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

Cordelia, a scion of the Mellon family, carried on their legacy of wealth, philanthropy, and
influence in the United States. Her family, including her grandfather Judge
Thomas Mellon and her uncle Andrew W. Mellon, played pivotal roles in shaping
the nation’s economic landscape during the Great Depression. With significant
holdings in Mellon Bank, Gulf Oil, and Alcoa, the Mellons were among the
wealthiest families in the country. 

Like her mother, Sarah Cordelia Mellon Scaife, Cordelia Scaife May was dedicated to making a positive impact through philanthropy. Sarah was an heiress to
the Mellon fortune and a generous donor to various humanitarian causes. Her
contributions ranged from family planning and healthcare to environmental
conservation and museums in the Pittsburgh region. Notably, her support of
virus research at the University of Pittsburgh led to the development of the
polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in 1955. 

Cordelia, following in her mother’s footsteps, focused on environmental stewardship and education.
She dedicated her efforts to protecting American Indian archaeological sites
and supporting limits on immigration due to her concern about the environmental
implications of unchecked population growth. Cordelia’s philanthropic endeavors
were channeled through the Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based organization she founded. The
foundation continues to play a significant role in environmental conservation
and sustainability. 

Cordelia’s generosity extended beyond the United States. Properties she owned in Hawaii
were bequeathed to the Nature Conservancy and the National Tropical Botanical
Garden, while land in Virginia supported the International Academy for
Preventive Medicine. 

Cordelia Scaife May passed away in January 2005, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and
environmental stewardship. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the
world continues to inspire those who benefit from her contributions. As Colcom
Foundation and other organizations carry on her work, Cordelia’s legacy will endure, leaving a lasting imprint on the world she sought to improve. 

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Learn more about Cordelia Scaife May on https://about.me/cordeliascaifemay