Date of Birth: March 30, 1902
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: August 13, 2007
Biography
Brooke Astor was an American philanthropist, socialite, and writer known for her significant contributions to New York City’s cultural and charitable institutions. Born Roberta Brooke Russell, she was married three times, most notably to Vincent Astor, heir to the Astor family fortune. After Vincent’s death, she devoted herself to philanthropy, using her wealth to support numerous causes. She authored several books, including “Patchwork Child: Early Memories” and “The Last Blossom on the Plum Tree.” Her life was marked by her commitment to improving the lives of others through her charitable endeavors.
5 Interesting Facts about Brooke Astor
1. Brooke Astor was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 for her philanthropic work.
2. She served as the president of the Vincent Astor Foundation, which donated millions to New York City’s institutions.
3. Brooke Astor was a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library.
4. She was known for her elegant style and was often featured in society pages and fashion magazines.
5. Brooke Astor’s life was the subject of a highly publicized elder abuse case involving her son, Anthony D. Marshall.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Brooke Astor
1. “Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around.”
2. “I had a wonderful life, and I think it’s because I expected it to be wonderful.”
3. “Charity is not just about giving money but making a difference.”
4. “The greatest gift you can give is your time.”
5. “I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At her peak, Brooke Astor’s net worth was estimated to be around $200 million.
Children
Brooke Astor had one son, Anthony Dryden Marshall, from her first marriage to John Dryden Kuser.
Relevant Links
1. [Brooke Astor – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooke_Astor
3. [Vincent Astor Foundation – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Astor_Foundation
4. [Brooke Astor’s Philanthropy – Vanity Fair](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/10/astor200710
5. [Elder Abuse Case – The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/nyregion/09astor.html