Anna Murdoch-Mann, Author and Philanthropist, Dies at 81

Philanthropist and Author Anna Murdoch-Mann Dies at 81

Anna Murdoch-Mann, a woman of remarkable accomplishments and generosity, passed away Tuesday, February 17, at her home in Palm Beach, Florida. She was 81 years old and surrounded by family at the time of her death.

Born Anna Torv in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1944, Murdoch-Mann’s life was defined by resilience and determination from an early age. Her family emigrated to Australia when she was just nine years old. Following her parents’ divorce, she took on the considerable responsibility of raising her young siblings, demonstrating the strength of character that would define her throughout her life.

Her professional journey began in journalism, where she worked as a reporter for the Sydney Daily Mirror and later the Sydney Daily Telegraph. This early career in media foreshadowed her significant role in the news industry that would follow.

For 31 years, Murdoch-Mann was married to media mogul Rupert Murdoch, serving as an active partner in building News Corp into the global media powerhouse it remains today. Their partnership helped shape one of the most influential media empires in modern history, with holdings spanning multiple continents and formats.

Following their divorce, Murdoch-Mann continued to be a notable presence in high society, particularly in Palm Beach and Southampton. She later married Bill Mann, who preceded her in death. At the time of her passing, she was married to Ashton dePeyster. She leaves behind three children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Beyond her roles in media and as a socialite, Murdoch-Mann established herself as an accomplished author, publishing three novels: “In Her Own Image” (1985), “Family Business” (1988), and “Coming to Terms” (1992). These works demonstrated her literary talents and provided insights into worlds she knew intimately.

Perhaps most defining was Murdoch-Mann’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy, particularly causes benefiting children in need. During her residence in Los Angeles in the 1990s, she worked extensively with the Children’s Institute, an organization serving over 5,000 abused children annually. Her fundraising efforts for this cause alone generated millions of dollars.

Her leadership extended to numerous prestigious boards and organizations. She served as chair of the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital board of regents, making significant contributions to pediatric healthcare. Her humanitarian work reached across borders, as evidenced by her chairmanship of Hospital Albert Schweitzer for children in Deschapelles, Haiti. She reluctantly stepped down from this position only after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

In recognition of her extensive charitable work, Pope John Paul II made Murdoch-Mann a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in 1998, one of the highest honors the Catholic Church bestows on laypersons.

Those who knew her personally remember not only her philanthropic spirit but also her sharp wit and charm. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York counted her among his friends, recalling her clever repartee. When he once teased her about being too thin and suggested she eat more, she quipped, “You do the eating — I’ll do the talking.” The Cardinal also remembered her passion for gardening and how she would replant gifted flowers in her Hampton garden.

Murdoch-Mann’s passing marks the end of a life characterized by resilience, achievement, and generosity. From her early days in journalism to her role in building a media empire, from her literary accomplishments to her extensive philanthropic work, she leaves behind a legacy that touched countless lives across multiple continents.

As news of her passing spreads, tributes continue to pour in from the many worlds she inhabited – media, literature, philanthropy, and high society – all united in remembering a woman whose impact will be felt for generations to come.