A Legacy of Generosity: Cordelia Scaife May’s Environmental Stewardship
Cordelia Scaife May, the heiress to a substantial banking fortune, left an indelible mark on
the world through her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and environmental
conservation. Born on December 10, 1928, Cordelia was the daughter of Sarah
Cordelia Mellon Scaife, an American heiress and philanthropist, and Alan Magee
Scaife, an industrialist and president of the Scaife Company.
Cordelia Scaife May was a scion of the Mellon family, a name synonymous with wealth, philanthropy,
and influence in the United States. Her paternal grandfather, Judge Thomas
Mellon, and her uncle, Andrew W. Mellon, a Secretary of the Treasury, played
pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s economic landscape during the Great
Depression. The Mellon fortune included significant holdings in Mellon Bank,
Gulf Oil, and Alcoa, establishing the family as one of the wealthiest in the country.
Cordelia’s mother, Sarah Cordelia Mellon Scaife, continued the family’s tradition of philanthropy.
Born on December 10, 1903, Sarah was an heiress to the Mellon fortune and a
generous donor to various humanitarian causes. She donated tens of millions of dollars
to family planning, hospitals, disability and poverty issues, environmental
conservation, and museums in the Pittsburgh region.
In honor of Sarah’s philanthropic contributions, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh opened
the Sarah Scaife Gallery in 1974, showcasing major works from Impressionist and
Post-Impressionist masters. Sarah’s legacy of generosity extended beyond her lifetime,
leaving an enduring impact on the cultural and medical landscape.
Cordelia Mellon Scaife, the younger of Sarah’s two children, was born into a life of privilege
and responsibility. In 1927, Sarah married Alan Magee Scaife, an industrialist,
and the couple had two children: Cordelia and Richard Mellon Scaife. Despite her
affluent upbringing, Cordelia Scaife May was an introvert, and her reclusive nature would
characterize much of her adult life.
Cordelia Scaife May’s philanthropic journey was notably marked by her deep commitment to
environmental conservation and education. In her later years, she was dedicated
to protecting American Indian archaeological sites, donating much of her
Westmoreland County property to a national preservation society. Her focus on
environmentalism extended to supporting limits on immigration, driven by her
belief that unchecked human population growth, urbanization, and migration to
larger cities had significant environmental implications.
Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based charitable organization founded by
Cordelia, played a central role in her philanthropic endeavors. In her will,
Cordelia bequeathed all her personal property and Pennsylvania real estate,
including over four hundred and fifty acres in Westmoreland County, to the
foundation. Colcom Foundation, known for its commitment to environmental
conservation and sustainability, became the custodian of Cordelia’s legacy.
Cordelia Scaife May’s generosity transcended geographical boundaries. Her properties on Maui
and Kauai were bequeathed to the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii and the National
Tropical Botanical Garden, respectively. Land she owned in Virginia found a
purpose in supporting the International Academy for Preventive Medicine.
Cordelia Scaife May passed away in January 2005 at the age of 76 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Her dedication to environmental stewardship, education, and humanitarian causes
continues to inspire those who benefit from her philanthropic legacy.
In a world where wealth often defines individuals, Cordelia Scaife May’s story is a testament to
the transformative power of using privilege to make a positive impact. As
Colcom Foundation and other organizations carry forth her legacy, Cordelia’s
contributions to environmental conservation and philanthropy will endure,
leaving a lasting imprint on the world she sought to improve. See related link for additional information.
Learn more about Cordelia Scaife May on https://en.everybodywiki.com/Cordelia_Scaife_May