KOTEEN SHERLEY HEIDENBERG KOTEEN Sherley Heidenberg Koteen, 94, a beloved philanthropist and driving force in the contemporary American Craft Art movement, and an important Washington political and social presence for 73 years, died peacefully in her home in Northwest Washington on February 19, 2013, of natural causes. A native of Louisville, KY, who arrived in Washington in 1940 from Wellesley College as one of the first government interns, Sherley Koteen served as Special Assistant to Vice President and Mrs. Mondale. As social secretary and administrator of the Vice President's House, she helped make the home a showcase for contemporary American Art and crafts. She remained a leading collector, consultant, and recognized craft arts expert throughout her life. Among her other roles in public service, Sherley Koteen served as President and Life Member of the Women's' National Democratic Club, President of the Washington Wellesley Club, as a Member of the Boards of Director of the National Council of Jewish Women and of the James Renwick Alliance, supporting the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery of Craft Art, and of the Speed Museum in Louisville, KY. Beloved wife of Washington, D.C. attorney, Bernard Koteen for 70 years, she is survived by her son Charles D. Koteen of Hartford, Connecticut and Lisa Koteen Gerchick of McLean, Virginia, and their families, including four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 22 at the Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb Street, N.W., Washington, DC at 11 a.m. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the WNDC Educational Foundation, 1526 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036 or the James Renwick Alliance, 4405 E. West Highway #510, Bethesda, MD 20814. Arrangements entrusted Edward Sagel Funeral Direction, 1091 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the WNDC Educational Foundation, 1526 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036 or the James Renwick Alliance, 4405 E. West Highway #510, Bethesda, MD 20814. Arrangements entrusted Edward Sagel Funeral Direction, 1091 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD.
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4 Entries
i will miss you Sherley and all your kindness to me and others
Joan Danziger
February 23, 2013
Bless you, Sherley, for all your good deeds but also for your warmth and kindness to me and Gary. I feel fortunate to have known you and Bernie through the Renwick Alliance.
Jean Cohen
February 22, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Laura Richards
February 21, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
February 21, 2013
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