Anne Zuckerberg had a reputation as an in-demand interior designer with an eye for tasteful antiques.
***
Coronavirus: The ones we lost The Palm Beach Post is chronicling the lives of the people in Palm Beach County who died in the pandemic.
***
One day in 1958, a free-spirited New Jersey homemaker with a creative streak took out an ad in the local newspaper: Confused in choosing fabrics? Think you cant afford a decorator? Call me."
Soon, Anne Zuckerbergs phone started ringing. Sporadically at first. Then seemingly nonstop.
In the ensuing decades, Zuckerberg built a reputation as an in-demand interior designer with an eye for tasteful antiques and a talent for sprucing up living rooms, penthouses and lobbies across New Jersey and New York. An early client was Skitch Henderson, the Grammy Award-winning New York Pops conductor and first Tonight Show bandleader.
>>So many gone, so fast: Telling the stories of Palm Beach Countys coronavirus dead
But Zuckerberg wanted more. With boundless energy, she traveled the world, became an artist later in life and partied with friends at Palm Beach galas into her 90s.
It seemed like nothing could stop her. Then came the coronavirus pandemic.
The deadly respiratory disease somehow found Zuckerberg in late March, perhaps, as her daughter suspects, while she was recovering in a rehab facility from a broken hip suffered two months earlier when she fell at her Sapodilla Avenue apartment in West Palm Beach.
Struggling to breathe on March 31, she was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center. She died April 4, about two months shy of her 95th birthday.
To think that that virus took her down in a matter of days is just uncanny," said her daughter-in-law, Marybeth Zuckerberg. She walked every day. She had better legs than most 60-year-olds. Annie was a fighter to the very end."
>>Lost to coronavirus: Read all the stories of those taken in Palm Beach County by the virus
Zuckerberg moved to West Palm Beach years ago to be close to her friends, who included Palm Beachers and members of the local arts community. She appeared in Palm Beach Daily News photos at the Armory Art Centers Mad Hatters luncheon, Miami Ballet receptions and Kravis Center galas.
She was a great person who lived life to the fullest," said Susan Bloom, one of her closest friends. We lost a good one."
The daughter of a builder, Zuckerberg was always drawn to the arts. During her three decades as an interior decorator, she dabbled in painting interpretive portraits as a hobby.
But when she retired, she painted prolifically," said her son, Sid Zuckerberg. She did some amazing stuff. Some she gave away and sold."
>>Married nearly 60 years, Boynton couple dies two days apart
Just five years ago, a collection of her paintings was displayed at the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County gallery in downtown Lake Worth Beach.
"We were proud to showcase Ms. Zuckerberg's artwork in a 2015 solo exhibition at the Cultural Council," said Dave Lawrence, the councils president and chief executive. This is a big loss for Palm Beach County's artist community, but we will continue to honor her legacy in our hearts and creative endeavors."
For creative inspiration, Zuckerberg seemed to tap the past, even though her ideas were progressive.
She loved Marie Antoinette. She thought she was Marie Antoinette reincarnated," said her daughter, Elish Kodish. She was just a really independent spirit ahead of her time."
>>Lost to coronavirus: Ex-FAU professor survived Soviets, but not virus
In an interview in 1969, Zuckerberg acknowledged her consternation 11 years earlier when she decided to place the newspaper ad seeking clients, against the wishes of her husband.
I love glamour and design but was always hiding in the background. It took guts to launch my career but I knew I had to do it," she told The Record of Hackensack, N.J., for a story under a headline touting her as a New-Look Designer."
To gain more experience, she joined the staff at Tony Art Galleries in Englewood, N.J., where she developed a knack for arranging displays that caught the attention of frequent customers like Rat Packer Joey Bishop and comedian Buddy Hackett.
She would make vignettes with different antiques in the store, and from there she got jobs. Thats how she built her career," said Kodish, who took over Anne Zuckerberg Associates when her mom retired. She had a very top-echelon clientele."
>>Lost to coronavirus: Retired postal worker not used to sitting still
Kodish wouldnt divulge the names of her mother's clients. But in 1969, they included Henderson, the orchestra conductor for whose Manhattan home she selected upholstery fabric, and the owners of the Hazel Bishop cosmetics company, inventor of the first long-lasting lipstick, according to her profile in The Record.
She attributes her success to hard-nosed aggressiveness, a trait she had to cultivate in order to make her presence felt," the story said.
The story also described the antiques inside Zuckerbergs home in Teaneck, N.J., a Louis XV sofa covered with black linen next to a glass top cocktail table, an early Dutch bombe chest with marquetry, a Japanese table she stripped down and bleached, and walls painted cognac.
>>Lost to coronavirus: A love for the ages cut short by COVID-19
"She wasn't one of these designers that did pretty little things. She really, architecturally, did all kinds of buildings, complicated lighting, custom furniture," Kodish said.
