Verdura Executive Donna Sturm Dies at 67

RAPAPORT... Donna Sturm, manager of design and product development forNew York jeweler Verdura, died May 4 after a traumatic brain injury.  Sturm, a 30-year industry veteran, was struck by a cyclistwho ran a red light while she was crossing 57th Street during her lunch break onApril 24. She was 67. "Donna Sturm was a vibrant, energetic and wonderful womanwho died as a result of carelessness and negligence," read a statement fromSturm's family released by her attorney, Ben Rubinowitz. "She died because abicyclist completely disregarded the law...Donna Sturm's entire family is, simplyput, devastated. They will never recover from this loss." Sturm had been working at Verdura for more than 20 years. She was previously a bench jeweler at Tiffany & Co. "A unique talent, Donna was equally skilled in both thetechnical and creative aspects of jewelry design," the company said in a publicobituary. "Over the nearly two decades that Donna was with Verdura, herartistry permeated every aspect of the brand's collections, and her kindness tocolleagues and partners characterized her relationships in the industry." Sturm is survived by her husband, Ted Panken, daughter,Angelina, mother, Joanna DeLuca, and sister, Bettina Sturm, who is also amember of the Verdura team. A memorial service will be held on June 16 in NewYork. Image: Donna Sturm. (Verdura)