The Academy Art Museum recently received a substantial bequest from the estate Judith and Erik Straub. Judith “Judy” Stegman Straub passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016 at the age of 75 years old. Her husband Erik passed away on September 13, 2017. Ben Simons, Director of the Academy Art Museum, comments, “We are so grateful for the foresight and generosity of Judy and Erik Straub in making a bequest to the Academy Art Museum. As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary in 2018, we are standing on the shoulders of Judy and all the visionary leaders who laid the foundations for the Museum’s future.”
In 1979, Judy and her husband, Erik, moved from Monkton, MD to Easton to go into the marine construction business. Judy later worked with the Talbot Bank planning their 100th anniversary celebration. Upon Mr. Straub’s retirement, they moved to Florida in 2006, but kept their home in Talbot County. As a very active volunteer in Easton, Judy worked with United Fund for several years and with the Republican Party.
Judy joined the Academy Art Museum Board as Membership Chairman and later became Board Chair. According to former Museum board members, Judy implemented new bylaws for the Board and also was involved in the first building expansion of the Museum. According to Joan Cox of Easton, former Board Chair, Straub invited her to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board, in the 1980s, and strengthened the Museum’s Board by expanding its membership.
Cathy McCoy, current Board Chair of the Museum, adds, “I am inspired by the dedication of Judy Straub as former Board Chair. This bequest memorializes her outstanding service to the Academy as a Trustee and Board leader, and contributes mightily to our ability to continue the work about which she cared so deeply.”
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