Copley, Helen (1922–2004)
Copley, Helen (1922–2004)
American newspaper publisher and philanthropist. Name variations: Helen K. Copley. Born Margaret Helen Kinney, Nov 28, 1922, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; died Aug 25, 2004, at her home in La Jolla, California; married 1940s (div. 1951); m. James S. Copley (newspaper publisher), 1965 (died 1973); children: David C. Copley (newspaper publisher).
Prominent philanthropist and powerful publisher, began working at Union Tribune Publishing Co. as a secretary (1953), becoming publisher and chair of Copley Press, Inc., on death of husband (1973); a canny businesswoman, merged her flag-ship papers, San Diego Union and San Diego Tribune (1992) into the The San Diego Union-Tribune, which became the 3rd-largest newspaper in California; contributed millions to civic causes, including San Diego Symphony, San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, and the San Diego central animal shelter. Under her tenure, the Tribune won 2 Pulitzer prizes.