If there is a sentiment we at the CFDA collectively have for Monika Tilley, it would be gratitude – for her staunch commitment to the organization; for her work to provide opportunities for fashion talents of the future; for her inspiring presence punctuated by that unforgettable raspy voice, and so much more.

Tilley passed away at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York on Dec. 23. She was 86.

A native of Austria, she came to New York at a young age, and made her name with swim- and activewear. A longtime force within the CFDA, she had served on the Board of Directors, chaired the CFDA Admissions Committee, and built the CFDA Scholarship Program from scratch under the leadership of then-CFDA President Perry Ellis. Tilley spent countless hours talking to Design School Presidents, Deans and Fashion Chairs to develop the best fashion scholarship program in the nation. Launched in 1996, it marks its 25th Anniversary this year.

She was, as CFDA Executive Vice President Lisa Smilor put it, one of the organization’s “Major Generals.”

“She was very committed to proudly serving the organization, for no other reason than she believed that the work was important and it was the right thing to do to support the mission and purpose of the CFDA, as well as the future success of the American fashion industry,” Smilor said. “Needless to say, everything that she did was at the highest level of excellence, professionalism, and integrity.”

Tilley is survived by her daughter Mona and son Martin, as well as a brother, Thomas Nowotny.

Jeffrey Banks called her “one of the Great Ladies of the fashion industry.”

“Originally from Vienna, she made her name in America designing activewear and swimwear long before it became de rigeur to do so. In her lifetime she designed attire for three different Olympic Games,” Banks wrote on his Instagram. “Monika was particularly vocal about the next generation of fashion designers, and was instrumental in establishing the CFDA Scholarship Fund for students. She was also a board member of the U.S. Color Association, an organization she urged me to join. She will be truly missed.”

R.Scott French echoed the sentiment, recalling the time he first became CFDA member.

“She came over to me at my first meeting, greeted me warmly, and had me sit next to her,” he said. “She took an overwhelmingly intimidating experience and made me feel welcome and ‘a part.’ I’ve never forgotten that moment and will never forget her.”

Thank you, Monika.