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WENDY LEHMAN Obituary
Vanderbilt, a New York artist whose work resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, died of heart failure Tuesday at her home in Manhattan. She was 72. Known for her love of modernism, Wendy was greatly inspired by her mentors Georgia O'Keefe and O'Keefe's sister, Anita Young. Wendy's artistic expression spanned several mediums. Her work included extraordinary sculptures in wood and aluminum as well evocative paintings in acrylic and watercolor. In 2008, she was selected to be a part of The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: Fifty Works for Fifty States, which resulted in the placement of her work in museums across the country. Wendy was also blessed with a wry sense of humor. She was beloved for her vast and high-powered email list to which she posted everything from political commentary to dirty jokes. Always savoring a good laugh, she embraced her role as a social connector and loyal friend. There were few things Wendy appreciated more than spending time with her numerous and multifarious friends. Wendy was born in California to Manuela Hudson and Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II, a pioneer in thoroughbred racing, whose father had gone down on the Lusitania. She grew up between Palm Beach and Manhattan. Wendy was featured in one of Lilly Pulitzer's first advertising campaigns and attended the Truman Capote Black and White Ball in 1966. Although she enjoyed the social circuit, Wendy chose to devote her time to her children and her art. In addition to her work as an artist, Wendy was a founding member of STOP: Stop Traffic Offenses Program, having witnessed a red light runner nearly kill a friend's child. A natural born tinkerer, in the 70s Wendy made her friends light dimmers out of margarine containers for Christmas. She spent countless hours working on benefits for institutions like the New York Studio School. Wendy was also a spirited member of both The Century Association and the Junior Fortnightly. After attending Sarah Lawrence College, Wendy was married the late Orin Lehman, New York State's longest-serving commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The couple had two daughters. They divorced in 1995. Wendy is survived by her three daughters, Brooke Lehman of Millerton, NY, Sage Lehman of Brooklyn, and Susan Lehman of Greenwich, CT; six grandchildren; and her companion, Bill Beermann. Mrs. Lehman's artistic creativity and passion for her family and friends was unparalleled. Her loyalty and brazen sense of humor will be dearly missed.
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Memories and Condolences
for WENDY LEHMAN
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Oh My
July 9, 2021
Just found out today, I am so sad was remiss in keeping in touch the past five years. Always so kind and creative, you are missed dear friend.
Tina Mcpherson
May 9, 2021
Certainly one of the great ones of our generation. Very missed. Tina Sloan
Gregory Villamil
May 6, 2021
I will always miss her.
Gregory
gale hayman
May 6, 2020
dear wendy....miss you very, very much. all love, gale
Tina
May 6, 2020
Thinking of you today Wendy. Youd be enjoying the isolation as you could create and be with family your favorite things in the world. And the World misses you Love to have seen what you would have made at this time 2020
May 7, 2019
We all miss Wendy so much. I think of her all the time. Much love to Brooke and Sage from Topsy
gale hayman
May 6, 2019
think of wendy all the time and miss her greatly. love to sage and brooke...gale hayman
Pauline Pitt
May 6, 2019
Dear Wendy , you left us too soon , we miss you so much but hope that you will prepare for our arrival one day and then we can all be together agaiin ,lots of love , Pauline
Jacqueline Bloom
May 27, 2018
I represented Wendy's sculpture in a SoHo gallery many years ago and only just discovered the sad news of her passing. I always admired her as a fellow artist, her wonderful style and kindness.
Astrid Heeren
June 7, 2016
Wendy touched me deeply with her love, passion and empathy. Spending time with her was always fun-filled and full of surprises.
I will forever remember her and forever miss her.
It is a blessing that her magnificent art is with us, a reminder of her strong and courageous spirit expressed so powerfully in her work.
My heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with you.
Gregory Villamil
June 5, 2016
Dear Brook and Sage,
I just returned from Europe and was saddened to receive the news of your your mother's passing. I have known your Mom forever! I will cherish wonderful memories of her for the rest of my life. She was a woman with a big heart who was very loyal to her friends. I enjoyed her wit, openness, and zest for life. I miss her now and forever.
