Stephanie Vail Krieger

Krieger, Stephanie Vail passed away peacefully at home in NYC on July 2 after a courageous 22 year battle with cancer. She believed it was her spirit of optimism that enabled her to endure for so long after her initial diagnosis.

Stephanie began her career in New York as a fashion model working with Oscar de la Renta and other top designers of the period. She soon married Judge Harold Krieger with whom she shared her life until his passing in 1992.

Renowned for her elegance, grace and style, Stephanie remained forever youthful through her curious mind. She was fascinated by politics as well as all local news here in the city.

As a self-taught painter later in life she created extraordinary abstracts florals, portraits and still lifes that now adorn the walls of many treasured friends.

A long-time fixture on the charity circuit, Stephanie was a big supporter of women’s issues, cancer research, the arts, mental health, and animal rescue. Her appearances at fundraising events were welcomed for her generosity as well as her grace and charm. Her impeccable taste in fashion made her a favorite subject of New York Times Fashion photographer Bill Cunningham.

An open heart allowed her to lead a beautiful life filled with loving friends, art, flowers, her beloved Maltese, and everything French.

Interment will be private but a celebration of her life will be scheduled for the fall.