On behalf of Maria Manetti Shrem, I share with heartfelt sadness the news our beloved friend, Jan Shrem, passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 94, following a long illness. Jan was a refined connoisseur of art within our international community and a magical spirit in the world.
Born in Colombia in 1930 to Jewish-Lebanese parents, Jan spent his formative years in Colombia and Israel. He emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 16. After college, Jan moved to Japan, where he established a successful company specializing in selling English-language encyclopedias, engineering, and art books. His company grew to 50 offices with 2,000 sales representatives.
During his time in Japan, Jan married Mitsuko Shrem. In the 1980s, they relocated to Napa after a brief period in France and Italy. They founded Clos Pegase Winery, designed by visionary architect Michael Graves and hailed as “America’s first monument to wine.” Jan and Mitsuko were married for four decades until her passing.
Later, Jan found love again with Maria Manetti. Together they embarked on a journey filled with love, philanthropy, and a shared passion for art, music, wine, and culture that took them around the globe many times. Their contributions were infused with joyful energy, enriching the beauty they bring into the world and nurturing the artists they support.
Over the years, they established several vital funds supporting education, the arts, music, medicine, and the less fortunate, spanning more than 55 charitable programs across the U.S., Italy, the U.K., Africa, Mexico, and France.
Jan had a glint in his eye, a beaming smile, and an inspiringly optimistic view of life. His love for Maria was palpable, and seeing them together was witnessing their enthusiasm’s vitality. Jan thrived on Maria’s energy in his life—her deep commitment to making a difference through philanthropy by “giving with warm hands” to support the creative process and scientific research.
Together, their philanthropy has shaped the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond in profound ways, from UC Davis College of Letters and Science to the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, SF Opera, UCSF’s Neurology Clinic, CPMC Cardiology, Festival Napa Valley, Cal Performances, KQED, KDFC, SF Film, ArtSmart, SF MoMA, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, The MET Opera, and numerous other local and international organizations.
Jan had an extraordinary global perspective, weaving the rich tapestry of his life experiences into every conversation. He was a brilliant listener with a sharp sense of humor that would light up any room. At dinner parties, he was known for well-timed quips and reflections that tied everything together, often delivered with a twinkle in his eyes. His impeccable sense of style perfectly complemented Maria’s; together, they radiated elegance and grace.
Jan was an extraordinary presence. While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate the lasting impact of his life. His legacy will forever inspire us, and we feel deeply privileged to have known him and lived some unforgettable moments with him. We will treasure the memory of his wit, wisdom, and warmth.
At Jan’s request, there will be no memorial service, but the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis will honor his life at their gala on January 25, 2025. In lieu of flowers, Maria Manetti Shrem kindly requests donations be made to the UC Davis Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Contemporary Art in honor of Jan’s enduring vision of making the arts and education free to all.
As Jan would say goodbye: “Until our next chess game!”