Helen K. Persson of Lost Tree Village, a generous supporter of the arts and health care causes, died June 17. She was 94 years old.
The daughter of Russian immigrants, Mrs. Persson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Nursing and went on to serve as head nurse in pediatrics. She was an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps during WWII.
With her husband Ted, Mrs. Persson was a generous patron of charity, especially those related to the arts.
She was a staunch supporter of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, where she served as a board member; the Metropolitan Opera; Palm Beach Atlantic University, where the Helen K. Persson Recital Hall includes studios, practice space, classrooms and offices; and the Palm Beach Opera, where she served as a board member.
The Lost Tree resident donated $1 million to support artistic excellence during the company’s 50th anniversary season in 2012, helping to underwrite the Golden Jubilee concert and gala, as well as that season’s opera productions.
“Helen is a beacon of hope and support, serves as inspiration to all of us and sets the standards for other community leaders to ensure that the arts and culture have a prominent place in Palm Beach County,” Daniel Biaggi, the opera’s general director, said at the time.
Her nurse’s education instilled in her a lifetime commitment to community health and wellness. She was a donor to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York; Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis; Good Samaritan Hospital; and to PBAU’s College of Nursing, where she was inducted into its chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society.
She also established an eminent scholar chair in community care at Florida Atlantic University.
The Perssons were also steadfast supporters of Colgate University, where they provided major support to build the Persson Hall social sciences building and the Helen K. Persson Auditorium.
Mrs. Persson received numerous honors, including a Women of Distinction Award from Palm Beach Atlantic University, which also bestowed on her an honorary degree; the Outstanding Philanthropist from the National Society of Fund Raising Executives; the Palm Beach County Cultural Council’s Muse Award for civic leadership; an honorary degree from Colgate University; and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
About the Author
