Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, co-founder of New York-based home décor supplier MacKenzie-Childs (PPAI 883723, Standard-Base), passed away on March 4. She was 77, according to PEOPLE.
A San Francisco native, MacKenzie-Childs earned a Master of Fine Arts from Alfred University in New York, The Citizen reported.
She and her husband, Richard MacKenzie-Childs, co-founded the brand in 1983. The company, which was featured in high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus, became known for its “Courtly Check” pattern, inspired by chess boards and the black-and-white tiles of Westminster Abbey, according to PEOPLE.
After entering bankruptcy proceedings, the couple sold the company to American Girl doll brand creator Pleasant Rowland in 2001. A decade later, MacKenzie-Childs was sold to private equity firm Twin Lakes Capital. Today, EagleTree Capital owns the business.
“It’s with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, one of the original founders of MacKenzie-Childs,” the company said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Her creative spirit laid the foundation of the brand carried on by our company today. Our thoughts are with her husband Richard and her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Donnie MacKenzie, Victoria’s sister, shared the news of her passing in a Facebook post.
“I already miss you so much, but am so grateful for the impressions you left on me on how to design life with unlimited freedom; without limits or boundaries! Richard stay strong, we love you!”
She added: “When Victoria knew something was morally right within her heart, she went forward and didn’t care about numbers or opposing opinions… that is leadership with moral fiber and that was and still is Victoria MacKenzie Childs.”
Victoria is survived by her husband, Richard; their daughter, Heather Chaplet; and her sister, Donnie.
