Jacqueline Schneider-Radwin, collector and passionate dealer of American folk art and quilts, died July 31, after a long struggle with cancer.

Born in 1931 in Albany, N.Y., Jackie graduated from Vassar College and earned her law degree from the University of Arizona Law School in 1964. She married Dr Stanley Schneider in 1958. Jackie opened a private law practice in Phoenix, where she also served at chief counsel to the board of regents for the Arizona University system; she later served as general counsel of the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Her interest in quilts began when she was launching her career and raising a family. Judy Milne, longtime dealer of quilts, met Jackie in New York City almost 40 years ago. “She called me out of the blue wanting to buy quilts,” Milne recalled. “She was a remarkable woman, especially for that time, with an incredibly intellectual professional career and a deep interest and love of American folk art and quilts. And she was successful at both. I will miss her more than I can say.”

Following Stanley Schneider’s death, Jackie reconnected with her pre-college sweetheart, Howard Radwin, and moved to San Antonio after their marriage in 1997. Together they pursued their common interest in American antiques at shows throughout the country. Jackie was frequently invited to participate in national antiques shows, including Mid*Week in Manchester, the American Antiques Show in New York City, the Wilton, Conn., shows and the Connecticut Fall and Spring Antiques Show in Hartford. She was sought out by museums for her expertise in folk art and early American textiles.

Frank Gaglio knew Jackie from his earliest shows. “I have been producing shows for 14 years and she’s been with me since the beginning. She was a professional and talented antique dealer,” he said. “Jackie had an incredible eye for quality and beauty, from a hooked rug to a chest. She was a viable force on the floor, and often made the show for other dealers with her buying. With Jackie there was only black and white, no gray area †she will be very sadly missed, especially by me. She was not always the easiest to deal with, she knew what she wanted and she usually got it, but she could center a show. I have had to allow another dealer to take over her booth at Mid*Week in Manchester, but she will be sorely missed.”

Frank Martin, who has known and worked with Jackie for five years, agrees. “This would have been the fifth year I worked with her at Mid*Week. She was very understanding and businesslike, and she taught me a lot, especially about the business. She will be deeply missed.”

Jackie is survived by her husband, Howard Radwin, her children, Jonathan Schneider, Hilary Schneider, Amy Schneider and Sally Duncan, and her 12 grandchildren. She also leaves an extended family; Sarah Hamilton, Justin Radwin, Caroline Oliver, together with their six children, and her sister Nancy Handros. The family will hold a private service to celebrate her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Academy of Palliative Medicine, PO Box 127, Rockdale TX 76567, or at www.tapm.org .