Together with the entire Indiana University family, the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design mourns the passing of Lois Jean Eskenazi (née Cohen) on January 4, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. Mrs. Eskenazi and her husband of more than 70 years Sidney found joy in their many philanthropic endeavors, which included the Eskenazi Hospital and Health Foundation in Indianapolis and IU Bloomington's Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design and Eskenazi Museum of Art.
We share Mrs. Eskenazi's obituary, published January 9 in The Indianapolis Star:
"Lois Jean Eskenazi (nee Cohen), 92, of Indianapolis, Indiana and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida passed away peacefully in Jupiter, Florida on Sunday January 4, 2026.
Lois was born on February 20, 1933 to Sam and Helen Cohen, and grew up in the Pullman District on the south side of Chicago. She attended Indiana University, where she met the love of her life and husband of over 70 years, Sidney Eskenazi. They had three children Sandra, Dori and David, raising them in Indianapolis.
Lois was a gifted painter and also skilled in pastels, exhibiting in the Hoosier Salon and Indiana State Fair, often winning recognition. She captured the humanity of those in her work; a viewer could almost read their thoughts expressed in her paintings. She was also an avid golfer, finding both endless frustration and a true love of the game.
Most importantly, Lois was simply a nice, gentle person, exhibiting kindness to all. She did not make a big impression, but interactions with others left them feeling valued and listened to.
Later in life, Lois and Sid found joy in their many philanthropic endeavors including the Sidney D. & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Health Foundation. They had a shared love of Indiana University and endowed both the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, and the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, both in Bloomington. She also loved her time participating in the Women’s Philanthropic Colloquium at Indiana University where she made many longstanding friends.
Lois is survived by her beloved husband Sidney, children Sandra Eskenazi, Dori Meyers (David), and David Eskenazi (Julie), as well as grandchildren Sara Meyers, Zoie Meyers, Samantha Meyers, Ethan Meyers, Mae Eskenazi, Sophie Eskenazi, and Ella Eskenazi. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Mindy (Crandus) Sircus, Larry Crandus, Esther Harris, Joellyn Stoliar, Sanford Cohen, and Jay Stein. She was predeceased by her parents Sam and Helen Cohen, as well as her beloved brother Charles (Chuck) Cohen, and sister Roz Crandus and her husband Harold.
A funeral is planned for Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11 AM in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN with Burial following at Etz Chaim Cemetery. You may watch the livestream of her service at https://ihcindy.org/streaming/. Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Flanner and Buchanan - Speedway.
Donations may be made in her honor to the Eskenazi Health Foundation at www.eskenazihealthfoundation.org/donate; the Herron School of Art and Design, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Art Scholarship, Checks can be made payable to: IU Foundation/ Herron; mail to IU Foundation, P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206; or to the charity of your choice.
Visit www.FlannerBuchanan.com to leave a condolence for the family."
"Our hearts are heavy with the news of Lois' passing," said Eskenazi School Founding Dean Peg Faimon. "Lois was a great friend to our school, and to many of us individually. With her lifelong, abiding engagement in visual art, she was personally invested in the success of our school and our students, for which we will always be deeply grateful. Her legacy will live on in the strength of art and design education at IU."
Founded in 2016 as the School of Art and Design, the school was renamed in 2019 in honor of a major gift from the Eskenazis, which also supported the construction of the school's Mies van der Rohe Building.
IU President Pamela Whitten has shared the following statement:
“Lois Eskenazi was an important member of the Indiana University family. She — along with husband Sidney — understood that a great public university strengthens the cultural and civic life of an entire state and acted on that belief with incredible purpose and generosity. Her legacy is evident not only in buildings and programs on our campuses, but also in the opportunities her family created for students to express their creativity, think critically and contribute to their communities.
“The Eskenazis expanded what is possible for Indiana University and for generations of students. We are deeply grateful for Lois’ devotion to IU and extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”
The following outlets also reported Mrs. Eskenazi's passing:
Indiana Business Journal
WRTV Indianapolis (ABC)
WTHR Indianapolis (NBC)
WXIN-TV Indianapolis (Fox59/CBS4)
Eskenazi Health
