Patricia Disney, the former wife of Walt Disney’s nephew and longtime Disney senior executive Roy E. Disney, passed away yesterday. She was 77 years old and suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease.
Born in New Orleans, Disney was currently living in Toluca Lake, California, where she served as vice chairman of Shamrock Holdings, the investment company of the Roy E. Disney family. Disney had previously served as former regent of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, a past member of the board of the Peregrine Fund in Boise, ID, and a former trustee of Occidental College.
Patricia Disney married Roy E. Disney, former vice chairman of the Walt Disney Company, in 1955, and the couple divorced in 2007. Roy E. Disney passed away in December 2009.
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said about Patricia’s passing:
“On behalf of everyone at The Walt Disney Company, we mourn the loss of Patty Disney. Her passing marks a sad milestone for the Disney family, and we will always remember her irrepressible spirit and dedication to our company. Patty was known for her kindness, outgoing nature and especially for her philanthropy and will be missed by all who knew her.”
Among Patricia’s legacies is the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. The Disney family seeded the center, which is an outpatient center for cancer patients, with a $10 million donation.
“All of us at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center are profoundly saddened to learn we have lost Patricia Disney, a wonderful and compassionate woman who shared our vision to provide the best possible care for cancer patients,” said Barry Wolfman, the hospital’s chief executive.
“She and her family have left our community a tremendous gift, a cancer center that provides compassionate care to patients at their most vulnerable,” he said. “Her contributions are evident within the walls of this center, a place of healing. Our prayers are with Patricia’s family, as is our gratitude.”
Disney’s survivors include her children Roy Patrick Disney, Susan Disney Lord, Abigail Disney, and Timothy Disney, as well as 17 grandchildren. A memorial website for Patricia Disney has been set up at www.welovepatty.com.