All my love to you and yours, Gregory
Elizabeth Waller
June 5, 2016
I am so very saddened to learn about the loss of Wendy on this physical plane, and my heart goes out to her Family. Beyond her wit, it is her poise and elegance I remember dearly and devoted attention to her children. I feel lucky to have known her.
judy carson
May 30, 2016
to Brooke and Sage-
My Cecily and Edward had many nice memories that your mother was involved in so generously. Your mother had the world's biggest heart when it came to her girls. Enjoy the happy memories that she helped create.
Love, Judy Carson
May 23, 2016
Very sad news.
Alejandra Cicognani
Joan Jakobson
May 23, 2016
My daughter, Caitlin, and I were part of a playgroup who met with Wendy, Brooke and Sage, every week, either in the Central Park playground near the zoo, or at each other's apartments. There were about 5 mothers and and daughters, and I think that we mums had as much fun together as our girls did. (Maybe even more, when we could discuss an interesting party from the night before.) On many weekends, Orin would drive Caitlin and me up to Pawling to be with Wendy, Brooke and Sage, who had gotten there earlier, and where we would always have a glorious time. We're so grateful to have had Wendy in our lives.
Kathy Irwin
May 21, 2016
What fu.n we would have with your wonderful mother for our"ladies spa week-ends! " I shall never forget her with her artistic sensibilities thatmwemshared......and great love of our children. So many will miss her!
Kathy Irwin
May 20, 2016
So Sorry For Your loss. May Almighty God grant you peace as you cope with your loss. Jer. 29:11
Andy Martin
May 20, 2016
May the peace of St. Bartholomew's be always with you
Frances Hayward
May 18, 2016
I simply cannot believe it about your dear mother. I was on her email list and, being the true animal lover she was, we used to send emails about animals and we both could only bear animal stories with 'happy endings' even though we both knew alas, that was not usually the case. I still find her emails when I go back a bit and it breaks my heart!! I only recently wondered to myself why I had not heard from her in a while. now, alas I know. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Losing a beloved mother is the most horrible thing in the world. I am still in a state of disbelief. Frances Hayward
Diana Prince
May 18, 2016
Dear Brooke and Sage, Oh, how sad I am that your mother is gone! Who will send me those delicious emails - from raunchy to radiant- that I would save up as treat at the end of the day? who will tell my my fortune or my future from her little bag of runes? Whose sculptures will dazzle me with their sparkling colors and inventive designs? Who will walk into a room and be the most elegant and interesting person at the party?
I am so sorry that I cannot come to the memorial, as my husband's late stage Parkinson's disease makes sudden changes of plans difficult, but I will be thinking of you and the wonderful legacy she left in you two beautiful and accomplished daughters.
Freddy joins me in sending you all our love and sympathy, Diana Prince
May 18, 2016
My cousin Wendy and I grew up together, were Debutantes together and kept in touch with our diverse lives. She was a wonderful, beautiful person and will make heaven a better place
Sandra Emerson Topping
John Heminway
May 17, 2016
Wendy was a wonderful friend whose spirit infected so many. She bravely challenged old snobby traditions and made herself a signature individual. How I-- we all-- will miss her. xox
Pauline Pitt
May 17, 2016
Dear Brooke and Sage,
How deeply saddened I was also when getting the news of your mothers passing . Hard to digest .
I knew your mother since the mid sixties as her father and my father were old friends and your grandfather's house was in Mill Neck that looked accross to Centre Island where I grew up . My elder brother had a date with Wendy .My brother her to our house for cocktails before a diner party. I was struck by her then , I completely remember her that night . We didn't become real friends until years later , mid 1970's maybe through the Fanjuls. We lived on 84th street ( as you did ) .From that time onwards , we were often at each others apartments or other parties - we always had fun . Your mother was quite unique and stood out as she had so much style.
She was sweet to me after my divorce and I had married Bill Pitt ( who adored her ) who died quickly , she would have me to stay in SH , she would come stay in Palm Beach --- bringing all sorts of her special foods.
When she moved into the new apartment off Lex. How jealous we were of her jewelry closets ( gave me ideas) .
