Cordelia Scaife May, an heiress to the Mellon banking fortune, will forever be remembered for
her commitment to environmental conservation and philanthropy. Born into a
family synonymous with wealth and influence in the United States, Cordelia Scaife May used her privilege to make a positive difference in
the world.
Cordelia Scaife May was born on December 10, 1928, the daughter of Sarah Cordelia Mellon Scaife and
Alan Magee Scaife. Despite growing up amidst affluence, May chose to devote her
life to causes she held dear—primarily, environmental conservation.
During her lifetime, Cordelia Scaife May contributed significantly to the cause of protecting American Indian
archaeological sites. She believed that unchecked urbanization and migration
had serious environmental implications. Hence, she donated much of her
Westmoreland County property to a national preservation society.
May’s contribution to environmental stewardship went beyond national borders. Properties she owned
on Maui and Kauai were bequeathed to the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii and the
National Tropical Botanical Garden, respectively. She was also a consistent supporter
of various educational and humanitarian causes.
She founded the Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based charitable organization committed
to environmental conservation and sustainability. Upon her death, she
bequeathed all her personal property, including over four hundred and fifty
acres of real estate, to the foundation.
Cordelia Scaife May’s life is a testament to her deep commitment to environmental stewardship
and the power of philanthropy. Her dedication continues to inspire those who
are committed to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable living practices.
Cordelia Scaife May passed away in January 2005, leaving behind a legacy of environmental
conservation and philanthropy. As the Colcom Foundation continues its work, the
impact of her contributions continues to resonate, reminding the world of her
dedication to the cause of environmental preservation and sustainability. Her
generosity, environmental stewardship, and unwavering commitment to
philanthropy will live on, leaving a lasting imprint on the world she strived
to protect and improve. Refer to this article on CrunchBase, for related information.
More about Cordelia Scaife May on https://ourstory.colcomfdn.org/