Long-time community service leader Jean McNeil Wyner died on Jan. 13 at age 80 from COVID-19 complications.
Wyner was a true public servant serving as an elected officer in over 20 non-profits and dedicating endless hours to the YMCA, Westside Women’s Health Center, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, and Santa Monica History Museum among other organizations.
Her devotion to the City was so great that she was nicknamed “Mrs. Santa Monica” and in 2009 the Chamber of Commerce created the Jean McNeil Wyner Community Service Award in her honor.
“She cared about everyone, she had an ear for everyone, she laughed at anything you might say even if you weren’t a great joke teller. She was everybody’s favorite because she made everyone feel special. Jean was a blessing to so many of us,” said Tara Pomposini, CEO of Santa Monica Family YMCA.
Wyner always looked to lift up other women and encouraged them to take on leadership roles. She helped found the Organization of Women Leaders in Santa Monica and served as a mentor to many current community leaders.
“She was a dear friend and longtime board member of the Chamber of Commerce. Jean was a beloved personality in the community. Our community benefited from her long-time service to the many organizations she served as board member or chair,” said Chamber President/CEO Laurel Rosen.
Wyner was especially committed to improving public health. At nine and twelve years old she struggled severely with rheumatic fever and spent two years being homeschooled.
Wyner began working in a physician’s office at age 20 and dedicated her career to hospital community relations. In 1994, she joined the team at UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica. She was also the chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s Health Committee for 25 years and helped produce the Chamber’s Health Festival.
“She always had a good time no matter what she was doing. Nothing to her seemed like work and boy she worked hard,” said Pomposini. “She was a servant leader and wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves. That’s what made her so special, you could always count on her to get the job done.”
Honors received by Wyner are too long to list, but include YWCA “Woman of the Year”; Cancer Society “One in a Million” Award; five commendations from the City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce “Roy E. Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award” and four “President’s” awards.
Organizations she contributed to include PAL, YWCA, YMCA, SMC, WISE, SM Historical Society, SM Bay Womans’ Club, SM Breakfast Club, Salvation Army, Kiwanis, Rotary, American Cancer Society, and Westside Women’s Health Center.
In 2012 she was honored at a YMCA luncheon and close friend Iao Katagiri read the following to Wyner:
“You remind me of a Santa Monica mist that rolls across the streets of downtown Santa Monica and if the elements are just right, builds through the day until it quietly and softly rises above the tallest buildings reaching for the sky. Since you first came to Santa Monica in 1983, you like the rolling mist have permeated our community with unwavering support to so many community service organizations helping to improve the quality of life for so many from the very young to the very old.”
A virtual memorial service is being planned for Wyner. This article will be updated when more information is available.
Clara@smdp.com
