Dallas mourns $45 million donor

Margot Winspear who, with her late husband Bill, built the Dallas opera house, has died at 83.

DALLAS, OCTOBER 21, 2015 – The Dallas Opera is sad to announce the death yesterday of Mrs. William W. Winspear at an assisted living facility in Dallas, Texas, following a long illness.  Margot Winspear was 83 years old.

“It was with profound sorrow that The Dallas Opera learned of the passing of Margot Winspear, the late Bill Winspear’s wife, partner and muse; the much-loved mother of five children and grandmother to many more.  Although these were the roles of which she was undoubtedly most proud, Margot was also a dedicated and passionate music lover, a longtime member of The Dallas Opera Board, and an extraordinary benefactor who, along with her husband, gave the history-making $42 million dollar gift that sparked the construction of their namesake opera house at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.  It was a long-held dream come true.

“Besides crucial leadership roles in the arts in Dallas, Margot and Bill Winspear established an endowment for UNT’s College of Music and generously supported young, emerging talents, including the internationally renowned soprano Latonia Moore.  They were instrumental in the construction of UNT’s performance hall at the Murchison Performing Arts Center and donated additional millions to UT Southwestern Medical Center for Alzheimer’s research.

“They were inspirational in other ways as well: they loved life, remembered where they came from, sought the best for their community, gave generously and wisely, and cherished each other always.

“Our hearts go out to Don and Ellen Winspear and to all the grieving friends and family members.  We will never forget Margot’s warmth, her quiet grace, or her ever-present smile.

“She was, and is, irreplaceable.”

Steve Suellentrop, Chairman