Everyone adored your mother , we shall miss her dreadfully .
I wish that I could come to her service , but am in Aspen recovering from arthroscopic surgery on my shoulder.
Stay strong , Pauline Pitt
May 17, 2016
Dear Brooke, Sage & Susan,
My personal sadness about losing the possibility of ever seeing Wendy again is that after years of having a social acquaintanceship, I felt I was coming to know her as a warm friend, and would be able to further appreciate the qualities of her nature. I looked forward!
Wendy knew my late husband better than she knew me. She invited us to a summer dinner party a number of years ago and seated him to her right, he was the senior guest at the table after all, but also an attractive man. At any rate he was charmed. They must have discussed Goya, because just as we were leaving, spontaneously, she had us wait while she retreated and returned with a particularly nice book about the artist.
Around the same time she brought us a collection of postcards made from her paintings. I was stuck by the compelling nature of what I saw. I derive enormous satisfaction from looking at her work, even though I have studied art and work in a completely realistic vein. I began to comprehend the strength of this petite woman. Her use of color, subtlety, and strength carried over into her country home.
Lucky are the family and friends who lived life with her. -Janet Ross
May 17, 2016
My most cherished memories are the weekends that Laurie, Alexa, Caroline and I spent with the Lehman family in Pawling so many years ago. I guess it would be in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Our daughters were pretty much the same age as Brooke and Sage and they had so much fun together -- summers, winters, swimming, skiing, playing with the farmer's son, whatever. Wendy was so generous and hospitable and we will miss her a lot.
John Adams
May 17, 2016
I really liked your mother she was very kind to me and my wife Bitsie in East Hampton. This is such a surprise you all must be so sad, we are thinking of you and send our best , Grover and Bitsie Mouton
May 17, 2016
A talented, elegant, mischievous hoot who sent me email jokes I sometimes had to ask older people (I am 75...) what they meant so innocent am I. She was particularly (and anonymously) heroic in the last tough years of our friend Elizabeth Gatchell from Miss Hall's. Her attention to her former teacher "The Gatch" was emblematic of the extraordinary kindness and quiet largess that formed a large part of Wendy's character. She was humane and she was fun. The pleasure was all ours! Peter and Robin Ketchum
May 17, 2016
On the 13th I wrote that your mom and I took swimming lessons from that man who wore the old fashioned ovEr the shoulder swim suit (it may have been wool I remember) but I forgo to mention an incident. There was a type of small crab that bug into the sand on the edge of the Sound called A Fiddler Crab. One day after our lesson your mom somehow got one of those small odd looking creatures and stuffed it in my bathing suit- the problem being she put it in the front rather than the back, and ran off streaking with joy leaving me hopping up and down trying to disengage myself from this science-fiction-looking creature. No wonder I destroyed her butterfly nets!
Boy did I adore your mom. Peter Duchin
May 16, 2016
I met your mother years ago in Lyford and saw her too infrequently after that. She and I always promised to get together, to call, but now without that opportunity I feel regret and the loss of what would surely have been more delightful times spent with her. With sympathy - Lea Simonds
Vivian Barnett
May 16, 2016
Wendy was such a thoughtful, generous and delightful person whom we will all miss so much. I got to know Wendy through our dear friend and mentor Betty Gatchell although we were not at Miss Hall's during the same years. She was so much fun and so dedicated to art! I send all my sympathy to her family.
May 16, 2016
Dear Brooke, Sage and Susan--We all will really miss Wendy. I have great memories of her with my daughter Lisa and you girls swimming in Nini's pool both in Palm Beach and Newport. We had wonderful times together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Much love from Topsy.
Gale Hayman
May 16, 2016
Wendy was the only person I knew who could swim in the Mediterranean without getting a drop of water on her except for her feet. She brought her very own Tiger/Noodle and perched for ages like the Princess that she was. What fun traveling with Wendy!
