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. 

Sarah Cordelia Mellon Scaife, Cordelia’s mother, 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.
Cordelia’s dedication to supporting worthwhile causes mirrored the values
instilled by her family. 

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. 

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. Refer to this article for more information. 

  

More about Cordelia Scaife May on https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2005/01/28/cordelia-may-76/f7898308-2a21-45fb-893c-4c1abe1a0747/