María Josefa Huarte Beaumont died early this morning at her home in Pamplona, at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of her husband and family.

He belongs to a well-known Navarrese family of businessmen, who have combined their commitment to their land with a clear universal vision, business activity with social concern and, most notably, with a marked interest in the artistic world.

Throughout her life, María Josefa concentrated her energy and abilities on two major projects: the Navarre-based association Nuevo Futuro and her splendid art collection. In the first, she poured all her sense of solidarity, promoting housing for abandoned children, first in Spain, but also in countries suffering the drama of violence, such as Colombia and Croatia. In the collection of painting and sculpture, he channeled his special artistic sensitivity, accompanied by a sense of modernity, uncommon in his time.

Chronology

2008-April. Donation of the collection of María Josefa Huarte to the University of Navarra.

2008-September. submission of the preliminary design of the Museo Museo de Navarra building.

2010-September. submission of project of execution of the University of Navarra Museum.

2012-January. Start of construction of the building.

2014-September. Completion of the building works.

2015-January. Inauguration of the Museum of the University of Navarra

Statements by Alfonso Sánchez-tabernero, President of the University on the occasion of the death of María Josefa Huarte

"We are saddened today by the news of the passing of María Josefa Huarte, barely two weeks after Their Majesties the King and Queen inaugurated the University of Navarra Museum. On January 22, 2015, a wish dear to her heart was fulfilled: that her collection, assembled with special taste and sensitivity over decades, would remain in Navarre, accessible to all Navarrese and to those who visit our Old Kingdom."

"In these moments of sorrow, I would like to highlight the extraordinary generosity of María Josefa. Above any other legitimate interest, she knew how to put before the good that for the whole society represented that these works are exposed to the public and serve for an activity professor and research in a university framework . One more act of magnanimity in a life full of works of service".

"I believe it is my obligation as President to also express our commitment to make your bequest fruitful." 

Opinion articles:

• "Magna anima", Alfonso Sanchez-Tabernero (09/02/2015 - Diario de Navarra).

• "A great soul", Ángel J. Gómez Montoro (09/02/2015 - ABC).