Ellen Revelle, a San Diego philanthropist and supporter of arts education, died at Thornton Hospital May 6 after suffering a stroke. She was 98.
Known for her wit and kindness, the La Jolla native helped her husband, Roger Revelle, found UCSD in 1960.
‘Dad was the front man, but Mom did her part to entice people to the warmth of La Jolla,’ son William Revelle said.
Beyond her ties to a world-renowned scientist and educator, Mrs. Revelle developed a legacy of her own. She donated time and money to the La Jolla Historical Society, the La Jolla Music Society and the San Diego Opera, among dozens of other institutions.
‘Ellen Revelle was quite simply the most gracious and generous patron we’ve ever had,’ said Christopher Beach, president and artistic director of the La Jolla Music Society. ‘When you were with Ellen, you knew everything was going to be all right with the world. They don’t make ladies like that anymore.’