Museum benefactor Margie Petersen dies

Margie Petersen, wife of automotive publishing magnate Robert E. "Pete" Petersen and the driving force behind many of the couple's generous philanthropies, died Nov. 25 after a decades-long battle with breast cancer. She was 76.

Mrs. Petersen was by her husband's side as he built one of the world's largest publishing houses. Petersen Publications was known for its automotive titles, Hot Rod and Motor Trend, but also produced special-interest magazines as diverse as Skin Diver and various teen-oriented books.

After Robert Petersen sold the company, the couple concentrated on philanthropic interests, which included the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, to which Margie recently gave $100 million.

Mr. Petersen passed away in 2007. The couple's two sons died in a plane crash in 1975.

Plans for a memorial service have not been released yet. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036, or to the charity of your choice in Mrs. Petersen's honor.

By Mark Vaughn