Betty Halbreich Cause of Death: Betty Halbreich, who gave generations of Bergdorf Goodman customers an unmatched in-person shopping experience, passed away on Saturday in Manhattan from natural causes. She was ninety-six.
Betty was regarded as an institution at Bergdorf Goodman, charming not only her coworkers but also the many celebrities and generally well-to-do shoppers she often interacted with with her exquisite taste, wit, and no-nonsense demeanor.
Halbreich, a Chicago native, wrote several best-selling books. Her children, Kathy and John Halbreich, released a joint statement on Saturday, saying, “Our mom led a compelling life, much of which was spent at her favorite place in the world, at her Bergdorf Goodman desk – her room with a view, tossing zingers while offering those BG tea sandwiches to whomever graced her office.” She was very proud to outfit ladies and support them in pursuing their goals, whether it was as a young attorney representing a client in court for the first time or dressing someone up for a spectacular gala event. She was a realist and a romantic, in spite of all the glitz and glamour. She had no pretenses. It was not necessary to be a billionaire or well-known person to get into Betty’s protective and wise circle. All of us will miss her passion, sardonic humor, and knowledge.
“Betty was a unique individual. Mallory Andrews, the former senior vice president for marketing, sales promotion, and public relations at Bergdorf Goodman, remarked, “You never knew who you might see when you stopped by Betty’s office.” “One December, I saw Walter Cronkite, who was there, as he often was, to choose his wife’s Christmas present. The list continues with Joan Rivers, Betty Buckley, Lena Dunham, and more. Without her, Bergdorf’s won’t be the same. Darcy Penick, president of Bergdorf Goodman, stated that Betty Halbreich “shaped the history of Bergdorf Goodman, her home away from home for 48 years in countless ways.” “Ever inquisitive and fearless, she transformed her clients’ perceptions of both themselves and clothing.”
She continued to work until recently and according to Bergdorf officials, she never officially retired from the retailer. Aside from her daughter Kathy and her son John, Halbreich is survived by grandchildren Henry Kohring, Gillian Halbreich and Hannah Halbreich. Details on a memorial service will be revealed at a later date.