Remembering Lynda Thomas

The Institute’s Board of Trustees and staff are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Institute Trustee and longtime friend of the Institute Lynda Thomas. A steadfast lover and supporter of the arts, Thomas was passionate about increasing access to meaningful arts education and mentorship experiences–especially among the less fortunate and those from marginalized communities. During her time on the Institute’s Board, her vision and guidance proved truly inspiring, and were instrumental in helping the organization navigate a period of unprecedented success and expansion. Our thoughts are with Thomas’ family and loved ones during this difficult time.

An obituary for Thomas can be found below:

Lynda Thomas passed away peacefully at the home she shared with her beloved fiancé, Stuart Subotnick. She is survived by her sister Liz, her brothers Louis, Larry, & Leslie, her daughters Aimée & Angélique, and her son Lee.

Born on March 25, 1950 to Louis & Dorothy Levy, Lynda grew up in New Orleans. She was a Senior Manager/CPA/consultant at Deloitte Haskins and Sells in London. She also traveled extensively with the Pacific Council on International Policy, and the National Democratic Institute. Over the past several years, these visits included North Korea, South Sudan, Myanmar, Cuba, Argentina, Poland, Germany, and the Balkans. Lynda served as an international election monitor in Tunisia for parliamentary elections in 2011, and for their first post-revolution direct presidential election in 2014.

Committed to helping children, Lynda volunteered as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate to promote the best interests of abused and neglected youth. Lynda also had a passion for the arts, and was on the boards of the Bowers Museum, Backhausdance, and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz–previously known as the Thelonious Monk Institute–an organization with worldwide educational programs including International Jazz Day.

Lynda had a warm, generous, and kind spirit, and was deeply loved by all those close to her. A memorial service will be held at the Frank Campbell Funeral Chapel on June 12 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice that best represents her dedication to arts education and international justice.

Click here to watch a tribute movie in Thomas’ honor.