Lillian Disney
Lillian Disney | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lillian Marie Bounds February 15, 1899 |
| Died | December 16, 1997 (aged 98) |
| Occupation(s) | Ink and paint artist |
| Spouse(s) | Walt Disney (1925-1966) (his death) John L. Truyens (1969-1981) |
Lillian Disney (February 15, 1899–December 16, 1997) was the wife of Walt Disney. She was married to him from 1925 until his death in 1966.
Early years
Lillian was born Lillian Marie Bounds in Spalding, Idaho. She grew up in Lapwai, Idaho, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation where her father worked as a blacksmith and federal marshal.[1] Lillian was working at the Disney Studio in "ink and paint" as a secretary when she met Walt. She had short brown hair, was slim, and was thought to be very stylish. She took deep pride that Walt would drive the other girls home before her, even though her stop was the closest.
Marriage
Lillian and Walt Disney married in 1936, the latter of whom was adopted. Lillian had seven grandchildren—Chris Miller, Joanna Miller, Tamara Scheer, Jennifer Miller-Goff, Walter Elias Disney Miller, Ronald Miller and Patrick Miller—from her daughter Diane and son-in-law Ronald Miller, and three grandchildren—Victoria Brown, Brad Lund and Michelle Lund—from her daughter Sharon. Lillian is the aunt of Roy Edward Disney.
Life after Walt
Lillian Disney was married to John L. Truyens (May 1969 - February 1981)[2] from 1969 until his death.
In 1987, Lillian Disney pledged a $50 million gift towards the construction of a new concert hall.[3] After many delays, the Walt Disney Concert Hall opened in 2003, six years after her death.
In the 1990s, reflecting on her 41-year marriage to Walt Disney, she said, "We shared a wonderful, exciting life, and we loved every minute of it. He was a wonderful husband to me, and wonderful and joyful father and grandfather."
Lillian Disney suffered a stroke on December 15, 1997, exactly 31 years after the death of her first husband, Walt. She died the following morning at her home, aged 98.
References
- ^ Disney Legends - Lillian Disney
- ^ Social Security Death Index
- ^ About Walt Disney Concert Hall from LA Phil website
