Anna Murdoch Mann, 81, passed away on February 17 at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, with her family by her side, as reported by the New York Post.
Anna was beloved by many—a caring mother, strikingly beautiful, with a quick wit and a passion for writing, she dedicated much of her life to supporting children in need.
Born in 1944 in Glasgow, Scotland, Anna Torf and her family moved to Australia when she was just nine. After her parents divorced, she took on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings and went on to work as a reporter for the Sydney Daily Mirror and Sydney Daily Telegraph.
Throughout her 31-year marriage to Rupert Murdoch, she played a key role in developing News Corp into a global powerhouse.
Following her divorce, Anna shined in places like Palm Beach and Southampton, later marrying Bill Mann, who passed away. She is survived by her husband, Ashton DePeyster, three children, ten grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Anna authored three novels: *In Her Own Image* (1985), *Family Business* (1988), and *Coming to Transfer* (1992). She also devoted considerable time to philanthropy focused on children’s welfare.
In the 1990s, she was involved with a children’s research institute in Los Angeles, which assisted over 5,000 abused children each year. Her fundraising efforts generated millions for these causes.
She chaired the Board of Directors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and was actively involved in Haiti, serving as Director at Children’s Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles.
After being diagnosed with cancer, Anna stepped down from her roles.
In recognition of her contributions, Pope John Paul II named her a member of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in 1998.
She was not only gifted but also had a playful side. I remember her saying one Thanksgiving, “My turkey is imported.”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan fondly remembers her, often teasing her about needing to eat more, to which she cheekily replied, “You’ll do the eating. I’ll do the talking.”
He also recalls her passion for gardening, citing her joy in replanting flowers in her Hamptons garden.
Anna Murdoch Mann was cherished by countless individuals, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion.
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