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As a young woman, she was a distinguished horsewoman. She and her youngest brother owned the Moreland Stables in Durham, Conn. and were considered the top amateur equestrians of thoroughbred hunters of their time.

She long focused on animal and wildlife welfare and protection, and the conservation and preservation of the state of Maine. A resident of Kennebunk for 55 years, she was the founder of the Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk. She served 17 years as president for the society?s animal shelter which now bears her name. Her passion for animals led her to raise pug dogs. For many years, she was a recognized figure at the Westminster Dog Show. As an octogenarian, she became involved in the rescue of racing greyhounds.

She had great business ability, a grand sense of humility and a wonderful sense of humor combined with marked human kindness. She was an active supporter in her community and, at the age of 85, was recognized by the chamber of commerce as Citizen of the Year. Her philanthropic generosity, both here and abroad, has helped companion animals and wildlife, fulfilled medical and health needs, supported institutions of higher learning, promoted the arts, provided opportunities for young people and helped to preserve the heritage and history of the community, and the state.

Concerned with urban growth and its long-term affect on wildlife, wilderness area and historic landmarks, Her lifelong focus was land conservation. In 1976, she deeded her estate property to the Rachael Carson Wildlife Preserve, the land now being owned by the Nature Conservancy. She provided invaluable assistance to both the Conservancy and the New England Forestry Foundation in completing the largest forest land and rivers conservation in the United States, a million and a half of the state's most remote, scenic and wild areas.⁴