Brooke Astor (1902 – 2007) was an American socialite and philanthropist who left a lasting mark on New York City. Born into a military family as the daughter of a Commandant in the Marine Corps, Brooke grew up moving around the world wherever her father was stationed. Before her marriage to Vincent Astor, Brooke worked briefly as an interior decorator and a magazine editor.

Brooke married Vincent Astor, son of John Jacob Astor IV, and great-great grandson of John Jacob Astor, America’s first multi-millionaire, in 1953. Although their marriage was brief, with Vincent passing away in 1959, Mrs. Astor never remarried and was committed to her husband’s charitable work and honored his legacy as head of the Vincent Astor Foundation.

Mrs. Astor’s dedication to philanthropy arguably changed the landscape of New York City for the better. She took on as her life motto the saying, "money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around." She undoubtedly lived out these colorful words.

Mrs. Astor reasoned that because most of the family fortune had been made in New York City real estate over the last two centuries, it should be put to use for New Yorkers. Her grants supported museums, libraries, youth clubs, elderly homes, and countless other institutions. Often favoring less glamorous initiatives, such as new pipes or air conditioning units for public buildings, Mrs. Astor was committed to giving where it was needed most, regardless of how fashionable the cause may seem. This did not stop many institutions, including the New York Public Library, from naming grand ballrooms and entry ways in her honor. Mrs. Astor’s most well-known causes were the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York Zoological Society, and the New York Public Library.

Her contributions to New York City were recognized by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, which named her as a “living landmark” in 1996. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.

Born during what has since come to be known as the Gilded Age, Mrs. Astor witnessed tremendous change and evolution in New York City. Her long lifespan endured the transition from her grandmother by marriage, Mrs. William Backhouse Astor, ruling over society and its Four Hundred Families to beyond the dot-com bubble and into the 21st century. A holdover from a bygone era, Mrs. Astor was undoubtedly the last of her kind. Her funeral was attended by icons of finance, politics, arts and media, coming together to mourn the famous Mrs. Astor.

Following her death in 2007, Mrs. Astor’s estate was offered at auction in September 2012, including the present coral and gold set of jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels.