We are heartbroken and devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Wesley LePatner, 43, a brilliant Jewish businesswoman, devoted activist, loving wife, and cherished mother, who was brutally murdered in yesterday’s horrifying Manhattan shooting

We are heartbroken and devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Wesley LePatner, 43, a brilliant Jewish businesswoman, devoted activist, loving wife, and cherished mother, who was brutally murdered in yesterday’s horrifying Manhattan shooting. Her sudden and violent passing has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, colleagues, and the many communities she uplifted with her voice, vision, and heart.

Wesley was not just a leader in the boardroom — she was a force for good in every space she entered. As a highly respected executive in the business world, she broke barriers, shattered ceilings, and did so with a grace and resolve that inspired countless others, especially young women aspiring to leadership. Her strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and commitment to ethical leadership earned her the admiration of peers and the trust of those fortunate enough to work alongside her. But her success never made her distant or inaccessible — she remained humble, warm, and deeply invested in the people around her.

A proud Jewish woman, Wesley never separated her identity from her mission. Her Judaism was not only a source of strength and grounding but also the foundation of her lifelong dedication to education, justice, and community-building. She believed fiercely in the transformative power of Jewish education and was an unwavering advocate for its accessibility and excellence — not only in New York but around the world. Through her philanthropy and hands-on involvement, Wesley helped expand Hebrew language programs, support underfunded schools, and sponsor scholarships to ensure that the next generation of Jewish children could grow up connected to their heritage and faith.

She served on the boards of several Jewish organizations, where her guidance and passion helped lead campaigns that reached thousands. Her activism extended beyond religion, too — she stood at the intersection of faith, feminism, and public service, often working quietly behind the scenes to mentor young professionals, promote social justice initiatives, and fight against antisemitism and hatred in all its forms.

To her family, Wesley was everything. A devoted wife and an adoring mother, she filled her home with love, laughter, and wisdom. Her children were her world — she was at every school play, every parent-teacher night, and every bedtime story. Despite the intensity of her professional and philanthropic commitments, she made time to nurture her family with unconditional love and presence. Her relationship with her husband was a partnership rooted in mutual respect, strength, and deep affection.

The nature of Wesley’s death — sudden, brutal, and so terribly wrong — is an unbearable reality for those who knew and loved her. Her murder is not just a personal tragedy, but a tragic moment for the broader community she helped to build and sustain. It leaves a wound that cannot easily heal, and it raises urgent questions about safety, violence, and the value of every human life. Wesley deserved to grow old, to see her children thrive, to continue building and giving and loving.

In her memory, let us not be silent. Let us honor Wesley’s legacy by continuing her work — by standing up against hate, by lifting others up, by protecting the vulnerable, and by believing in the possibility of a more compassionate world. Let us fight for the kind of justice and kindness she lived for every single day.

Wesley LePatner leaves behind a grieving husband, children who adored her, family members who cherished her, and communities forever changed by her generosity, intelligence, and fire. May her memory be a blessing and may her light continue to guide us all.

We mourn you, Wesley. We honor you. And we will never forget you.