With deep sadness, the International Housewares Association announces the passing of Jennifer Lamberg on Sunday, Sept. 29 after a brief illness.
Jennifer was executive assistant to IHA President & CEO Phil Brandl and Judy Colitz, manager, special events & executive services. She joined IHA in 2001.
Jennifer touched many lives in the industry through her responsibilities for IHA’s Chief Officers Reaching Excellence (CORE) share groups and the Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession (CHESS), as well as the International Home + Housewares Show and Housewares Charity Foundation.
“IHA has lost a treasured member of the family. Jennifer fought a courageous battle with breast cancer beginning in late 2012 and we rejoiced with her when she got a cancer-free diagnosis last spring,” Brandl said. “We will especially miss her strong spirit and witty personality. She was an inspiration to all of us.”
Jennifer is survived by her husband, Bob, and son, Brady. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, PO Box 204, Norwood, NJ 07648, www.tnbcfoundation.org, or The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in care of Judy Colitz, IHA, 6400 Shafer Ct, Ste. 650, Rosemont, IL 60018.
The outpouring of responses from those within the industry has been tremendous. We thank those who have sent condolences and for your continued support.
“We are so heartbroken to hear the sad news about Jennifer. Rachel and I were just talking about how good she looked and how positive her attitude was when we saw her a few weeks ago. It’s a tragic ending after such a strong and courageous fight.”
Evan Dash, BOD
Storebound
“I am so sorry to hear this of Jennifer. She was always so very nice and I am happy to have had the opportunity to work with her these past two years. You, all at IHA and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.”
Courtney Groff
Washington Office
“I send my sincere condolences to Jennifer’s family and the IHA family that have been a part of her life. She represented to everyone that great spirit and energy that exemplified all the positive attributes of the organization. I know that she will be missed by everyone.”
David Sabin, BOD
The Fuller Brush Company
“This is very sad.”
Vince Naccarato, Past BOD
Molto Capital LLC
“Jennifer Lamberg was an incredibly competent professional as well as being a very kind and caring individual. She was one of those very special people one is so thankful for the opportunity to get to know.”
Dennis Reaves
ex-Walmart Executive
“I am so sorry.”
Tony Kircher, BOD
Winnix Corporation
“I am so sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing. My prayers are with her family and IHA.”
John Armaly, Past BOD
Armaly Brands
“What a shock! Jennifer was so vibrant, alive, personable and happy. This is devastating news to all of us who have known her and worked with her over the years.
“Nancy and I have fond memories of an evening with Jennifer and Mia in Cabo San Lucas; dinner on the terrace of the Twin Dolphins Hotel; surf rumbling at our feet and a million stars streaming their light down from the cobalt blue heavens above. She is now among them….”
Doug Bradshaw, Past BOD
Bradshaw International
“Susan and I are so sad to hear this news. We will be making a donation in her memory.”
Jeff Siegel, Past BOD
Lifetime Brands
“This is truly devastating news. Jennifer was a very special person who brought light and sunshine whenever I saw her, with her wonderful smile and attitude.”
Bob Sachs, Past BOD
Arden Companies
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so shocked and saddened. She was glowing and we were all so happy for her to be finished with the hard part of her recovery. I can’t imagine what you are all going through and especially Bob and Brady. I will keep everyone in my prayers. I’m just so, so sorry to hear this.
Jenna Sellers-Miller, BOD
Architec
“Words cannot express my profound sadness at Jennifer’s passing. May God bless Jennifer.”
Rich Boynton, Past BOD
Jura Capresso
“I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. My most sincere condolences.”
Michael Magerman, BOD
“I am so very sorry and sad for you all. She was a great lady and will be missed by us all. So sad.
My thoughts are with you all.”
Gary Seehoff, BOD
Evriholder
“We are so sorry to hear this, Judy. Our hearts go out to her family, to you, and to all at IHA who have worked with and known Jennifer all these years. We will miss her terribly.”
Pam Sederholm
Washington Office
“I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jennifer’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and all at IHA.”
Paul Murphy
Housewares Charity Foundation
“On behalf of Nicole and myself please know that we will miss Jennifer immensely. We share the sadness that you must still feel for her passing.”
Dan Rafterty
CORE Facilitator
“We were introduced to her husband and young son two years ago, how proud she was. Jennifer was an important member of IHA, it is a real loss to all of us. IHA admin team is closely knit; we share our sympathies during these very hard times. As past Chair, I remember her saying always, don’t worry we have everything under control. Our thoughts and prayers are with her son and husband and her IHA family.”
Robert Trudeau, Past BOD
Trudeau Corporation
“So, so sad! She was a terrific person and kept me organized with the IHA!! She will be deeply missed!”
Bruce Kaminstein, Past BOD
Casabella Holdings LLC
