Patricia Disney, the first wife of Roy Disney, the former vice chairman of the Walt Disney Co., died Friday of Alzheimer’s disease. She was 77.

Patricia was vice chairman of Shamrock Holdings, the investment company for the Roy E. Disney Family. She and her husband, the nephew of the legendary Walt Disney, married in 1955 and divorced in 2007. Roy, who was chairman of Shamrock Holdings, died in December 2009.

“Her passing marks a sad milestone for the Disney family, and we will always remember her irrepressible spirit and dedication to our company,” Disney president and CEO Robert Iger said in a statement. “Patty was known for her kindness, outgoing nature and especially for her philanthropy and will be missed by all who knew her.”

Patricia Disney enjoyed literature, sailing and painting. She was a former regent of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif., a past member of the board of the Peregrine Fund in Boise, Idaho, and a former trustee of Occidental College.

She was born in New Orleans, moved to Southern California as a child and attended the University of Colorado. Before her marriage, she lived in New York and worked in advertising.

Survivors include children Roy Patrick Disney, Susan Disney Lord, Abigail Disney and Timothy Disney and 17 grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be private. The family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southern California Chapter, attention John Seiber; or the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, Providence Saint Joseph Foundation, attention Theresa Meyers.

July 26, 2019 10:30 am PST Updated to remove an expired url to a memorial site from the family that is no longer active. 

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