May 16, 2016
Very good memories of vacations in Lyford and many exchanges of wry and other jokes . All my sympathy to her family John Deen Paris France
May 15, 2016
Dear Brooke, Sage and Susan:
Wendy for me is eternally young, brown and bikini-clad on a long summer afternoon in OBP. We kids would sprawl on the sand in the 'bullpen' where the mothers of the 1970s certainly never thought we were listening to their conversations.. But I was fascinated by her- witty, naughty, elegant, non-conformist, and deeply interested in the world around her. It has been a great joy to know her as an adult and to interrogate topics together on select Monday afternoons; to receive her quirky and opinionated email feed (which I intend to revisit in the months ahead when I think of her) and to recognize her as the wonderful artist she was. With love and sadness from all generations of our family to yours.
Sarah Brown O'Hagan
Abe Pollack
May 15, 2016
Wendy was a true friend. I had no idea anything was wrong. A great loss for all that were privileged to be close to the extraordinary person your Mom was. Brooke and Sage, I wish that you only experience happiness and tranquility in your lives ahead and cherish the memories of your mother as I know I will.
Emily Mclean
May 15, 2016
Dear Sage and Brooke, so very to read about you mother. Her mother was married to my father. Wendy and I grew up together and had a wonderful time! She was a gifted and talented person. My deepest sympathies to you both. Emily Mclean
Shirley Lord Rosenthal
May 15, 2016
Peter and I were in Cornwall when the doorman at 131 asked my housekeeper to cAll to tell us the shocking news. As her closest neighbor sharing walls and views and stories about our tiny dogs I feel life can never be the same in our historic.building where she walked with such style and grace. I send my profound sympathy and condolences to all the family and Bill
Jewell Jackson McCabe
May 15, 2016
Sage and Brooke we members of the Junior Fortnightly share in your grief during this sad moment of unthinkable loss ... Yet, we are here to celebrate your mother Wendy with deepest affection ... My personal appreciation overflows ... I will always love Wendy for being Wendy ... and know how fortunate I am to have known her ... laughed with her ... and to have been touched by the warmth of her light. With sympathy and faith - Jewell
Molly Stevens
May 14, 2016
Dear Wendy,
If we had had one last conversation, I would have told you how courageous I thought you were for being an artist. All artists go out on a limb, but in your milieu, where opinions about right and wrong have a particular sting, your branch was especially delicate and lonely. But you did it, and you kept doing it, and that is no small feat. I want to let you know that I saw you.
When I picture you, it will be sitting cross-legged, almost double-jointed, and fiddling. Brooke does the same. You both have modeled frankness and pointed rebellion for me. I can't say that I have always felt comfortable around it, but I am very grateful to know it. You have made a difference to me. I will miss you.
Love,
Molly
All But Carnal, 2009
George Hofmann
May 14, 2016
I was very pleased to be able to present Wendy's sculpture in "Cole in Space", the first show at the Hunter College Times Square galleries in 1991, and later at Brown University, where her work was included with Ellsworthy Kelly's and contemporary artists like Oliver Herring. She came to the opening with J. Carter Brown, then director of the National Gallery.
The only reason Wendy's work was not more prominent was her reluctance to put herself forward in any way, but her work was valued by many collectors and museums.
We spent hours in the studio together, as artists do, and when I once asked her what exactly our reltionship was she replied; "all but carnal". I never forgot that phrase, and named a painting after that some years later, which I here reproduce.
She was truly a good friend....
Marv and Vera Moss
May 14, 2016
Deepest condolences to the family.
Susan
May 13, 2016
You will be missed Wendy and visions of your sparkling and mischivious smile will live on in fond memories. Cousin Susie
Hugh Burns
May 13, 2016
Brooke and Sage - we had the distinct pleasure of being neighbors at 131 East 66th for many years and came to appreciate Wendy's intelligence, aesthetic sense, and many contributions to our building. But our favorite memory of Wendy, far and away, was meeting her when we first interviewed with the Board prior to buying our apartment. It was just before the building's centennial, and my wife Molly innocently asked "will you be having any sort of celebration"? Wendy did not miss a beat, replying - deadpan - "we're planning a human sacrifice." We were admittedly a bit intimidated, but we quickly came to appreciate her sense of humor and she could not have been more welcoming in the years that followed. She will be missed!!
