SOPAC Founding Board Member, Milly Iris, Passes Away

Milly Iris, a founding member of the Board of Governors of South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), and benefactor of the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC, passed away Friday, Oct. 24 in Haddonfield, NJ. She was a longtime resident of South Orange and was well known throughout the community as an avid arts lover and philanthropist who brought a special joy to all that she touched. Mrs. Iris owned her own gallery, "Whichcraft studio for the selective i," and loved to collect art. She also owned galleries in Millburn and Long Beach Island.

The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC brings contemporary art to the community providing artists with opportunities to reach new audiences. Along with her husband, Mrs. Iris had a passion for promoting artists whose work she thought worthy of attention and support.

"Milly was instrumental in ensuring that SOPAC became a venue for the visual as well as the performing arts," said SOPAC board chair Tony Leitner. "We celebrate the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery and the gifted artists whose works we have been able to display."

Ms. Iris is survived by two daughters, Roree Iris-Williams and Kerry Iris; sons-in-law Peter Iris-Williams and Eric Kassoff; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Oct. 29 at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. Memorial contributions may be made to South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ 07079; the Iris Teen Tzedekah Fund, c/o Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ, 901 Route 10, Whippany, NJ 07981; or The Iris Family Early Childhood Education Center at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, 432 Scotland Rd., South Orange, NJ 07079.