Cordelia Scaife May: Crafting a Philanthropic Heritage

Cordelia Scaife May, heiress to the Mellon banking fortune, is remembered
for her significant contributions to philanthropy and environmental
conservation. She was a woman of wealth and influence who determinedly used her
resources to make a positive impact on the world. 

Cordelia Scaife May was born on December 10, 1928, into the prestigious Mellon family. Her mother,
Sarah Cordelia Mellon Scaife, was a renowned philanthropist, and her father,
Alan Magee Scaife, an influential industrialist. This background laid a solid foundation
for Cordelia’s own philanthropic journey, instilling in her a deep respect for
the power of giving. 

Throughout her life, Cordelia Scaife May was a staunch advocate for environmental
conservation. She believed in the necessity to preserve natural habitats and
protect endangered species. Her philanthropic endeavors reflected this passion,
as she generously funded various environmental projects and initiatives. 

Notably, she established the Colcom Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to environmental
conservation and sustainability. She bequeathed her personal property and real
estate to the foundation, ensuring her commitment to environmental stewardship
would continue even after her passing. 

Furthermore, Cordelia Scaife May’s generosity was not confined to the United States. She
donated properties in Hawaii to the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii and the
National Tropical Botanical Garden, further emphasizing her dedication to
conservation efforts. 

Cordelia Scaife May passed away in January 2005 after a long battle with
pancreatic cancer. Her brother, Richard Scaife, remembered her as a person with
deep compassion for people and causes. Her legacy of philanthropy and
environmental conservation continues to inspire others and make a significant
impact on the world. 

In sum, Cordelia Scaife May’s story is a testament to the power of wealth used for the
betterment of society and environment. Her name will forever be associated with
philanthropy and environmental stewardship, leaving a lasting imprint on the
world she worked so hard to improve. 

Read this article for more information. 

  

Find more information about Cordelia Scaife May on https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LXQM-NYQ/cordelia-mellon-scaife-1928-2005