Judy Henning

July 3, 1938 – January 27, 2025

Judy Henning, 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Beverly Hills on January 27, 2025. Born on July 3, 1938, in Gary, South Dakota, Judy lived a life filled with creativity, passion, and a deep commitment to her family, friends, and community.

Before moving to Beverly Hills in 1976, Judy enjoyed a successful career as a high-fashion model and television commercial performer in New York and spent two years modeling in Paris. She then relocated to Chicago where she appeared in numerous television commercials for notable clients such as United Airlines, Chrysler, Colgate, and Sears. Judy actively supported social causes, serving as a board member of Jane Addams’ Hull House and the American Indian Center.

Her story is famously captured in Studs Terkel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Working." Studs, a friend of Judy’s during her time in Chicago, was fascinated by the real life of a model and chronicled her experiences in the book under the pseudonym “Jill Torrance.”

While in Chicago, she met her soon to be husband, Richard "Dick" Rosenzweig.

After relocating to Beverly Hills with Dick, Judy worked with Stanley Felderman and Associates, a young interior design firm, before founding her own successful public relations firm. During this time, she also co-founded a contemporary folk arts and crafts business, representing well known American folk artists.

Judy and Dick shared a deep appreciation for art and artists. Together, they amassed a smart and significant collection featuring works from Chicago Imagists and renowned California contemporary artists.

Judy was also dedicated to public service, serving as Chair of the Fine Arts Commission and Chair of the Charitable Solicitations Commission in Beverly Hills, each for a six-year term.

Judy was deeply committed to her friends in Beverly Hills, cherishing their companionship and shared passions. She loved traveling internationally with Dick, and she often enjoyed visiting destinations throughout the United States to spend time with her large, loving family, including her five sisters and one brother.

A lifelong supporter of the arts, Judy served on the Modern and Contemporary Art Council of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and co-chaired its Education Council. She was a board member and program chair of the Dance Gallery Guild. She was a Founding Member of Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Projects Council in 1986 and became a Sustaining Member in 2004. In 1990, she co-chaired MOCA’s bi-annual auction gala, further demonstrating her love for the arts and her community.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dick, in 2020. She is survived by her brother, Danny Henning; her nephew Emmett Murphy; niece Kristin Gornstein; nephew Steven Ziven and his wife Lynn, along with their children, Lisa and Jason; niece Debra Ziven; and extended family.

A private memorial honoring Judy’s life is planned for February 5, 2025, at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.