Judy Zuk, President Emeritus of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, one of America's preeminent botanic gardens, died in Brooklyn on Saturday, September 1, 2007 after a long illness.

Ms. Zuk led the Botanic Garden for more than 15 years and was only the fifth president in its nearly 100-year history. Prior to coming to Brooklyn in 1990, she was the director of the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.

"Judy was an extraordinary and adored leader, who guided the Garden through the planning and execution of major capital projects, the expansion of its horticultural, scientific and education programs and the creation of its master plan for the future," said Brooklyn Botanic Garden board chairman Earl Weiner. "Her death represents an enormous personal loss to all of us who loved and admired her, as well as to the worldwide horticultural community. I am consoled by the knowledge that her extraordinary contributions to the Garden will be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come."

Ms. Zuk studied botany at Rutgers University, graduating summa cum laude in 1973. She then received a Master's in Public Garden Administration from the University of Delaware, and was awarded a Garden Club of America fellowship to study landscape design in England. Ms. Zuk was co-editor-in-chief of The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. She served on the boards of many professional and cultural organizations, including Botanic Gardens Conservation International, and as chair of the Cultural Institutions Group in New York City.

Ms. Zuk was widely recognized for her leadership in American horticulture and received many prestigious awards including the Medal of Honor from the Garden Club of America. In 2004, the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta chose Zuk, its former Board president, to receive its Honorary Life Member Award, the Association's most prestigious award. On her retirement in 2005, Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrated Ms. Zuk by the naming of the Judith D. Zuk Magnolia Plaza at the Garden and of a magnolia cultivar developed by the Garden, Magnolia x ‘Judy Zuk.'

Ms. Zuk is survived by her sister, Patricia Campbell, of China Grove, North Carolina, and nephew Ian. A celebration of her life is planned for September 23 at the Botanic Garden.