Renowned Author and Philanthropist Anna Murdoch-Mann Passes Away at 81

Post-divorce, Anna became a dazzling and well-regarded figure in Palm Beach and Southampton. She was married to Bill Mann until his passing and is survived by her husband, Ashton dePeyster, her three children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

An accomplished author, Anna wrote three novels: “In Her Own Image” (1985), “Family Business” (1988), and “Coming to Terms” (1992). Her philanthropic efforts were substantial, with a significant portion of her time dedicated to causes benefiting children.

Resident of LA in the 1990s, she worked for Children’s Institute, which services over 5,000 abused children yearly. Her annual fund-raiser brought in millions.

She was chair of the LA Children’s Hospital board of regents. Active in Haiti, she served as chair of Hospital Albert Schweitzer for children in Deschapelles, Haiti.

Anna stepped down when she was diagnosed with cancer.

In 1998, Anna was made a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II.

Not only talented, she was also witty. Many Thanksgivings ago she told me, “Our turkey was imported.”

She was — and still is — cherished by our Cardinal Timothy Dolan. He remembers teasing her about getting too thin. He told Anna she needs to eat more. Answered Anna: “You do the eating — I’ll do the talking.”

He also recalls her love of gardening. She told His Eminence when he was still Archbishop of New York: “I love receiving flowers. I can then replant them in my garden in the Hamptons.”

Many people loved Anna Murdoch.