We have some sad news to share: the founder of Arts for the Aging, Lolo Sarnoff, passed away on Sunday, November 9.  She was 98.

On our director’s  last visit with Lolo they had tea on a breezy afternoon.  She was so peaceful and glad to hear of Arts for the Aging’s progress and good works.  In particular, she was really taken by the number of supporters listed in our annual report. It made her very happy that we have carried on so well.

Lolo had a lilting and practical way of talking about becoming an “angel” some day. We will miss her, but now she has her wings!


Lolo Sarnoff
LOLO SARNOFF (1916-2014). PHOTO BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS.

In Memoriam

A burial and memorial service will be held at a later date in Vermont, Lolo’s beloved second home where she spent many summers.  Arts for the Aging will be in touch about plans here in the D.C. area to celebrate her life.  The obituary in the Washington Post is available here.

Lolo’s final wishes indicate that she would be happy if memorial donations were made to AFTA.  We are honored to accept them as we continue to keep her vision alive and growing: Arts for the Aging is at 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852.  Online donations can be made through our website by clicking here.  You can also call us at 301-255-0103.

 


What does this mean for AFTA?

We have been preparing for this moment ever since Lolo retired in 2010. Not only did our board institute a succession plan, but we have grown our support base, expanded our program’s reach, strengthened our impact, and we are training others in our best practices. Arts for the Aging has a healthy mix of income sources from foundation, corporate and government grants, from more than 400 individual donors, and through community partnerships. The board, our teaching artists, our staff and volunteers all remain committed to strengthening the future of AFTA and the growing population of older adults who need our arts engagement services most. More about our accomplishments and plans are in our Annual Report, and in this viewbook about our workshops.