Cordelia Scaife May, the heiress to a significant banking fortune, will
forever be remembered for her profound commitment to philanthropy and environmental
conservation. Born on December 10, 1928, Cordelia was the daughter of Sarah
Cordelia Mellon Scaife, an American philanthropist, and Alan Magee Scaife, an
industrialist and president of the Scaife Company. 

As a scion of the Mellon family, Cordelia Scaife May inherited a legacy of wealth and influence. Her family, known for
their philanthropic endeavors, played pivotal roles in shaping the economic
landscape of the United States. Cordelia’s mother, Sarah Cordelia Mellon
Scaife, continued this tradition of generosity, donating tens of millions of
dollars to various humanitarian causes. Her contributions to family planning,
hospitals, disability and poverty issues, environmental conservation, and
museums left a lasting impact on society. 

Cordelia’s dedication to philanthropy was evident throughout her life. Her commitment to
environmental conservation and education set her apart as a true steward of the
planet. She supported limits on immigration, driven by her belief that
uncontrolled population growth and urbanization had severe environmental
consequences. Cordelia’s strategic approach to philanthropy led her to
establish the Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based organization known for its
dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability. 

In her will, Cordelia bequeathed her personal property and Pennsylvania real estate,
including vast acres in Westmoreland County, to the Colcom Foundation.
She also donated her properties on Maui and Kauai to the Nature Conservancy of
Hawaii and the National Tropical Botanical Garden, respectively. Additionally,
she supported the International Academy for Preventive Medicine with her land in Virginia. 

Cordelia Scaife May’s legacy lives on through the Colcom Foundation and the causes it supports.
Her contributions to environmental conservation, education, and humanitarian
causes continue to inspire and make a positive impact on the world. As we
remember Cordelia’s philanthropic spirit, her dedication to creating a better
future serves as a reminder for all of us to strive for a more sustainable and
compassionate world. Read this page for additional information. 

More about Cordelia Scaife May on https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194246213/cordelia-mellon-may