Anna de Peyster, former wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, has passed away at her Palm Beach home at the age of 81.
Surrounded by family, de Peyster succumbed to a long illness on February 17, leaving behind a legacy as both a mother and a philanthropist.
A Life Intertwined With Media History
De Peyster shared decades of her life with Rupert Murdoch, marrying the publishing magnate in 1967.
Their union produced three children, including Lachlan Murdoch, now head of the global New Corp empire, as well as James and Elisabeth.
Their lives spanned continents—from Australia to London, New York, and Los Angeles—as Murdoch expanded his media holdings, including The New York Post, Wall Street Journal, and Fox.
Narrow Escape From a Deadly Kidnapping Plot
Just two years into their marriage, the family faced a terrifying ordeal in London.
Kidnappers intended to abduct de Peyster but mistakenly took Muriel McKay, the wife of a Murdoch executive, who was killed.
The shocking incident left a lasting mark on the young family, highlighting the hidden dangers of wealth and public prominence in the 1960s.
Academic Pursuits and Literary Achievements
Despite the pressures of family life and international relocations, de Peyster pursued higher education with vigor.
In New York, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Fordham University and a master’s in literature and mythology from NYU.
Known for her dedication, she often attended classes with her evening dress beneath a Burberry coat and diamonds tucked away, ready for social engagements afterward.
She realized a lifelong dream of becoming a published author, producing three novels, including In Her Own Image and Family Business, establishing herself as a literary voice beyond her ties to Murdoch.
Corporate Influence and Philanthropy
De Peyster also made her mark in the corporate and philanthropic world.
She served on the board of News Corp from 1990 to 1998, a period just before her divorce from Murdoch was finalized.
Beyond business, she devoted herself to charitable work, notably raising millions for children’s causes.
She held leadership roles at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and a hospital in Haiti, impacting thousands of young lives.
Life After Murdoch
After divorcing Murdoch in 1999, de Peyster found new chapters of happiness.
She remarried Bill Mann until his death in 2017, and in 2019 married Ashton de Peyster, surviving her final years with him.
She remained a well-known figure in Southampton, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, blending public service with personal pursuits.
Remembering a Remarkable Life
Anna de Peyster leaves behind a rich legacy as a devoted mother, accomplished author, philanthropist, and resilient woman who navigated the highs and lows of global media life.
Her contributions to children’s welfare and literature ensure her impact will be felt for generations.
What’s Next?
With her passing, attention now turns to preserving de Peyster’s philanthropic projects and literary works.
Institutions she supported, like the LA Children’s Hospital, are expected to continue honoring her legacy.
Her novels will also see renewed interest, celebrating a life that balanced family, charity, and creativity.
Summary
Anna de Peyster, the 81-year-old former wife of Rupert Murdoch, passed away in Palm Beach, Florida, following a long illness.
Mother to Lachlan, James, and Elisabeth Murdoch, she played a pivotal role in the family’s media empire and later became a philanthropist and published author.
From surviving a kidnapping plot in London to raising millions for children’s causes, de Peyster leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, intellect, and generosity.
