Aimee Eugenie Widdicombe "Gene"

Aimee Eugenie “Gene” Widdicombe passed away on April 5, 2012. Born February 14, 1919 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Aimee was the daughter of the late Earl and Aimee Weir. Aimee was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At an early age she went to work at the T. Eaton Company as a fashion buyer and head cashier to help support her mother and three younger siblings following the death of her father Earl. Aimee continued to work at the T. Eaton Company during the Great Depression and during World War II. During the war she met and married a young cattle rancher from Foxwarren, Manitoba who was serving in the Royal Canadian Air force. Roland Widdicombe and Aimee were married on October 15, 1948. The newlyweds moved back to Foxwarren, Manitoba to resume operation of the successful cattle ranch. Following the birth of their second of three children, they sold the cattle ranch and relocated to South Dakota. After the birth of their third child they relocated again to Glendora, California in search of a warmer climate and more opportunities.

In late 1955, Aimee answered a classified ad for a new restaurant with franchise opportunities. That company was McDonald’s. Roland and Aimee had visited the original McDonald’s in San Bernardino and were impressed with the business structure and felt it was a wonderful business opportunity. McDonald’s seemed perfect for busy young families but with a required investment of $60,000, it would take their life savings. After months of discussion and negotiation between the Widdicombes and Ray Kroc, the first McDonald’s in Orange County, the 11th McDonald’s in the world, was opened on Harbor and Lampson in Garden Grove on March 23, 1957.

Opening day sales were a disappointment at $52.00. Aimee soon started working at the Bank of America to help further support the family. As the public became more aware of McDonald’s and its reputation, sales improved and Aimee was able to leave the Bank to work side by side with her husband. In March of 1966 Roland died in an accident and Aimee took the helm. In the ensuing years her son Marc joined her in the business and additional locations were opened in Garden Grove. In 1990 Marc passed away of a sudden illness, leaving Aimee and her two daughters, Roberta and Patti, to operate the McDonald’s. Aimee devoted herself to her family, McDonald’s, and her many charitable causes. She was a restaurant pioneer, as she had the distinction of being the first woman to be a McDonald’s owner operator.

During Aimee’s lifetime she was recognized for her many contributions to McDonald’s and the community. Her lists of awards are many, including the prestigious Ronald Award (1987, 1989 and 1998), the California Governor’s Award of 1995 and the Orange Country Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2005.

Aimee will also be remembered as a strong, smart and accomplished woman who was passionate about philanthropy and the Orange County Ronald McDonald House. Aimee was generous with her time, creativity and resources, and her commitment to the Orange County Ronald McDonald House was ever constant. Aimee created the very first High Tea and Fashion Show which will enter its 23rd year this October. Through the High Tea and Fashion Show, Aimee helped raise nearly $2 million for the Orange County Ronald McDonald House and the families they serve. Aimee’s late son Marc was on the founding Board of Trustees. Her daughter Patti currently serves on the Board. Daughter Roberta is also actively involved in many charitable endeavors, as is Aimee’s only grandchild, Sam.

Preceding her in death are parents Earl and Aimee Weir. Husband Roland Widdicombe, son Marc Widdicombe, siblings Patricia Thorne, Shirley Gibbs and William Weir. Surviving are her daughters Roberta Widdicombe and Patti Widdicombe and granddaughter Aimee Samantha “Sam” Abrams-Widdicombe. She will also be missed by six nieces, one nephew, one grandnephew, and one grandniece. She will also be missed by the many friends she has known through her years at McDonald’s and her many charitable and philanthropic endeavors.

The family wishes to thank her long time loving friend and caregiver Estela Hernandez for her help and devotion.

Memorial Services:

Remembrance Visitation: Will be held at Dimond & Shannon Mortuary at 10630 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840 on Monday April 9th, 2012: 5-7 PM

Graveside Services: Will be held at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery at 7845 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Orange, CA 92840 on Wednesday April 11, 2012 at 10:00 AM

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Orange Country Ronald McDonald House c/o “The Widdicombe Legacy Fund”.