Nadège Lespinasse

August 8, 2017

To Art and the entire Gensler family, please accept my very deepest condolences for your loss.

Luis Carlos Jiménez Facio

August 8, 2017

Art, David, Doug and Gensler Family,
My deepest condolences in these difficult times! I have a great many memories, spending even the shortest time with Drue, always so kind and concerned for others.

John Gunn

August 7, 2017

My deepest condolences...

Kelly Tanner

August 7, 2017

To the Gensler family,
My condolences for the loss of such an extraordinary family member. It is a privilege to work at the company which she helped to shape, and I honor her memory.

Gary Schofield

August 5, 2017

Art David et al I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Dru on a few occasions, the first being 20 years ago when she made me feel so welcome in SF. My thoughts are with you all.

Mariela Buendia-Corrochano

August 4, 2017

Art, David and Doug,
please take my deepest condolences. Drew was a wonderful role model for me and many other women in the firm.

Roberto Vega-Peralta

August 3, 2017

Dear Art, thank you for inspiring us all to be our best selves every day as we come to work at this amazing place you started. Sending you all our love and strength in these hard times, know that you are loved, admired and supported!

Kelly and Eugene Colberg

August 2, 2017

Art and Family,
Sending our deepest sympathies and comforting thoughts to you at this difficult time. May your fond memories of Drue and the beautiful family you created together bring you some comfort in the coming days and months. Much Love,
Kelly, Eugene, Hudson and Crosby Colberg-Collini
(Gensler NYC + Cornell family) xo

Tracy Rice-Harding

August 1, 2017

Drue was a role model to me growing up, and into adulthood. She will be so missed

July 31, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Thinking back, with love, on our Barnard School for Girls days.

Marian Del Vecchio

July 30, 2017

Melanie Hess

July 28, 2017

A beautiful and loving tribute to a remarkable renaissance woman who led an amazing life and nurtured a remarkable family. I am sorry for your loss and send sympathy and strength. What a glorious celebration of her life it will be!

shirley silvestri

July 28, 2017

It was such a shock to hear of Drue's passing. We "Moneybags" ladies of the investment club will miss her great humor as well as thought provoking ideas. The Tiburon peninsula will not be the same without her, she made so many wonderful contributions to many causes and associations. My love to all the family,
Shirley Silvestri

Tatyana Masarskaya

July 27, 2017

I understand how it is to lose a loved one. I'm sorry for your loss.
Sincere condolences to family and friends.

July 26, 2017

We had the great pleasure, and honor, of being good friends with this remarkable woman in her second home community in Rancho Santa Fe. She had a larger than life personality, with unbridled honesty, a sharp intellect, and a warm heart as her trademark characteristics. We loved her good natured self-deprecatory humor, her ardent and passionate wide ranging philanthropic efforts from Afghan women, to the arts, and cutting edge science, and infectious Joie de Vivre.

A pioneering businesswoman and entrepreneur, she created the worlds largest design firm with her husband Art, her equally brilliant partner in enterprise, love, and family. What an amazing pair the two of them made, and what a life they created together! Although we will miss seeing her in person, her spirit and passion are forever sealed into our memory and hearts. Thank you Drue, we are grateful to have had you and your family in our lives, and Godspeed as your legacy and memory continue to inspire others.

Nancy & Joe Weiss

Kelly Dabelgott

July 26, 2017

Robert and Gillian I am so sorry to learn about the loss of your beautiful mother/mother-in-law. Although I only met Mrs. G on a couple occasions, she left a wonderful impression and boy did she make me laugh!! Robert, I know there is nothing I can say to alleviate your sadness at this time. I hope, however you will find comfort in knowing your mom will live on forever in your heart and in the memories you will always share with your family.
Sending my most sincere condolences to you and your entire family.

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