Mary "Mimi" Cecil

Mary “Mimi” Ryan Cecil, a leader and tireless supporter of area non-profits, died on November 17, 2017, at her home in Asheville, N.C. She was 85. Mrs. Cecil and her late husband, William A.V. Cecil who passed away October 31, 2017, were active members of the Asheville, NC community as owners of the historic estate, Biltmore. Born Mary Lee Ryan on December 11, 1931, she was the daughter of textile manufacturer John J. Ryan, Jr., and granddaughter of the prominent New York banker, lawyer, and builder James T. Lee. She graduated with a B.A. in English from Vassar College in 1953. Notably, she was in the first class of female graduates from the University of Michigan Law School. She was elected to the Law Review in 1956 and became a partner at the Wall Street firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. In 1957, she married William A.V. Cecil at St. Vincent Ferrer’s Roman Catholic Church in New York City. In 1960, the Cecils moved to Asheville, NC to raise their family and to oversee the management and preservation of Biltmore, which was created by his grandfather George W. Vanderbilt III. Upon their return, Biltmore was transformed into a privately owned, profitable, working estate that was named a National Historic Landmark in 1963. While supporting her family’s endeavors at Biltmore, Mrs. Cecil became a legend in her own right within the community. Known for her relaxed and approachable manner, she was a familiar figure in the world of non-profit leadership, and devoted her life to making a difference in the areas of education, social inequities, the environment, and the arts. Cecil was a trustee and served 14 years as Chair of the North Carolina Environmental Defense Fund. She was a founding board member of The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina and Friends of the Smokies, and was recognized for 20 years of stewardship by the National Park Service. She also served on the Board of the North Carolina Zoological Society. She received the Zone Conservation Award from The Garden Club of America and French Broad River Garden Club for her dedication to conservation of the environment, natural resources, and mountain heritage. She was a supporter of the Asheville Symphony and Guild, the Asheville Art Museum, the Health Adventure, the United Way, and the National Forest Foundation. Mrs. Cecil was also active with Warren Wilson College, the Buncombe County Board of Education, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Hospitality House, Friends of the Smokies, and the National Parks Conservation Association. She volunteered with the Mission Health System for 20 years and was a long-time member of The Biltmore Company’s Board of Directors. Mrs. Cecil was devoted to her family, sharing her love of travel especially with her five grandchildren. As each grandchild reached the age of ten, they were able to pick a travel experience to share with her, creating a memorable tradition that spanned generations. In the book Lady on the Hill, Mr. Cecil recognized Mimi Cecil for her integral part in Biltmore’s success story and in supporting those efforts for more than 45 years. “She has been a wonderful wife and mother and has offered her considerable gifts, skills, and abilities to our community, our mountains, and our country. I am profoundly in her debt,” he stated. Mrs. Cecil is survived by her son, William A.V. “Bill” Cecil, Jr., and daughter-in-law Virginia “Ginger” Cecil; her daughter, Diana “Dini” Cecil Pickering, son-in-law George “Chuck” Pickering II, brother John J. Ryan III, and sister-in-law Jacqueline Ryan; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 27, at the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village, followed by a private family burial. A reception will follow from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lioncrest on Biltmore Estate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support scholarships for students at Warren Wilson College. Checks may be made to Warren Wilson College with "WWC Fund Scholarships" in the “for” line and sent to Warren Wilson College Advancement; PO Box 9000; CPO 6376; Asheville, NC 28815. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.