It is with great sadness to announce that the founder of the Getty House Foundation, Nancy Daly, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2009. Nancy’s philanthropic work spanned three decades, and in addition to her work with neglected and abused children, she was the driving force behind the 1990s restoration of Getty House.
Nancy Daly with the construction team during the Getty House restoration 1993-1995.
In the summer of 1993, Nancy and Janet Karatz discussed the idea of redecorating Getty House so that it could be used for official functions. What they didn’t know was that this “simple project” would take years. Nancy put together the foundation and was active in developing the committees, setting budgets and raising the necessary funds.
Once the talented people were in place, they never imagined that they would have to endure the Northridge earthquake of 1994 and the torrential rains of 1995, which flooded the basement level of Getty House. Still, the team was dedicated to the house’s transformation, and by the fall of 1995—already fourteen years ago!—Getty House held its open house and once again became a symbol of pride for Angelinos.
The Getty House Foundation owes Nancy a tremendous debt. Were it not for her vision and commitment, GHF would not be the organization that it has become. Combining its mission with Nancy’s love of children, GHF continues to serve the young people of Los Angeles.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy’s family during this very sad time. Though the Los Angeles community mourns her passing, Nancy’s legacy lives on each day at Getty House.
