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Donor Profile:  Victor and Georganna Willits

A Life-Long Passion

Victor and Georganna Willits had a special place in their hearts for The Huntington. “It’s always been one of our favorite places,” Victor explained. Georganna’s first visit was at the age of 12, not long after Mr. Huntington died in 1927. Victor met Georganna in high school, and they married in 1936 following his graduation from Caltech and hers from UCLA. He went to work at Proctor & Gamble, and they bought a house in Long Beach and began to raise a family. The couple visited The Huntington whenever time allowed, getting to know staff and scholars.

The Willitses made several generous donations to The Huntington over the years, and they joined the Friends membership group in 1965. They celebrated the lives of loved ones here, with memorial benches in honor of Georganna’s mother, Mary Curtis Klass, and their daughter, Aseneth Louise Willits.

At the close of 2005, the Willitses were considering making another donation when they received the Huntington’s Campaign announcement newsletter. “Your brochure came at just the right time,” Victor said. “We were wondering what to do with $50,000.”

Discussing options for such a gift with Huntington development staff, they learned of the urgent capital need to replace the old wiring in the Library building. “Oh, Vic,” chimed in Georganna during that conversation, “That’s right up your alley.” Indeed, for the former head of maintenance for Proctor & Gamble, the project was a perfect fit.

Among the passions that Victor and Georganna shared in life—travel, chamber music, reading books together—The Huntington always ranked high. Their generous support reflects that passion, and The Huntington is grateful for their many gifts bestowed during their long, full lives.

Victor and Georganna Willits both passed away in January 2006. They were both 90 years old.