Boca Helping Hands extends our deepest sympathies on the passing of Countess Henrietta de Hoernle.

Boca Helping Hands would like to join the countless charities, organizations, schools, non-profits and residents throughout Boca Raton and extend our deepest sympathies for the passing of Countess Henrietta de Hoernle. The Countess died Friday, July 22, 2016 at her home in St. Andrews Estates North. She lived more than 35 years as a South Florida resident. Her unwavering call to give and inspire others to give made her a philanthropic icon in our community – her compassionate heart and devotion to those in need made her 103 years of life a true legacy. This generous philanthropist gave wisely and generously through major gifts to nearly 150 organizations.

The Countess and her husband, Adolph, Count de Hoernle, a businessman and engineer, retired to Boca Raton in 1981. He died in 1998. In South Florida the couple continued the type of charitable work they had begun in Bronxville, outside of New York City. Of her longevity the Countess said, "I'm very proud to have another day to help somebody."

Here at Boca Helping Hands, the Countess was instrumental in our acquiring two refrigerated trucks which we use to recover 1,800,000 pounds of food each year… food to feed hungry families in our community. "She was a remarkable woman," said James Gavrilos, executive director of Boca Helping Hands, one of the charities de Hoernle supported. "She had great compassion, and was fiercely devoted to the poor, the sick and to America." 

But her legacy also endures in her spirited involvement in the causes she supported. "Her generosity is well-documented," said Gavrilos, a friend. "But she was not just a check writer. She got personally involved. She came to the meetings, and wanted to know about what the organizations were doing. She was on top of things mentally right until the end." The de Hoernle name is on countless buildings and public spaces, ranging from the stage in the Mizner Park Amphitheater to the lobby of The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum to the Spanish River Athletic Facilities at de Hoernle Park. The Countess will be remembered for her generous spirit and love for helping others.

 Countess de Hoernle