Born in 1928, Cordelia S. May was proud of her Pittsburgh heritage. She established Laurel Foundation in 1951 to preserve and promote the region’s culture, environment, and rich history.

Mrs. May pursued a quiet and generous charitable giving program that reflected her altruistic nature. Laurel Foundation supplemented her personal, anonymous support of the arts, education, community beautification, and resource conservation.

Mrs. May was a visionary and a proud, patriotic American. Her national philanthropic pursuits embraced the values upon which the country was founded: its laws, its language, and its traditions. She passed away in 2005.

Today, the Directors of Laurel Foundation continue Mrs. May’s stewardship. In a world diminished by her absence, we reflect on the enormous gift of her friendship and leadership.