CAMILLA BERGERON

BERGERON--Camilla.

Camilla Dietz Bergeron, 76, passed away peacefully last Sunday surrounded by friends and family. Born in Covington, Georgia, Camilla graduated with honors in Economics from Vanderbilt University in 1964. After graduating, she made her way to New York City to pursue a career in finance, eventually forming Fuhrman, Selz, Mager, Dietz and Birney. In a male-dominated industry, she was one of the first women to hold a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. Camilla quickly became a recognized expert in several areas including fashion apparel and cosmetics, and was instrumental in taking companies like Toys "R" Us and Wendy's public. In 1987, the Xerox Corporation acquired the firm, enabling Camilla to begin a new career in the antique, period and estate jewelry business. Along with partner Gus Davis, she founded Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Ltd., becoming a much sought-after jeweler, appraiser and lecturer, building a loyal client base for nearly thirty years. Despite a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in her thirties, she remained a high- profile figure in the jewelry world and an active member of several organizations. She was co-President of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, a founding member of The Committee of 200, and a member of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust. Last year, she was honored with a LOOT Award by the Museum of Art and Design. Those who knew her best will remember her as a trailblazer, a true leader, and a woman of elegance and charm. Camilla is survived by her husband, Jean Maurice Georges Bergeron, her sister Harriet Nunnally, her longtime friend and business partner Gus Davis, and her goddaughters Camilla Mager and Juliette Farran. Memorial contributions can be made to The Committee of 200 Foundation, 980 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1575, Chicago, IL 60611, to the attention of Meghan McRae, or to the Camilla Bergeron Men's Basketball Scholarship, Vanderbilt University, PMB 407727, 2401 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 19. Please contact 212-794-9100 for details.