Patron of the arts, BGSU Mary Wolfe has died

10/24/2014

Mary Wolfe, an artist and generous patron of local arts institutions, died Thursday.

Her death was confirmed by Bowling Green State University, where she received her Master’s degree in art history, ran its art gallery, and taught.

She and her husband Frederic “Fritz” Wolfe donated $1.5 million to the university in 2005 to help build the Wolfe Center for the Arts. They also supported numerous other local institutions, including the Toledo Museum of Art and the University of Toledo.

In 2010, the art museum announced the couple gave $2 million to renovate a gallery into a home for modern artwork. She also served as a longtime representative on the Ohio Arts Council board.

Mrs. Wolfe received the Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2011.

She grew up in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., and studied art history at Wellesley College as an undergraduate. She filled her Perrysburg home with art and traveled widely.

In 2011, Mrs. Wolfe spoke to The Blade about her art patronage.

"It’s made life so much more interesting and wonderful for us. It gives you a great feeling. Of course, Fritz supports other things, universities and hospitals, not just the arts. But the arts give you such a joy," she said.

A BGSU spokesman said funeral arrangements are pending.