Victoria MacKenzie-Childs Was ‘Struggling’ with Her Health a Year Before Her Death, Loved Ones Say (Exclusive)

Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, co-founder of the renowned home decor brand MacKenzie-Childs, has passed away at the age of 77. Her death, which occurred on March 4th, has left friends and family in shock, with many praising her vibrant spirit even in her later years.

A close companion, Veronica Lanni, was present when Victoria passed away in a Christian Science nursing facility in the Bronx, New York. Lanni described the moments leading up to Victoria’s death, noting that the artist appeared to be in good spirits just a day before. “When someone’s really sick, and they’re not eating, they can’t get out of bed, you’re kind of prepared for it. With Victoria, that did not happen. She was amazing the night before,” Lanni shared.

Despite her undeniable energy, Lanni recalled that Victoria was not feeling well on the morning of her passing. “It was very difficult to see her pass because she was so full of life,” she said, describing how swiftly Victoria’s condition deteriorated. Lanni emphasized that while Victoria faced physical challenges that included some difficulty walking, her mental vitality remained intact.

Victoria’s brother, Donnie MacKenzie, who resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, added that his sister had been grappling with health challenges for some time. “We talked every week on the phone. Even though she was in New York and I’m here, we were very close,” he explained. He mentioned that Lanni often kept him updated about Victoria’s health, noting that her struggles had persisted for approximately a year prior to her passing.

In their later years, Victoria and her husband, Richard MacKenzie-Childs, lived aboard an Ellis Island ferryboat, which they had creatively transformed into a floating studio. However, the lifestyle proved too challenging, leading the couple to relocate to the High Ridge House in late 2022. Victoria’s commitment to her beliefs as a devout Christian Scientist meant she chose to rely on prayer rather than conventional medical care, a decision that shaped her approach to health and wellness.

The MacKenzie-Childs brand, which Victoria co-founded with Richard in 1983, gained widespread acclaim for its whimsical designs, including the iconic “Courtly Check” pattern. This unique style drew inspiration from chess board motifs and the black-and-white tiles found at Westminster Abbey. Over the years, the brand made its mark in prestigious retail spaces such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, becoming synonymous with luxury homewares.

However, the brand faced significant challenges in the early 2000s, culminating in bankruptcy proceedings. In 2001, the couple sold MacKenzie-Childs to Pleasant Rowland, the founder of the American Girl doll brand. Rowland restructured the company, ultimately selling it to Twin Lakes Capital in 2011. Currently, the brand operates under the ownership of EagleTree Capital.

Post-sale, Victoria and Richard launched a new venture, Victoria and Richard Emprise, focusing on home furnishings and jewellery. Although Victoria had not produced new designs in recent years, Lanni remarked that the artist’s final years were rich with experiences and joyful memories. “She had so much stuff to sell already,” Lanni noted, highlighting Victoria’s legacy.

Reflecting on their friendship, Lanni remarked on the profound impact Victoria had on her life. Despite their age difference—Victoria was 77 and Lanni is 39—she noted, “She was always happy, and she was always so optimistic about everything. She just had a zest for life that you don’t usually see.”

Victoria’s passing marks the end of an era for a brand that has become a staple in luxury home decor, as well as for the many lives she touched with her creativity and spirit. Friends and family continue to remember her not only for her extraordinary artistic contributions but also for her infectious enthusiasm for life.