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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Butler: Astor's Mind Was Gone

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(Newser) – Brooke Astor spent her final years in a haze as her faculties deserted her, her butler testified yesterday at the fraud trial of Astor’s son Anthony Marshall. As early as 1997, Astor’s memory started to fail her, leaving her unable to recall her servants’ names or even what a squirrel was, the New York Daily News reports. “She would point out the window and ask, ‘What animal is that?’” recalled Chris Ely.

Ely said the staff used stuffed animals to communicate with Astor and recalled her utter bewilderment at 9/11. She would sit alone, counting money. “She would have $100 in twenties, and she would try, but she couldn’t count it. And I’d count it for her,” he recalled. “Then I’d come back, and she’d be counting it all over again.”

Anthony Marshall and his wife Charlene, talk in court, April 28, 2009. Butler Chris Elys says Brooke Astor told him she hated Charlene, saying,
Anthony Marshall and his wife Charlene, talk in court, April 28, 2009. Butler Chris Elys says Brooke Astor told him she hated Charlene, saying, "She has no class, and she has no neck."   (AP Photo/Marc A. Hermann, Pool)
Brooke Astor is seen in New York in this May 1, 1997, file photo.
Brooke Astor is seen in New York in this May 1, 1997, file photo.   (AP Photo/Serge J-F. Levy, file)
Anthony Marshall, son of late philanthropist Brooke Astor, appears in state Supreme Court where he is accused of stealing from his mother's $198 million estate, April 27, in New York.
Anthony Marshall, son of late philanthropist Brooke Astor, appears in state Supreme Court where he is accused of stealing from his mother's $198 million estate, April 27, in New York.   (AP Photo/Marc A. Hermann, Pool)
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She would sit alone, counting her money. She would have $100 in twenties in her hand and she would try, but she couldn't count it. And I'd count it for her. 'See, Mrs. Astor? 20, 40, 60, 80, 100!' - Chris Ely

We used furry toys to interact with her. I think you call them stuffed animals. We played guessing games to help her remember whom she'd been with in the city the week before. - Chris Ely

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5 comments
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keybored
Jun 9, 09 12:02 PM CDT
That is so sad :( I guess money doesn't buy everything.... Reply
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Robert_Dada
Jun 9, 09 12:31 PM CDT
It doesn't buy everything but it certainly bought her comfort and security during her end days. Many others without wealth end up in asylums or worse yet, on the streets when this kind of tragedy befalls them. Their articles don't get posted on Newser though.
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keybored
Jun 9, 09 1:57 PM CDT
Good point Robert_Dada.
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SPH
Jun 9, 09 4:30 PM CDT
According to the righties we should not give a shit about those people who don't have the wherewithal to provide for their sunset years...Yikes what are you, some kind of compassionate socialist?.... Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
Jun 9, 09 5:02 PM CDT
No, I'm a compassionate capitalist who would like to see portions of profits directed toward taking care of the disenfranchised in this country. If they want to do it voluntarily a la Bill Gates, great. Otherwise, let's create an equitable tax that preserves reasonable wealth while taking care of everyone else. Hell I'm an atheist and I share more christian ideals than most of the right wing supposed 'Christians' on here.
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