Arts patron Renee Segerstrom dies

Alex Coolman

Renee Mary Segerstrom, a philanthropist, cultural leader and the wife of

developer Henry T. Segerstrom, died Wednesday morning at Hoag Hospital

from complications stemming from an extended illness. She was 72.

Mrs. Segerstrom was as instrumental in developing the arts in Costa Mesa

as her husband has been in developing its commerce. Where Henry was the

driving force behind the creation of South Coast Plaza from lima bean

fields, Mrs. Segerstrom was a leader in organizations such as the Orange

County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory and Santa Ana’s

Bowers Museum.

“She was a rare partner in life, full of love, joy and spirit,” her

husband said in a statement. “She filled her life giving kindness and joy

to others and was an inspiration to all who knew her.”

The news of Mrs. Segerstrom’s sudden passing surprised members of the

cultural institutions to which she contributed.

“We’re deeply saddened at the loss of a dear friend of South Coast

Repertory and of all the arts in Orange County,” said SCR’s producing

artistic director, David Emmes. “She generously provided outstanding

leadership and counsel on numerous occasions, and will be greatly

missed.”

“Renee’s love for the arts, her elegant dignity and her impeccable style

were readily evident at every turn,” said Orange County Performing Arts

Center president and CEO Jerry Mandel. “This extraordinary woman has left

a tremendous legacy. We will miss her greatly, and remember her fondly.”

In her work with arts organizations, Mrs. Segerstrom played a very active

and engaged role, recalled Catherine Thyen, who served on Center

committees with her.

“She was very much a hands-on member of the committees,” Thyen said. “She

worked diligently when she was working on a project.”

Mark Chapin Johnson, chairman emeritus of the Center, said Mrs.

Segerstrom was “of the old school.”

“She really deeply appreciated and understood the value of arts in the

community,” Johnson said. “She was there [at performances] all the time.”

Mrs. Segerstrom, born in Lake Forest, Ill., had been a resident of Orange

County for 25 years.

Over the course of her life, she formed close friendships with many

artists and designers, including famed architect I.M. Pei, Segerstrom

Hall designer Charles Lawrence, Performing Arts Center designer Peter

Walker and British sculptor Henry Moore.

She was the one who gave the name “Firebird” to the dramatic sculpture

that graces the front of the Performing Arts Center, a work by Richard

Lippold.

In addition to her work as a supporter of the arts, Mrs. Segerstrom was

also an avid collector. She acquired works by artists such as Hans

Hoffmann and Fernand Leger. She also occasionally dabbled in the

retail world, managing an Yves Saint Laurent boutique in South Coast

Plaza for a time.

She is survived by her husband; her son, Michael; her daughter, Mikette;

granddaughter Lillie Von Issenberg; and grandson Ion Alexander Tiriac.

Visitation will be held at Waverly Church in Santa Ana from 9 a.m. to 1

p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held at Waverly Church at 3 p.m.

Monday.