“Ann Getty, a leading San Francisco philanthropist devoted to the arts and sciences, died Monday, Sept. 14, of a heart attack suffered during a family dinner Sunday night at the Getty home on Outer Broadway in San Francisco,” writes Sam Whiting in Tuesday’s (9/15) San Francisco Chronicle. “According to a family representative, Getty was rushed to the hospital, where she died several hours later. She was 79. On the arm of her husband, the delightfully eccentric music composer and oil heir Gordon Getty, the tall and striking Ann Getty was a fixture at every S.F. Opera ball and Symphony gala for more than 40 years. But she was also an author and publisher with her own imprint, an interior designer with her own client list, a preschool headmistress, and a warm and humble personality who never forgot where she came from.… She lent her energy, resources and charm to any number of philanthropic activities.… Ann Gilbert was born in Wheatland (Yuba County, California) on March 11, 1941. She attributed her drive to a Puritan work ethic that came from her parents, who farmed peaches and walnuts.… Survivors include husband Gordon; sons Peter, John and William Getty,” and six grandchildren.
The League of American Orchestras stated, “We mourn the loss of Ann Getty. Her generosity to the League, devotion to the arts, and support for orchestras across the country will not be forgotten. We offer our deepest sympathy to her husband and family.”
