Myra Horgan Duvally

Myra Horgan Duvally, of Newport, died peacefully at home on September 27, 2011.Born in Newport, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Frank Anthony Duvally and Elizabeth Horgan Duvally.Myra lived a life of philanthropy and charitable works, helping to create the Newport Music Festival with the late Glen Sauls, and founding the Benefactors of the Arts, the parent organization of the Secret Garden Tour, which she began in 1984. Over the Tours 27 years, Myra helped raise over $1, 000, 000 for arts education funding for Aquidneck Islands three public school systems.Myras many friends and relatives will remember her generosity and the responsibility she felt for teaching children the value of the arts in their lives. Thanks to Myra, thousands of people will remember the beautiful gardens of Newports Point and Bellevue Avenue/Ocean Drive neighborhoods so beautifully displayed in the annual Secret Garden Tours, to which she dedicated so much of her life. She and her sister also contributed to the design, construction, and maintenance of the Hunter House Garden, given in memory of their mother.She was honored with many awards for her service to the arts and the community throughout her lifetime. Most recently she received the 2008 Laurel Award from the Preservation Society of Newport County in recognition of her crucial role in fostering a national recognition of Newports horticultural treasures and in the creation of the Hunter House Garden.Myra graduated from the Wheeler School in Providence and Finch College in NYC. She was a member of the Junior League of Providence, and a past member of the Clambake Club and Ida Lewis Yacht Club. She also started the volunteer system at Pawtucket Hospital.Myra is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Horgan Duvally Bessinger, of Tiverton, her nephew Jay Bessinger, his wife Jeannette, and their children Jesse and Julian, as well as her nephew Anthony Duvally Bessinger and his children Beckett and Emerson. Her brother, Frank Anthony Duvally preceded her in death.Myras life will be celebrated in the heart of her beloved Point, at St. Johns Church, 61 Poplar St, on Thursday, October 6, at 4:00 pm. A reception will follow in the St. Johns Guild Hall.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840 and the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport County, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.