My mom worked well into her late 80s. She would have worked forever. She loved her work."
A year ago, after turning 94, Zuckerberg danced at her grandson's wedding. She enjoyed living by herself at The Metropolitan, a condo building not far from Cityplace and the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
Her main focus was on her friends," Sid said. She had a very active social life. Her friends were much younger than she. They wanted her around. She was the life of the party."
One day in January, in the kitchen at her condo, she took a wrong turn and went down. She broke her hip," Sid said. Although she was a very robust person, still, she was 94."
>>Lantana principal dies of COVID after last-ditch plasma infusion
After successful surgery at Good Samaritan Medical Center, she was released to a rehab facility to recuperate. She was doing well," said Sid, who visited her for two weeks before going back home to Connecticut.
After she was rushed to Good Sam on March 31, she was put on a ventilator. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. A coronavirus test came back positive on April 2, two days before she died.
Her family praised the compassionate hospital staff for setting up a video conference call so they could say their final goodbyes.
I keep feeling like she's in Mexico on vacation and she's going to come home," Kodish said, but that's not going to happen."
@JCapozzipbpost
Go here to see the original:
Lost to coronavirus: Free-spirited interior designer was 'life of the party' into her 90s - Palm Beach Post
- I just spent two days with my favorite interior designers in Palm Springs these are the 3 key but easy-to-follow design rules I learned from... - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- The Biggest Luxury Interior Design Trends Around the World - Mansion Global - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- 3 Southern Designers Call Out The Best Decor Deals They've Spotted For Memorial Day, Starting At $11 - Southern Living - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Inside the soothing retreat of a Brussels-based fashion entrepreneur - wallpaper.com - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- We Gave an Interior Designer $100 to Spend at Walmart, and She Found Some Shockingly Stylish Homewares to Shop - Livingetc - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Experts Reveal the Secret to a BEAUTIFUL Garden Is This Clever Layout Trick - House Beautiful - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Meet Rishabh Pant's GF, Isha Negi: Interior Designer, Who Rarely Shares Pics With The Cricketer - BollywoodShaadis - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Designers Say in 2025, You Should Not Have This in Your Kitchen or Bathroom - Good Housekeeping - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- An interior designer with over 40 years of experience shares 9 things he'd never have in his own home - Yahoo - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- This new film explores the radical legacy of architect and interior designer Eileen Gray and her iconic seaside villa, E.1027 - It's Nice That - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Throw a GORGEOUS Summer Party With These Designer-Approved Ideas - House Beautiful - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Isha Negi: Meet Rishabh Pant's girlfriend who isn't just an interior designer, but also popular on Instagram for... - Bollywood Life - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- 8 kitchen design decisions to make now that could increase the value of your home later, according to interior designers - Homes and Gardens - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Craig exits Interior Design Masters: 'I'm hurtling towards 60, but it's never too late for a new adventure' - House Beautiful - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- 6 thrift store finds that designers say you need to add to your bedroom - Homes and Gardens - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- The best rugs, mirrors & lights to shop in Memorial Day sales - Homes and Gardens - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Quiet Luxury Interior Design Is Booming Loud and Clear in the Hamptons - Mansion Global - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- How to Achieve "Room Serenity," According to Professional Therapists and Designers - House Beautiful - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Lancaster interior designer through to final of BBC show - Beyond Radio - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Finalists for Scotland's Home of the Year 2025 announced - Yahoo News UK - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- The Interior Design Trend Thats Turning Homes and Apartments into Total Rainbow Rooms - Apartment Therapy - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Three Recovering Minimalists on How They Got Their Style Back - Architectural Digest - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Brigitta Spinocchia Freund Invites Us For A Tour Of Her Wardrobe And Art-Filled World - Harper's Bazaar Arabia - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Sherwin-Williams Vs Benjamin Moore which iconic paint brand is best for your project? - Homes and Gardens - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- I Asked Interior Designers to Share the Best IKEA Products They've Ever Bought Here's What They Said - Livingetc - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Designers say these are the best colors to pair with pistachio green 7 hues that flatter this on-trend shade - Homes and Gardens - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- See How an Interior Designer Reimagined This End-of-Terrace Period Home in London - House Beautiful - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- What Sustainable Interior Design Really Means in 2025 And Why Its No Longer Just About the Materials - Livingetc - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- I'm an interior designer and these five trends are making your house look boring and dated - Daily Mail - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- We Asked 6 Designers for Their Favorite Paint Brandand They All Named the Same Company - Real Simple - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- 9 Hobby Room Ideas That'll Inspire the Bonus Space of Your Dreams - marthastewart.com - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- BHG's 2025 Color Stars Will Bring the Full Spectrum of the Rainbow to Your Home - Better Homes & Gardens - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Celebrity interior designer who fell out with a millionaire neighbour over her bikini sunbathing is selling th - Daily Mail - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- The Best Places to Shop for Mid-Century Modern Furniture, According to Interior Designers - Apartment Therapy - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Designers Say This Beloved Style Is Completely Out for 2025 - Good Housekeeping - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- One kitchen item is 'all the rage these days', say interior designers - Daily Express - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Joanna Gaines' new series focuses on the small details that will make the biggest impact in your home it's inspiring proof that you don't always need... - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Is Green the New Millennial Gray? Here's What Interior Designers Have to Say - marthastewart.com - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Setting Plaster vs. Dead Salmon what's the difference between these iconic Farrow & Ball pink paints and which is the better choice for you? -... - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Scientists say they have discovered a 'new' color but what do interior designers think of this saturated shade? - Homes and Gardens - May 20th, 2025 [May 20th, 2025]
