Berenice Jewett Bradshaw, 92, a longtime supporter of the arts whose family gained notoriety because of her daughter's involvement in her husband's murder, died at her home Saturday of natural causes.
Her daughter, Frances Bernice Schreuder, was recently released from the state prison to a halfway house after spending 13 years confined for her role in the slaying of her father, millionaire auto parts magnate Frank Bradshaw.Mrs. Bradshaw donated at least $100,000 to the prison to set up a foundation to fund a Utah State University extension program that helped Schreuder and other inmates earn college degrees.
It was only one of many causes she supported after the 1978 shooting death of her husband by their then 17-year-old grandson, Marc Schreuder. Frances Schreuder was convicted of ordering the murder, fearing her father would cut her and her son from his will.
A portrait of Mrs. Bradshaw, wearing a white fur stole and pearls, appeared in a Utah Opera program during the 1988-89 season. She was labeled the opera's "premiere philanthropic lady" and was saluted her for her community service.
A full page of memberships, awards, appointments and contributions was included in the program. She belonged to many organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, and First Families of Massachusetts.
Many of her awards and appointments came from Westminster College, including a doctorate of humane letters and a distinguished service award, both given in 1985. She also was appointed to the college's board of trustees in 1985, and became a trustee emeritus in 1989.
Her list of contributions included the Jewett Center for Arts and Humanities at Westminster College, the Lehi City Library, sleep research center at LDS Hospital, St. Joseph's Indian School, Holy Cross Hospital, and scholarships at Westminster College, the University of Utah, Brigham Young University and the Utah industrial college.
In 1993, Ballet West dedicated its season to Mrs. Bradshaw, describing her as a longtime contributor and friend. She had also been honored by Ballet West in 1987.
Mrs. Bradshaw was born on May 12, 1903, in Sioux City, Iowa. Six years later, her father, Fred Daniel Jewett, brought the family west to Idaho to farm. She married Franklin James Bradshaw on Oct. 31, 1924, in Ogden.
Mr. Bradshaw founded Bradshaw Auto Parts, a chain of stores that made the family rich. Mrs. Bradshaw sold the company after her husband's murder, which was the subject of best-selling books and a made-for-TV movie.