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Cindy Pritzker
1923 - 2025
Cindy Pritzker
1923 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1923
DIED
2025
Cindy Pritzker Obituary
Cindy Pritzker, matriarch of one of Chicago's wealthiest and most influential families, died March 15, 2025 at the age of 101.
She was a business tycoon, philanthropist, and a prominent member of Chicago's civic community. Her work in championing libraries, celebrating grand architecture and helping the public in general has touched countless lives. She was the co-founder of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, led the Chicago Public Library Board, and was married to Jay Pritzker, who created and ran the Hyatt Hotels chain.
"From leading the Chicago Public Library Board and her work to build the Harold Washington Library to helping create the Pritzker Architecture Prize and Chicago's Millennium Park Music Pavilion, Cindy shaped the city of Chicago just as much as it shaped her," her nephew, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said. "She will live on in the many institutions she strengthened, the causes she championed, and the more vibrant Chicago she helped build."
(Photo: John Parra/Getty Images for Pritzker Architecture Prize)
10 Entries
Carol Friend
April 24, 2025
My condolences for my Aunt Cindy. She was a powerful woman. I am most grateful for her support to my Mother Barbara Friend. Much love, Carol Friend
JK
April 24, 2025
May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Sending condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
Dave Stevenson
March 29, 2025
The world has lost a very important and lovely woman.
Elizabeth Bell
March 20, 2025
RIP Cindy
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DE
March 20, 2025
My deepest sympathy is with Cindy´s family and friends. May the fond memories always be remember.
Mr. Jr.
March 20, 2025
My condolences.
Frank Murths
March 19, 2025
Knew he husband Jay..wonderful family
GORDON McCLENDON
March 19, 2025
I was a board member of the Chicago Public Library that gave Chicago the Harold Washington Public Library. Without the leadership of Cindy, it would never have happened. We made hard hat visits in the early stages and admired the finished work when it was completed. She got what she wanted and what she wanted was correct. Chicago will miss her. I will miss her more.
Gordon McClendon
Susan Basko
March 18, 2025
Cindy Pritzker was an inspiration to all Chicago women. Chicago has the fabulous Harold Washington Library because of Cindy's hard work. Millennium Park was largely her doing, too. What a great lady! She will be greatly missed. I hope Chicago can come up with a suitable place dedicated to this wonderful person. My sincere condolences to family, friends, neighbors, and other supporters of culture in Chicago.
Michael Crosswhite
March 18, 2025
R.I.P. our Condolences to Family and Friends Michael Crosswhite and Jon Atkinson
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