Brooke Astor, society lady, philanthropist, and champion of great New York City institutions like the New York Public Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park, died today at the age of 105. Sadly in the last year there was much controversy about her care. Her grandson Philip Marshall accused his father (and Mrs. Astor’s only son) of not taking good care of her and exploiting her for his own wealth.

The New York Times reports that Mrs. Astor became a philanthropist after her third husband, Vincent Astor died. He was an heir to the real estate fortune of, John Jacob Astor.. Vincent Astor left Mrs. Astor $60 million and $60 million for a foundation intended to help alleviate human suffering.

The New York TImes’ reports that Mrs. Astor truly enjoyed giving the money away. This is from the New York Times obit:

She had a great deal of fun giving money away. With a wink and a sly smile, she liked to quote the leading character in Thornton Wilder’s play “The Matchmaker,” saying, “Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around.”

It was Mrs. Astor who decided that because most of the Astor fortune had been made in New York real estate, it should be spent in New York, for New Yorkers. Grants supported the city’s museums and libraries, its boys’ and girls’ clubs, homes for the elderly, churches, landmarks and other institutions and programs.

The Metropolitan Museum issued this statement:

The flags here have been lowered to half mast—and will remain so until Mrs. Astor’s interment—in tribute to someone who is truly irreplaceable in our hearts and in our history. If this entire building could shed a collective tear, it would—she symbolized the soul of this institution, a magical presence who could endow galleries and touch individual visitors and staff members with equal impact. We have lost an icon and a beloved friend, for whose long life and generous spirit we feel grateful and blessed.