Raphaela Venneri; Cosmetics Executive

Raphaela “Van” Venneri, 83, pioneering woman executive in the cosmetics industry. A native of Walla Walla, Wash., Venneri began her career as a cosmetics saleswoman in a drugstore. She rose to become the first woman vice president of the exclusive department store chain I. Magnin and retired as executive vice president. Undeterred by a store owner’s admonition that money was made on furs and clothing and that cosmetics were only “a convenience,” Venneri turned cosmetics into the chain’s most profitable product category. She introduced such lines as Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and Revlon to Magnin customers. Among her awards were president’s awards from the Cosmetic Assn. and the Fragrance Foundation, and from the Cosmetics Executive Women, the Spirit of Life award from her section of the City of Hope, the American Jewish Committee Leadership award, and an appreciation award from the House Ear Institute. On April 16 in Los Angeles of lung and kidney failure after a long battle with lupus.