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Doyenne Dies in Style at NY Hotel

Marie-Dennett McDill spent her last 10 weeks at the Carlyle, a place she loved

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2008 3:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – When 71-year-old Marie-Dennett McDill learned she had terminal cancer, her children checked her into her beloved Carlyle Hotel, the Times reports. McDill stayed at her favorite swanky locale in NYC under 24-hour hospice care for her last 10 weeks. She took daily walks in Central Park and camped out in the hotel’s piano lounge, requesting Cole Porter ‘til the end.

“It was a unique request,” the hotel’s residency manager said, “one I’ve never had previously.” McDill was a longtime guest, though, and the manager even witnessed her will. Suites at the Carlyle run about $17,000 a month, but McDill’s children were sure it was for the best. “It wasn’t the inexpensive option, but it was the greatest comfort we could afford, so of course we would do that for her,” her son said.

The interior of the Carlyle Hotel.
The interior of the Carlyle Hotel.   (AP Photo)
The Carlyle Hotel prepares for the Official New York Oscar Night celebration.
The Carlyle Hotel prepares for the Official New York Oscar Night celebration.   (AP Photo)
Two eight-foot Oscar statues are carried to the Carlyle Hotel.
Two eight-foot "Oscar" statues are carried to the Carlyle Hotel.   (AP Photo)
A tastefully appointed hospice residence.
A tastefully appointed hospice residence.   (AP Photo)
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It was like low class to high class, going in there. I would call her my queen, my majesty, and she called me her princess, and treated me like one. - Rose Marie Moore, McDill's hospice nurse

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