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In brief
- Anna dePeyster, the former wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, has died aged 81 following a long illness.
- dePeyster, who served on the News Corporation board, was married to Murdoch for more than 30 years.
Anna dePeyster, once known as Anna Murdoch, has passed away at the age of 81. She was the former spouse of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and the mother of their three children, James, Elisabeth, and Lachlan. Her death occurred in Palm Beach, Florida, after a prolonged illness, as reported by the New York Post, a publication owned by the Murdoch family.
The New York Post’s tribute reflected on the many facets of Anna’s life, describing her as beloved by numerous people across different spheres. She was celebrated not only as a devoted mother but also for her elegance, quick wit, and passion for writing. Her lifelong dedication to children’s welfare was also highlighted in the paper’s homage.
Anna dePeyster’s life took a new turn in 2019 when she married real estate developer Ashton dePeyster, years after her divorce from Rupert Murdoch. Her legacy endures through her contributions to literature and philanthropy, as well as the lasting impact she had on her family and community.
“Devoted mother, handsome lady, sharp wit, love of writing and lifetime commitment to helping children in need.”
dePeyster married real estate developer Ashton dePeyster in 2019, having divorced Rupert Murdoch two decades earlier.
Born in Scotland the eldest of four children in 1944, dePeyster moved with her family to Sydney as a child.
Raised a Catholic, she attended Our Lady of Mercy College at Parramatta before finding work as a journalist.
She married Murdoch in 1967 after he divorced first wife Patricia Booker.
After working at both Sydney’s Daily Mirror and Daily Telegraph, dePeyster eventually served on the board of Murdoch family company, News Corporation, for eight years.
According to Britain’s Independent newspaper, the people who in 1969 kidnapped and killed Muriel McKay, the wife of Murdoch’s deputy Alick McKay, had originally intended to kidnap her instead.
Confusion arose when the McKays used of one of Murdoch’s vehicles.
Following her divorce from Murdoch, dePeyster reportedly received $1.7 billion, including $110 million in cash, from the settlement.
dePeyster had a Master’s degree in literature and wrote three novels: In Her Own Image, Family Business and Coming to Terms.
She was also a noted philanthropist and socialite in Palm Beach and Southampton.
dePeyster was also married for 17 years to financier William Mann.
She is survived by dePeyster, her three children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
According to the New York Post, she died on Tuesday, surrounded by family.
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