Beverly O'Grady

Beverly Barrier Troxler O’Grady, affectionately known as Barry, died on Friday, May 29, 2026 in New York City. She was 84 years old. Her life was remarkable for her love and devotion to her husband, Robert, her utmost professonalism throughout a lengthy and successful career in wealth management, her unwavering fidelity to her Catholic faith, and her substantial commitment to the arts and education.

Barry was born on November 26, 1941 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the only child of Robert and Beverly Troxler. She graduated from St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana in 1963 and further received a Master of Arts from Columbia University in New York. While in college, she met her future husband, a Notre Dame student from Argentina, Robert O’Grady. Following their marriage in 1966, the couple first resided on East 89th Street before moving to their second apartment on Fifth Avenue at 87th Street, where Barry lived for close to 40 years.

Barry began her professional career as a teacher in the New York City public schools. She left teaching to work at a boutique wealth management firm, where she rose from receptionist to name partner at Wilkinson O’Grady & Company. Over the years, Wilkinson O’Grady expanded to become a global investment business and Barry’s positions included President, Chief Operating Officer and Director. As President and COO, she oversaw the operations and strategic direction of approximately $2 billion in global accounts for ultra-high-net-worth families, endowments, foundations, and trusts worldwide. She was actively involved in both the macro-level operational management of the firm and the direct oversight of global equity portfolios.

Just as Barry’s business acumen was well-recognized, so was her dedication to the Roman Catholic Church. In her actions, serving as Eucharistic Minister at Mass, and her thoughts, such as daily meditations, praying the rosary, and deep reading of religious texts as well as poetry, Barry constantly sought to deepen and strengthen her faith.

Barry was equally committed to the arts and education. She enjoyed an annual subscription to the Metropolitan Opera as well as membership to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Frick Museum and Neue Galerie.

With her husband Robert, she was a devoted supporter of the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame. Together, they gifted the Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. O’Grady Collection of Southern Cone Art, composed of pre-Columbian artifacts from the southernmost region of South America. Additionally, the couple funded a collection of 19th century European photos of Asian women. Upon Robert’s death in 2013, Barry donated his collection of Leica cameras, which have been utilized by Notre Dame photography students. In honor of their long and cherished friendship with former Notre Dame President Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., the O’Gradys donated an acrylic on canvas painting by renowned Chinese artist Jian-Hong Chen.

Barry and Robert also donated priceless manuscripts and other primary source material related to the Southern Cone, as well as the Barrier Family Letters, consisting of Civil War era correspondence amongst Barry’s ancestors, to the Hesburgh Libraries’ Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.

Barry’s commitment to education, continuing her own as well as improving others, was extensive. She served as a Trustee for her alma mater St. Mary’s College from 2002 to 2011 and was inducted into the President’s Circle upon completion of her term. She also was a well-regarded member of the Raclin Murphy Museum Advisory Council.

In the style of a true Southern lady, Barry was the epitome of elegance and grace. Over her long life and through her varied interests, she became a woman of great substance. Barry was uniformly admired by all who knew her, cherished by her family and friends, and will be deeply missed.