Edith Mack Hirsch lived a life that many people remember because of her famous husband. However, her story is about much more than just being married to a celebrity. She was a kind person who spent her time helping others and making the world a better place. While her name became well-known after marrying actor Desi Arnaz, Edith had her own special qualities that made her someone worth knowing about.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Edith Mack McSkimming (later Hirsch) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1917 |
| Place of Birth | Illinois, United States |
| Date of Death | March 25, 1985 |
| Age at Death | 67 years old |
| Known For | Second wife of Desi Arnaz, humanitarian work |
| Spouse | Clement L. Hirsch (first husband), Desi Arnaz (1963-1985) |
| Children | None (stepmother to Lucie and Desi Arnaz Jr.) |
| Occupation | Humanitarian and philanthropist |
| Net Worth | Approximately $12.5 million (at time of death) |
Early Life and Background
Edith was born on April 15, 1917, in Illinois, United States. Her birth name was Edith Mack McSkimming. Not much information is available about her parents, brothers, or sisters. The details about her childhood and early education remain private, which was common for many people of her time.
From a young age, Edith showed a strong interest in two things: traveling to new places and helping people in need. These interests shaped who she would become as an adult. She grew up during a time when the world was changing quickly, and she learned to care deeply about others around her.
First Marriage to Clement L. Hirsch
Before meeting Desi Arnaz, Edith was married to a man named Clement L. Hirsch. Clement was born on April 26, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri. He came from a family involved in retail business, but he later moved to California to work in horse racing.
The exact date when Edith and Clement got married is not known to the public. Their marriage lasted for several years, but eventually, they decided to separate. The couple divorced in 1963. After their divorce, Clement continued his successful career in horse racing and later remarried. He passed away on March 15, at the age of 85, in Newport Beach, California.
Meeting Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. He was a Cuban-American actor, musician, and television producer. Most people knew him from the famous TV show “I Love Lucy,” where he starred with his first wife, Lucille Ball.
Desi and Lucille Ball divorced in 1960 after 20 years of marriage. Their relationship ended because of several problems, including alcohol addiction and trust issues. Three years after his divorce, in 1963, Desi met Edith.
The way they met is not clearly documented, but their connection was immediate and strong. They dated for six months and fell deeply in love during this time. Both of them were ready to start a new chapter in their lives.
Wedding and Married Life
On March 2, 1963, Edith Mack Hirsch and Desi Arnaz got married. The wedding took place at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, a place famous for hosting many celebrity events. The date was also special because it was Desi’s 46th birthday, making the celebration even more meaningful.
This was the second marriage for both Edith and Desi. At the time of their wedding, Edith was 45 years old. The ceremony was private but elegant, attended by close friends and family members.
After getting married, Desi made an important decision. He greatly reduced his work in show business and entertainment. He wanted to focus more on his marriage and personal life. This showed how serious he was about making this relationship work, learning from the mistakes of his first marriage.
Their marriage lasted for 22 years until Edith’s death in 1985. People who knew them said they had a happy and stable relationship. Desi found peace and comfort with Edith that he had not experienced before.
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Life as a Stepmother
Although Edith and Desi did not have children together, Edith became a stepmother to Desi’s two children from his first marriage. Their names were Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. Lucie was born in 1951, and Desi Jr. was born in 1953.
When Edith married Desi, Lucie was about 12 years old, and Desi Jr. was about 10 years old. She took on the role of stepmother and helped care for them as they grew up. The family lived together, and Edith supported the children throughout their teenage years.
Both children went on to have their own careers in entertainment, following in their parents’ footsteps. Despite not being their birth mother, Edith played an important part in their lives during their formative years.
Humanitarian Work
One of the most important things about Edith was her work helping others. She was known as a humanitarian, which means someone who works to improve the lives of people who are struggling or in need.
Edith used her position as the wife of a famous person to bring attention to important causes. She worked with several charitable organizations, including UNICEF, the American Cancer Society, and the Girl Scouts of America. Her goal was to protect people who needed help and to make positive changes in society.
Unlike many celebrity wives who enjoyed being in the spotlight, Edith preferred to work quietly behind the scenes. She was not interested in fame for herself. Instead, she focused on actually helping people and making a real difference in their lives.
