Cindy Pritzker, the billionaire heir to the Hyatt fortune, passed away at the age of 101, as reported by her family.
Marian “Cindy” Friend Pritzker, the widow of Jay Pritzker, who founded Hyatt Hotels, died on Saturday, as stated by a family spokesperson. The spokesperson did not disclose the cause of her passing.
The matriarch of one of Chicago’s wealthiest families, Pritzker left behind four children and fourteen grandchildren. She was also the aunt of Illinois’ Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, whose family has been deeply involved in progressive politics for generations.
In the family’s statement, they said, “Cindy made a significant impact on numerous lives, exemplifying resilience, determination, and the strength found in humor.”
Cindy faced challenges with unyielding determination, infusing each task with her vigor and courageous demeanor. Her influence continues through the organizations she shaped, the city she loved, and the family she cherished.
Throughout her life as a philanthropist, Pritzker chaired the board of the Chicago Public Library and was one of the founders of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.
In the 1990s, President Bill Clinton recognized the Pritzker family at the White House for the enduring significance of their award and its impact on American culture.
Pritzker and her husband Jay were both passionate about architecture and contributed to the creation of notable Chicago landmarks, including the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park.
She was also recognized for her positive impact on Chicago’s public library system, particularly for increasing the book budget in the late 1990s.
Pritzker was instrumental in selecting the architecture firm for the Harold Washington Library Center. An auditorium in the building and another space across the street are both named in her honor.
In 1984, Andy Warhol created a silkscreen portrait of her, which currently hangs in the rooftop lounge at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The lounge is named in her honor.
Pritzker was raised on Chicago’s South Side, the daughter of a county judge.
As a teenager in Wisconsin, she met Jay Pritzker, and they remained together until his death from a heart attack in 1999.
Jay Pritzker and his brother Robert co-founded the Marmon Group, which grew into a massive conglomerate, with more than 200 companies worth over $15 billion.
Pritzker’s daughter, Gigi Pritzker Pucker, told the *Sun-Times*: “We intend to celebrate her life at the library, honoring her significance to the city as someone who was caring, enjoyable, profound, and possessed a resilient spirit.”
“Above all, she was a South Side girl whose father was a Chicago judge, teaching her a strong sense of justice, fairness, and moral clarity…”
“However, most importantly, she was enjoyable and delighted in laughing, effortlessly expressing her opinions. We cherished her deeply.”
The Pritzker family has planned a private ceremony to honor Cindy’s life.
In lieu of flowers, they have asked for contributions to be made to the Chicago Public Library Foundation or the Nancy Pritzker Laboratory at Stanford University.
