Mary MacLeod was the grandmother of Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States. She was born in Scotland and had a journey that brought her to the United States, where she became an important figure in the Trump family. This article is her life story, her heritage, and the legacy she created.
Quick Facts About Mary MacLeod
| Full Name | Mary MacLeod |
| Birthdate | 1867 |
| Occupation | Socialite, Philanthropist |
| Husband/Wife | Fred Trump (married January 11, 1936) |
| Died | 17 December 1963 |
| Age at Death | 96 years old |
| Parents | Mary MacAulay, Donald Smith |
| Grandchildren | Donald Trump, Robert Trump, Fred Trump Jr., Maryanne Trump Barry, Elizabeth Trump Grau |
| Children | Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, Christina Matheson |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life in Scotland
Mary Anne MacLeod was born on 1867, in Tong village on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. She was the tenth child of ten in her family. Her father was Malcolm MacLeod, a fisherman and crofter. Her mother was Mary Ann MacLeod, whose family had roots in the area. Growing up in a small village, Mary Anne’s early years were shaped by her Scottish heritage, including the Gaelic language spoken in her home.
She had lots of relatives already in the United States, Canada, and Australia from her own family. It influenced Mary Anne to find a better life elsewhere. Mary Anne moved to America in 1930 when she was only 18 years old and left Scotland.
Moving to the United States
When Mary Anne was 18 years old, she went to New York City in search of a better life. She started working as a domestic and a nanny, but then the Great Depression struck and jobs disappeared. She went back to Scotland temporarily in 1934, only to return to New York later.
Her experience is an excellent testament to the numerous immigrants who came to the U.S. during those times seeking a new life. Mary Anne was set on creating a new life and giving something back to her new nation.
Meeting Fred Trump
During her residence in New York, Mary Anne got acquainted with Fred Trump, a prosperous real estate developer. Fred was a United States-born individual whose parents were German immigrant parents. Mary Anne and Fred got married on January 11, 1936, at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. Mary Anne and Fred’s wedding was a memorable one, taking place at the historic Carlyle Hotel, and it was followed by a honeymoon trip to Atlantic City.
Mary Anne and Fred had five children together: Maryanne, Fred Jr., Elizabeth, Donald, and Robert. Mary Anne was a good mother, although her life was not always simple. Following the birth of Robert, she was required to have an emergency hysterectomy. In spite of all the difficulties, she brought up her children with love and care.
A Life of Charity and Faith
Mary Anne was a reserved but engaged member of her community. While Fred Trump was busy with his real estate company, she was busy giving back. She was most notably known for her philanthropy, particularly for cerebral palsy and intellectual disability causes. She donated her time at hospitals and with such organizations as the Women’s Auxiliary of Jamaica Hospital. Mary Anne was also instrumental in financing medical buildings within New York, such as a nursing home pavilion dedicated in her name.
She also brought up her children in the Presbyterian religion, which was central to the life of the Trump family. Donald Trump himself has frequently discussed his religious upbringing with his family.
Later Years and Death
Mary Anne gained citizenship as a U.S. citizen in 1942. Her older age was spent in New Hyde Park, New York. Her later life remained comparatively calm. Mary Anne died on August 7, 2000. She died at the age of 88. Mary Anne is buried in New York City, Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery.
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Her Legacy
Mary Anne MacLeod Trump left a lasting legacy. Her life mirrors the immigrant experience in America—the hope, the hard work, and the value of family. As grandmother to Donald Trump, she was significant in the Trump family’s rise. Her values of hard work, charity, and religion have defined the family for generations.
Mary Anne’s life demonstrates how an individual’s life can change lives. She started from a little village in Scotland and ended up being a member of one of America’s most famous families. Her life is one of tenacity, love, and striving for a better life in a foreign land.