Her passion for helping others stayed with her throughout her entire life. People who knew her remembered her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Edith and Desi eventually moved to Del Mar, California, where they lived in semi-retirement. Del Mar is a beautiful coastal city in San Diego County, known for its peaceful atmosphere and ocean views.
In Del Mar, Desi enjoyed activities like sailing his yacht, fishing, and cooking Cuban dishes. He also owned a horse-breeding farm in Corona, California, and raced thoroughbred horses. The Desi Arnaz Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack was later named in his honor.
During these years, Edith supported her husband while he reduced his public appearances. They lived a quieter life compared to the busy Hollywood years. This period allowed them to enjoy each other’s company and focus on what truly mattered to them.
Illness and Death
Sadly, Edith’s health began to decline as she got older. She developed cancer, though the specific type of cancer was never publicly disclosed. She battled this illness for some time, showing strength and courage throughout her struggle.
On March 25, 1985, Edith Mack Hirsch passed away in Del Mar, California. She was 67 years old at the time of her death. Her passing was a difficult moment for her family, especially for her husband Desi, who had shared 22 years of his life with her.
Edith’s death deeply affected Desi. He was devastated by losing his beloved wife. Ironically, almost exactly one year later, on the same date in 1986, Desi was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died on December 2, 1986, at the age of 69. Many people believe that losing Edith contributed to his declining health.
Desi was buried next to Edith at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles, showing that their bond continued even after death.
Legacy and Remembrance
Today, Edith Mack Hirsch is primarily remembered as the second wife of Desi Arnaz. However, her legacy includes much more than just this connection. She was a woman who dedicated her life to helping others and supporting her husband through his later years.
Her humanitarian work touched many lives, even if it was not always reported in newspapers or magazines. She showed that you do not need to be a famous entertainer to make a positive impact on the world. Simple acts of kindness and charity can create lasting change.
At the time of her death, Edith’s net worth was estimated at around $12.5 million. This wealth allowed her to support many charitable causes throughout her life.
Conclusion
Edith Mack Hirsch’s life story reminds us that there is more to a person than their relationship with someone famous. While she gained public attention through her marriage to Desi Arnaz, she was a remarkable individual in her own right.
She lived with purpose, helping those in need and supporting her loved ones. Her quiet strength, generosity, and dedication to humanitarian causes left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Though she passed away nearly four decades ago, her memory continues to inspire people who learn about her life.
Edith’s story teaches us that true success comes not from fame or fortune, but from the positive impact we have on others and the love we share with those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Edith Mack Hirsch? Edith Mack Hirsch was an American humanitarian and the second wife of famous actor Desi Arnaz. She was born in 1917 and dedicated her life to helping others through charitable work.
2. When did Edith Mack Hirsch marry Desi Arnaz? Edith married Desi Arnaz on March 2, 1963, at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. The date was also Desi’s 46th birthday.
3. Did Edith and Desi have children together? No, Edith and Desi did not have children together. However, Edith became a stepmother to Desi’s two children from his first marriage: Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.
4. What kind of work did Edith do? Edith was known for her humanitarian work. She supported various charitable organizations, including UNICEF, the American Cancer Society, and the Girl Scouts of America.
5. How long were Edith and Desi married? Edith and Desi were married for 22 years, from 1963 until Edith’s death in 1985.
6. What caused Edith Mack Hirsch’s death? Edith died from cancer on March 25, 1985, at the age of 67. The specific type of cancer was never publicly disclosed.
7. Was Edith married before Desi Arnaz? Yes, Edith was previously married to Clement L. Hirsch, a businessman involved in horse racing. They divorced in 1963, the same year she married Desi.
8. Where did Edith and Desi live? Edith and Desi lived in Del Mar, California, where they enjoyed a peaceful life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
9. What happened to Desi after Edith died? Desi was deeply affected by Edith’s death. He was diagnosed with lung cancer almost exactly one year later and died on December 2, 1986.
10. What was Edith’s net worth? At the time of her death, Edith’s net worth was estimated at approximately $12.5 million, which she used to support various charitable causes throughout her life.
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