In Memoriam
The Alumni Association honors and remembers alumni, supporters, and friends who have passed away. This space serves as a tribute to their lives, their dedication to the preservation of Victorian heritage, and their contributions to our community.
We invite alumni to share remembrances, photographs, and stories so we can preserve their legacy and celebrate the impact they made. Through these tributes, we acknowledge their passion, achievements, and the lasting inspiration they leave behind.
If you would like to submit a name or remembrance for inclusion in this section, please contact info@vsaalumni.org.
In Remembrance of Our Friends and Colleagues
William J. Dane (1923–2019)
Richard Reutlinger (1939–2018)
Carole Chapman (1941–2018)
John C. Freed (1947–2018)
Dr. William “Bill” Murtagh (1923–2018)
C. Dudley Brown (1929–2018)
Sara “Sallie” R. Wadsworth (1936–2017)
Gavin Stamp (1948–2017)
Paul Duchscherer (1952–2017)
Gwendolyn Eades Koch (1921–2014)
William J. Dane (1923–2019)
(London 1982; Philadelphia 1984)
William J. “Bill” Dane, long-time member of the VSA and the Alumni Association, passed away on July 13, 2019 at the age of 96. Bill served as Special Collections Curator for 62 years at the Newark Free Public Library, where he was known as the Keeper of the Prints and namesake of The William J. Dane Fine Print Collection. He was a dedicated advocate of the Victorian Society in America Summer Schools and Alumni Association, serving as Metropolitan Chapter treasurer (1970–1973, 1984–1986), Vice President (1973–1975), and a director from 1970 until 1992.
Richard Reutlinger (1939–2018)
(Newport 1974; London 1975)
Richard Reutlinger, long-time supporter of the VSA and Alumni Association, passed away in 2018. Richard was known for his preservation work in San Francisco, particularly in the restoration of Victorian homes, and for his generosity in sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for historic architecture. His warmth and humor endeared him to friends and colleagues alike.
Carole Chapman (1941–2018)
Carole Chapman, active member of the VSA and Alumni Association, passed away in 2018. Carole contributed to preservation efforts and educational initiatives, supporting the mission of the VSA through her participation in events, tours, and outreach activities.
John C. Freed (1947–2018)
John C. Freed, member of the VSA and Alumni Association, passed away in 2018. John’s enthusiasm for architectural history and preservation was evident in his active participation in programs and events, and his support for the Society’s educational goals.
Dr. William “Bill” Murtagh (1923–2018)
Dr. William “Bill” Murtagh, a pioneering figure in historic preservation and a leader in the VSA community, passed away in 2018. Bill was instrumental in shaping national preservation policy and served as a mentor to countless professionals in the field. His deep commitment to historic preservation and education left a lasting legacy within the VSA and beyond.
C. Dudley Brown (1929–2018)
(London 1977)
C. Dudley Brown, widely known interior designer, historic preservationist, and founder of the Victorian Society in America’s Washington Chapter, passed away on April 19, 2018 at the age of 88. Dudley earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design from the University of Cincinnati and pursued graduate studies in historic preservation at Cornell University. His career included service with the U.S. Navy, the General Services Administration, and his own firm, C. Dudley Brown & Associates (1964–2014). He contributed to the restoration and design of significant sites, including the West Wing of the White House, the Governor’s Mansion in Annapolis, and George Washington’s River Farm. Over his decades with the VSA, he served as Secretary, Historian, Decorative Arts Advisory Committee member, and Board member, and was a regular auctioneer at annual meetings.
Sara “Sallie” R. Wadsworth (1936?–2017)
(London 1991; Newport 1992)
Sallie Wadsworth, life member and President’s Award recipient of the VSA, passed away on November 22, 2017. Sallie was deeply involved in the VSA and the Alumni Association, regularly attending Annual Meetings and Study Tours. She served as a VSA Board member, Treasurer, donor, and member of the VSA Summer School Committee. Her contributions reflected her dedication to preservation, education, and the wider cultural community, including the Jane Austen Society of North America.
Gavin Stamp (1948–2017)
Gavin Stamp, historian, writer, and broadcaster, passed away on December 30, 2017 at the age of 69. Gavin served as director of the VSA’s London Summer School and led the Alumni Association’s 2014 Study Tour of Northern England and the Lake District. He was a leading voice for British architecture, authoring numerous books and presenting television series including Pevsner’s Cities and Gavin Stamp’s Orient Express. He co-founded the Twentieth Century Society, was active in the Victorian Society, and served as professor of architectural history at the Mackintosh School of Art. Gavin’s scholarship, leadership, and mentorship influenced generations of students.
Paul Duchscherer (1952–2017)
(Newport 1991)
Paul Duchscherer, long-time Alumni Association member, passed away on June 20, 2017. Based in San Francisco, Paul was an interior designer, historian, author, lecturer, and preservation advocate with extensive knowledge of historic architecture, design, decorative arts, and landscaping. His work included designs for Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers and restoration projects for historic buildings and private residences. He authored numerous publications, appeared on This Old House and Curb Appeal, and was active in heritage programs in Buffalo, New York, and East Aurora’s Roycroft Inn.
Gwendolyn Eades Koch (1921–2014)
Gwendolyn Eades “Gwen” Koch, co-founder of the Victorian Society Summer Schools, passed away on October 17, 2014 at the age of 93. Gwen’s career included teaching music at the University of Evansville, earning a master’s degree in Humanities with a focus on the Victorian era, and restoring historic homes in downtown Evansville. She served for many years on the VSA Board, was active in the Summer Schools Committee, and was recognized with the VSA President’s Award for her dedication to the Society and its educational mission.
