Joan Kroc Dies

One of San Diego's most beloved citizens, Joan Kroc, died Sunday, Oct. 12 after a brief bout with brain cancer. Kroc, the billionaire widow of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc and former owner of the San Diego Padres, was one of San Diego's most generous philanthropists. Her generosity touched millions of San Diegans, including myself. She contributed more than $90 million to build the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, just down the street from where I live. Her concern for the community has rejeuvenated the surrounding neighborhoods. It was one of the many examples of her compassion. Read about Joan Kroc in the Union-Tribune.