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CECILE ZILKHA Obituary
Beloved wife of Ezra K. Zilkha and mother of Donald, Donna and Bettina Zilkha died peacefully in New York on September 3, 2017 at the age of 85. Cecile was the daughter of Selim and Daisy Iny. Cecile had a significant impact in her involvement with a number of charities, including The Hospital for Special Surgery and The Metropolitan Opera, where she served as a member of the Board of Trustees and its Vice Chairman. Cecile was key to reviving and reinvigorating the Metropolitan Opera through her significant fund raising efforts including establishing "On Stage at the Met," which continues to be used to promote the institutions' efforts. Cecile was honored by the Republic of France as a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur and a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. She will be deeply missed. Services will be held at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, on Tuesday, September 5th at 12:30pm.
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Memories and Condolences
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Kristina and Guy Wildenstein
August 30, 2020
She was a great and beautiful lady and we miss her warmth and kindness!
Raoul Pujol
August 30, 2020
Cecile and Ezra were two of the best friends any one would ever dream of having, I will always remember them and miss them terribly for their loving ways and never failing friendship.
Raoul Pujol
July 18, 2018
Cecile, Ezra, and Donald have been very kind and generous with their much appreciated friendship, since we first met in the early 1970's. I will always treasure their friendship, for as long as a live.
Cecile will always be missed and on my daily prayers.
Affectionately,
Raoul Pujol
Raoul Pujol
July 18, 2018
I just found out, and very much hope that it is not too late to let you know how very sorry I am, and to send all my sympathy and affection to my dear friends Ezra, and Donald and to Cecile's daughters Donna and Bettina.
Affectionately,
Raoul Pujol
Barbara Mcentee
September 9, 2017
Dear Donna,
I didn't know your mother but in knowing you I feel I know a Part of her. You are a wonderful woman and friend who has impressed everyone with your intellect and endearing qualities- many of which your mother was known for. No doubt she was very proud of you. You have been a devoted & loving daughter and I'm sure brought great joy & comfort to her life. Jim and I send lots of love to you, your father and family. Barbara McEntee
Guy & Kristina Wildenstein
September 7, 2017
Dear Ezra,
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences to share with Donald, Donna and Bettina. We loved Cecile and will miss her kindness and her warmth. Nous vous embrassons tous!
Kristina, Martine et Guy
Laura Schwartz
September 6, 2017
Dear Donna
My condolences to you and your family. Mothers are very special people. Remember all the good times.
Michael Roth
September 5, 2017
Dear Ezra, Donna, Donald and Bettina,
Sending condolences from your friends at Wesleyan. May Cecile's memory be a blessing for you and your family.
With sympathy,
Michael
Emanuel Nadler
September 5, 2017
Dear Ezra our thoughts and hearts are with you,
Lea Boutros Ghali and Emanuel Nadler
herve AARON
September 5, 2017
We will miss Cecile: her kindness, her will in working and loving Opera her family and so many other things. We are in Paris and will miss the service. all our condolences to Ezra, to the children, and all our love. Hervé et Marina Aaron
Serkan Alan Elden
September 5, 2017
Mrs Zilkha- you are now not only the Mother of the Zilkha Family, but also the whole shining universe over your incredible life story with Mr. Ezra Zilkha- rest in peace...
Theodore V. Kruckel III
September 5, 2017
Dear Bettina and entire Zilkha family,
Mrs. Zilkha ,
She was always Mrs. Zilkha to me,
Had a regal bearing that is so rare in today's world.
I remember wanting to meet her at my first stage dinner at The Metropolitan Opera.
It only took me few minutes.
There was a group around her and she was greeting friends and guests alike with both warmth and dispatch.
What poise.
My condolences.
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Riverside Memorial Chapel - New York180 West 76th Street, New York City, NY 10023
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