Remembering Longtime Donor and Volunteer Vivian Donnelley
October 9, 2018It is with sadness that we share the passing of Vivian Donnelley, a longtime donor, volunteer and dear friend of Green Chimneys. Vivian died peacefully of cancer on October 4, 2018, at her home in New York City.
Vivian Donnelley with her daughters
For over four decades, Vivian has been a part of the Green Chimneys community. As a mother of five, and having grown up on the farm, the Green Chimneys mission resonated. She too believed in helping children learn and grow. She understood the power of animal interactions.
“In nurturing an animal and building productive relationships with peers, the child builds self-esteem,” Vivian explained in a 2011 interview with The Wall Street Journal. “An animal has certain expectations and needs. If the kid meets them, the kid will be rewarded with great love.”
The Donnelley Family Student Residences
Throughout the years the Donnelley family has supported a range of Green Chimneys initiatives. Vivian, along with her late husband Strachan, contributed to the Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Center, at one point ensuring the care of pigs. She advocated for the organization in a variety of ways too, from cooking dinner for a fundraiser to a substantial tenure as a Green Chimneys Board Member. In 2011, Green Chimneys opened new dormitory buildings named in the family’s honor.
Vivian’s philanthropy and advocacy extended well beyond Green Chimneys. We are so grateful for her years of service, support, and friendship. Our thoughts are with Vivian’s daughters and the entire Donnelley family.
Thank you, Vivian.
