Mary Semans Leaves Legacy for the Arts

“Mary Semans was an arts activist in the fullest sense of the word. A true pioneer, she generously shared her valuable time, intellect, and her warm ebullient personality,” said Mary B. Regan, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council.

Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, philanthropist and heiress of the Duke family, passed away in Durham on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at age 91.

“She challenged you to accomplish big things and cheered you on as you tried. Mary was a truly great lady and quietly did more for North Carolina than anyone else I know,” Regan concluded.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. at Duke Chapel.

In recognition of her contributions to North Carolina, UNC-TV will rebroadcast Biographical Conversations with Mary Semans at 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 29. The series of three one-hour interviews between Mrs. Semans and UNC-TV’s Shannon Vickery will be presented consecutively that night.

To read more about her accomplishments read the feature in the News and Observer: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/01/26/1807182/what-theyre-saying.html.