Jillian Sackler, Advocate for Husband’s Legacy, Passes Away at 84: A Look at Her Philanthropic Work
The philanthropic world is mourning the loss of Jillian Sackler, a dedicated advocate for her late husband’s legacy and a prominent figure in the art and cultural community. Sackler, who passed away at the age of 84, was known for her tireless efforts to preserve and promote the work of her husband, Arthur Sackler, a renowned art collector and philanthropist. Despite the controversy surrounding the Sackler name due to Purdue Pharma’s involvement in the opioid crisis, Jillian Sackler remained steadfast in her commitment to honoring her husband’s memory and philanthropic work.
Born in England in 1937, Jillian Sackler was a force to be reckoned with in the world of philanthropy. After marrying Arthur Sackler in 1955, she became deeply involved in his philanthropic endeavors, which included supporting various cultural institutions, art museums, and medical research initiatives. Together, the couple established the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, which continues to fund educational and cultural programs around the world.
One of Jillian Sackler’s most significant contributions was her work in preserving and promoting her husband’s art collection. Arthur Sackler was a passionate art collector who amassed a vast collection of Asian and Middle Eastern art, as well as works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. After his death in 1987, Jillian Sackler made it her mission to ensure that his legacy lived on through the preservation and exhibition of his collection.
In addition to her work in the art world, Jillian Sackler was also a dedicated advocate for medical research and education. She served on the board of directors of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, which supports research in a wide range of fields, including neuroscience, psychiatry, and public health. Through her philanthropic efforts, Sackler helped to fund groundbreaking research projects and educational programs that have had a lasting impact on the medical community.
Despite her many accomplishments, Jillian Sackler’s legacy has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the Sackler name. Purdue Pharma, a pharmaceutical company founded by Arthur’s brothers, Richard and Raymond Sackler, has been accused of fueling the opioid crisis through its aggressive marketing of OxyContin. While Arthur Sackler had no involvement in Purdue Pharma or the opioid crisis, the Sackler name has become synonymous with the devastating effects of the epidemic.
In an interview with The New York Times in 2019, Jillian Sackler addressed the controversy surrounding the Sackler name and Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis. She emphasized that Arthur Sackler had no connection to the company or its actions, and that his philanthropic work should be remembered separately from the controversy surrounding his brothers’ business dealings. Despite the negative associations with the Sackler name, Jillian Sackler remained steadfast in her commitment to honoring her husband’s memory and preserving his legacy.
As the philanthropic community mourns the loss of Jillian Sackler, her dedication to preserving her husband’s legacy and supporting important causes will not be forgotten. Her impact on the art world, medical research, and cultural institutions will continue to be felt for years to come. In the face of controversy and adversity, Jillian Sackler remained a steadfast advocate for her husband’s legacy, leaving behind a lasting legacy of her own.
In conclusion, the question remains: How will Jillian Sackler’s philanthropic work and advocacy for her husband’s legacy be remembered in light of the controversy surrounding the Sackler name?