“I see each unknown tomorrow as an opportunity. We waste time being afraid, when what we should really fear is wasting time.”
Dame Stephanie Shirley CH
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley CH, age 91, passed away on Saturday 9th August after a short illness.
A child rescued on the Kindertransport at the age of five, Steve often said she was determined to live “a life worth saving.” She fulfilled that promise many times over – pioneering innovation, championing causes close to her heart, and transforming countless lives through her generosity and vision.
We asked for a message from each of Steve’s 3 charities:
Sarah Butcher MBE, Chief Executive of Autism at Kingwood said:
“I am heartbroken at the death of Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley, aged 91. A true force of nature, she championed autistic people with vision, passion, and determination.
I first met her in 1999 at Prior’s Court School, where her insight as a parent shaped our understanding of families’ vital role. Later, as CEO of her first charity, Autism at Kingwood, I worked to realise her dream of supporting autistic people across all ages. A refugee, pioneering businesswoman, philanthropist, and devoted mother, Steve’s warmth matched her drive.
It was a privilege to work with and learn from her. I will miss her greatly.”
Ryan Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Prior’s Court, reflected:
“Steve will forever be the inspiration for what we do. Though she will be deeply missed, Steve’s spirit, courage, and remarkable legacy will continue to inspire, shaping the future for generations to come.”
James Cusack, Chief Executive Officer of Autistica said:
“Everyone at Autistica is immensely proud to have Steve as our founder. Her values and
beliefs are embedded in our charity and drive our commitment to innovative problem
solving, acting with urgency and embracing difference.
Steve often said that she wanted her life to be ‘one worth saving’. She achieved that in so
many ways. She leaves behind an incredible legacy for autistic people and their families,
of support, research and policy change, that will continue to change lives for generations
to come.”
For all enquiries please contact lynn@steveshirley.com.
END
Dame Stephanie (Steve) Shirley CH is an ardent venture philanthropist with an unrelenting energy for creating positive change. She arrived in England as an unaccompanied child refugee at the start of the Second World War, and in 1962 started a software business from her dining table which grew to employ 8,500 people and was ultimately valued at almost $3 billion.
Motivated to share the rewards of her success with a society that had extended such generosity to her as a child, Dame Stephanie decided to give away her wealth. Now in her late 80s she is driven by a lifetime of extraordinary experiences and achievements, and still dedicates every day to making her life one that was worth saving.
Letters from Steve
Every month you’ll receive an inspiring email letter from Dame Stephanie, or Steve as she’s known, keeping you up to date with what is going on in her world. We’ll also include inside information on her events, projects, interviews and much more.
An exceptional inspirational speaker
Dame Stephanie is an engaging speaker and interviewee who inspires audiences with her fascinating stories and insights. She talks candidly on personal subjects including her early years as a child refugee, her experiences blazing a trail for women in business and her ongoing commitment to helping autistic people live long, happy and more fulfilling lives.
“If I have a talent, it is the ability to believe in what others can achieve.”
Media
View our wide collection of speeches, interviews, articles, books and podcasts featuring Dame Stephanie.
Venture Philanthropy
Over the course of the last thirty years Dame Stephanie has given away almost £70 million to good causes, primarily in the fields of autism and IT. She invests strategically in projects that will benefit from her time or insight as well as her money, to maximise the positive outcomes.
