Mayda Lannik Gardner

Mayda Lannik Gardner, known as Marsha Lane during her professional life, passed away from natural causes Feb. 28, 2014 at Barclay Friends, West Chester, Pa. She was 89.

Ms. Gardner was a retired vice president of Schenley Affiliated Brands Corp., a position she assumed in 1972. She was the first woman to ascend to that level within Schenley Industries and also became the highest-ranking female marketing executive in the United States’ distilled spirit industry at the time of her appointment. Then-New York Congressman Norman F. Lent penned a note to her, writing that “Your achievement will undoubtedly serve as a model for many other women seeking to break into executive positions in business.” Articles on her appointment appeared in the New York Times, New York Post and Newsday.

Prior to her tenure at Schenley, Ms. Gardner produced, directed, and participated in radio shows called “The World of Women” and “Marsha Lane Interviews” for WBAB, Long Island Radio. She was noted for her unique ability to convince people like Gloria Steinem to be interviewed.

After retiring from her business career, Ms. Gardner dedicated much of her time to volunteer work with the Old Westbury Gardens Society and Hofstra University.

Ms. Gardner was predeceased by her first husband, Dr. William M. Lannik, and her second husband, Dr. Milton Gardner. She is survived by her brother, Lloyd; her three children, Susana, David, and Liz and her four grandchildren, Sam, Josh, Alexandra, and Matthew.

Memorial donations may be made in Ms. Gardner’s name to the Association for the Help of Retarded Children of Nassau County and to Old Westbury Gardens.

This is a paid notice.