- Explore how Smita Thomas of Multitude of Sins created an award-winning interior design firm in India - Tatler Asia - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- How Thoughtful Interior Design Is Transforming Medical OfficesStarting With This Beverly Hills Sanctuary - Forbes - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Time to Paint the Home Office? Try One of These Colors - ELLE Decor - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Interior Design Masters series 6 meet the contestants vying for a homeware collection with John Lewis - House Beautiful - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Rita Konig on the Pleasure and Pain of Designing for Yourself - ELLE Decor - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- 27 Bedroom Lighting Ideas That Add Style and Ambience - marthastewart.com - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr - meet the ten talented designers battling it out for one life changing contract - BBC - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- 11 Legendary Interior Design Stars Who Have Tragically Passed Away - House Beautiful - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- A designer has made hidden storage stylish in this kitchen - Homes and Gardens - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Stefano Vafiadis: How the design of 52m Baglietto Daybreak started with a side table - BOAT International - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Apparently, this is the interior design style that will add the most value to your home right now - Homes and Gardens - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Ditch the toxins: Here's how to make your home healthier with sustainable interior design - Hindustan Times - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- 8 Home Trends That Are Tragically DEAD to the Design World - House Beautiful - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Desk chairs, butter and a striking 'fifth wall': the unexpected interiors must-haves you need right now - London Evening Standard - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- How to Design a Durable Home That Will Stand the Test of Time, According to Experts - marthastewart.com - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- The impact of interior design on mental health - The Irish News - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- 5 kitchen styles going out of fashion in 2025, according to interior designers who've seen it all - Homes and Gardens - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Joanna Gaines Reveals the Song She's Listening to on RepeatSays Its So Good - House Beautiful - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- Why wellness brands are leading the way in interior design - MSN - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- The hidden hacks interior design experts use for colour filled homes - The Sydney Morning Herald - April 4th, 2025 [April 4th, 2025]
- 15 Paint Colors That Interior Designers Are Buzzing AboutSee the Gorgeous Hues Here - Martha Stewart - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Styling Your Coffee Table With An Expert - WWLTV.com - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Louisiana interior designer makes magic with Luke Macfarlane on new show Home is Where The Heart Is - WGNO New Orleans - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- HOK Crafts A Breathtaking Nature-Inspired Headquarters In Ontario - Interior Design - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Take a peek inside: How an interior designer pulled off a massive makeover in her own home - Yahoo Life - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Nate Berkus has persuaded me that black leather is back - Homes & Gardens - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- An interior designer critiqued my bare-bones outdoor space. She gave me simple tricks to make it cool and functional. - Business Insider - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Before & After: Interior designer turns dilapidated loft into a dreamy dressing room and home office - House Beautiful - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- An interior designer critiqued my bare-bones outdoor space. She gave me simple tricks to make it cool and functional. - Yahoo Life - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Take A Break From Murderous Revenge With Some Interior Design In Assassin's Creed Shadows - Kotaku - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- 4 British Interior Design Trends Americans Are Going to Be Obsessed with in 2025 - House Beautiful - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- This NYC apartment showcases a simplified traditional style that's surprisingly perfect for a modern lifestyle - Homes & Gardens - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- 18 Atlanta Interior Designers, Architects, and Builders on the AD PRO Directory You Need to Know - Architectural Digest - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- 8 Things Designers Say Are A Waste Of Money - Southern Living - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Prints, soft colors and a 'sense of whimsy' gave this Florida lakeside home a charming new look that's perfect for spring - Homes & Gardens - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- 5 Playful, Pinterest-approved interior design trends to know for 2025 - HELLO! - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Inside the Mysteries of The Residence - Netflix Tudum - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- "Home is Where the Heart Is" Co-Hosts Luke Macfarlane & Olivia Westbrooks - KATU - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- A Keeping Room Will Transform Your Kitchen (and Your Home)Here's What to Know - AOL - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- 6 Common Mistakes When Choosing Interior Paint Colors and How to Avoid Them - Mansion Global - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]