Mildred Cunningham Brinn Of New York City And Southampton Dies August 15

Mildred Cunningham Brinn died on August 15 at her home in New York City. She was 87.

Born on December 11, 1932, in Ohio, she was the daughter of a Methodist minister. She liked to call herself a “preacher’s kid.”

Ms. Brinn had a deep and abiding faith that brought her to St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York, where she served on the vestry for many years, according to her family.

Ms. Brinn, known as “Millie” to all, was a force of nature, her family said, noting that she possessed a rare combination of intelligence, kindness, generosity and business acumen.

She was a role model and counselor to many people and cultural institutions, including American Ballet Theatre, where she was a trustee for over 40 years and a long-time vice chair, and the Skowhegan School of Art, where she was a trustee from 1977 to 2020 and chair emerita). She was also a life trustee and chair emeritus of The Parrish Art Museum, and served many years as a board member of the Southampton Fresh Air Home, Southampton Hospital and the Metropolitan Club in New York. Her contributions and generosity to these institutions was legendary, her family said.

Ms. Brinn began her career in politics, holding positions as aide to Governor Michael LaSalle of Ohio and with the Democratic National Committee during the Johnson administration. After coming to New York, she was a partner in the Golightly Consulting firm, where she learned her business skills.

She circulated in many social circles in both New York and Southampton. Her warm welcomes made everyone feel as if she were their special friend, her family said, noting that she was quick with a quip and always had a smile for everyone she met.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Brinn

Her life and memory will be celebrated by her huge circle of friends, her family said.

There will be a memorial service at St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York at a future date.

Memorial donations to the Southampton Fresh Air Home, www.sfah.org/donate, would be appreciated by the family.