For several years in the early 1990s, I worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and had the good fortune to meet Mrs. Brooke Astor. Every year she would throw a winter holiday party, at her own expense, for the staff of the museum. Everyone from curators to security guards were invited, and she took the time to meet as many staff members as she could, shaking hands and asking our names. She was so down to earth and approachable. A real class act.
When I told her my name, she got a little twinkle in her eye, and she remembered me from year to year. I didn't realize it until much later, but Mrs. Astor's maiden name was Russell. (No relation!) The art world has lost a great patron saint today. She will be missed.
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