Local philanthropist Nancy Bannick, known for her work in preserving the Waikiki Natatorium and Chinatown, died this morning in her Waikiki apartment. She was 81.

Bannick, who was born in Minnesota, had been in Hawai'i since 1948 and worked for more than 20 years as the editor of the travel publication Sunset Magazine.

In the mid-1960s, Bannick was instrumental in the effort to preserve Chinatown and its historic buildings. She led the effort to declare Chinatown a historic district in 1973.

Most recently, Bannick worked as leader of the Friends of Natatorium group, which has been fighting to preserve the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.

Bannick has been a generous donor to Hawaii Public Radio since its inception in 1981 and served on the board for many years. She also served on the Honolulu Symphony board and was vice president for Chamber Music Hawaii. She is a charter member of the Historic Hawaii Foundation, a member of the Governor's Diamond Head Advisory Council and a supporter of the Kapiolani Park Preservation Society.

Bannick had no children. Her family members in Seattle are making arrangements for services, friends said.