May 13, 2016
Brandt and I are thinking of you and are so sorry to know that you have lost your wonderful mother. It is hard to picture the world without Wendy still in it. She had such an original and intelligent presence. Our hearts go out to you.
Tian and Brandt Dayton
May 13, 2016
Dar Sage and Brooke;
Your mom and I played together as small children. In fact we took swimming lessons
together from a man who wore a blue old fashioned over the shoulders bathing suit. We were supposed to play after our endless (and somewhat terrifying) dog padding. And she always accused me of grabbing her butterfly net
I'll miss her so much.
Georgie Greville
May 13, 2016
Brooke and Sage-
I will never forget the vision of Wendy, impossibly tan and incredibly chic in her tiny bikini serving mint iced tea, cracking jokes poolside in Pawling. She was the kind of woman I wanted to be- her radiance and exuberant energy touched everything around her. Her abstract, colorful sculptures standing defiantly in the middle of grassy fields, sang to the creative potential of life.
It was always such a special treat for me to see Wendy, usually when she was making time to see my mother Margie- she was so exciting to talk to, smart, beyond glamorous, and slightly intimidating. I am still trying to live up to her!
Our family's hearts and thoughts are with you.
Sheila Scranton Childs
May 13, 2016
Dear Brooke and Sage
I am so very saddened by your news. Naturally from her emails I had not the slightest idea that she wasn't well. I can't tell you what fun we had at Miss Hall's. I have always loved her work, and told her when lunching in her wonderful studio in town, that that space was the only thing I envied. Many laughs
May 13, 2016
Dear Sage and Brooke, Your mother and I would go to Donahues and eat lunch and talk about you both and her grandchildren and how she loved them. We discussed most of all being artists and how our creativity was so important. I would go to her studio and she went to my play and saw me on my soap opera and we would laugh. I have a great piece of her art and just went to look at it and thought of all the magic she had in her and her great talent She will be so missed by so many and especially by you both and her children. tina sloan (Mcpherson)
Robert Klitzman
May 13, 2016
I am so shocked to learn of Wendy's passing. I was extremely fond of Wendy for her warmth, sensitivity, and generosity of spirit. She was an extraordinary woman, and I will miss her.
I extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Robert Klitzman
Doan Hoang
May 13, 2016
Dear Sage & Brooke & Susan,
I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Wendy's passing. We had just exchanged emails a few months back, and I thought I would see her again. Her support to me during my divorce I will never forget. Her fun spirit, kindness & generosity will be treasured by me. Thank you for letting experience hanging out in your mom's brilliance those years. She will always be my favorite fabulous "bohemian." She is gone too soon.
Much love and metta and thinking of you both and her grand boys,
Doan
May 12, 2016
Very sad...Wendy's life was much too short. I will miss
my friend,
Dorry Swope
Constance Evans Tierney
May 12, 2016
Sage and Brooke,
My heart is broken by the loss of Wendy. Cannot believe I won't hear that wonderful laugh again. Really cannot. I am so very sorry for your loss...and so many of ours. I saw her last in October when she came to my 70th birthday party hosted by Ashley and Jonathan. She looked marvelous, as always, and of course I Had no idea that would be the last time.
May 12, 2016
I so enjoyed meeting Wendy and spending time with her at the weddings of Charles and Lexi. I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a beautiful, talented lady.
Carla Allen
May 12, 2016
Richard and I are deeply saddened by the loss of wonderful, talented wendy. my close friend. gale hayman
Jill Blanchard
May 12, 2016
We will miss you forever dear Wendy. Rest in peace with Angels looking over you
Love, Jill and Dick
L
May 12, 2016
My deepest condolonces to the family. In this time of grieving I encourage all to look to God and his word for hope. John 5:25 gives us hope that we will see Wendy again.
George Waterman
May 12, 2016
Wendy, Sage, Brooke, and my daughter Jorie visited the Earth Art in New Mexico and Nevada, and Las Vegas. Wendy was the only one I knew then with a cell phone and it got us out of a jam when I got the car stuck in the desert trying to use the back dirt road to Double Negative. Her sense of humor and fun entertained us all.
I will miss you Wendy.
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