BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Elizabeth “Betsy” Pochoda, former editor in chief of The Magazine ANTIQUES, passed away on Thursday, May 8; the cause of death was ALS.

She was born Elizabeth Jane Turner on December 13, 1941, in Chicago, the daughter of Frederick William and Frances (Franklin) Turner.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College in 1963 and a Master of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. In 1968, she received a PhD in Medieval and Renaissance literature from the University of Pennsylvania.

Betsy married Philip Pochoda on May 12, 1968; she had a daughter, Ivy, and granddaughter, Loretta.
Her formative years as a journalist were as the literary editor of The Nation magazine and she remained on its editorial board until her passing. She was an editor at Vanity Fair and the executive editor of House & Garden.

From 2008-16, she was editor of The Magazine ANTIQUES, serving as only the fifth editor since the publication’s founding in 1922. At the time of her death, she was its advisory editor.

Don Sparacin, publisher of The Magazine ANTIQUES, said, “Throughout the history of our magazine, we’ve been fortunate to grow a very tight knit family — but few have left as deep and lasting an imprint as Betsy. Her wisdom, unique perspective, humor and unwavering support have shaped us in ways that will last far into the future. Moving forward without her will be incredibly hard. For the magazine, and for me, personally.”

A more extensive obituary and In Memoriam for Pochoda will appear in an upcoming issue.