Last updated on: December 19, 2024
Mary Maxwell Gates is an inspiring and strong female. She was the mother of Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft. Mary led an interesting life in which she combined love and support for family, community, and aiding other people. Let’s start looking at who Mary was, what she did, and how she could influence the world.
Quick Facts About Mary Maxwell Gates
Full Name | Mary Maxwell Gates |
Birthdate | July 5, 1929 |
Occupation | Banker, Philanthropist, Community Leader |
Husband/Wife | William H. Gates Sr. (husband) |
Education | University of Washington |
Age at Death | 64 years (died on June 10, 1994) |
Parents | James Willard Maxwell, Adele Thompson |
Siblings | One brother, James Maxwell |
Children | Bill Gates (son), Kristianne Gates Blake (daughter), Libby Gates (daughter) |
Net Worth | <$1 million |
Mary’s Early Life and Family:
Mary Maxwell Gates was born on July 5, 1929, in Seattle, Washington. She came from a supporting and loving family. Her parents were involved within the community, and so did she. She married a renowned lawyer and philanthropist William H. Gates Sr. They have three children, one of them Bill Gates, who will go down in history as a one of the world’s most famous figures related to technology.
A Strong Career in Business
Mary was a dedicated banker, but she didn’t just work in banking. She was also very active in philanthropy. Early in her career, she worked at United Way, a nonprofit organization that helps communities. Indeed, Mary became the first female president of King County’s United Way. This was a big deal, as it was a time when fewer women were in leadership positions.
She also sat on the boards of several organizations that were involved in education, healthcare, and community development. This reflected how much she cared about making the world a better place. Her leadership in business and charity inspired many people around her.
Raising a Family with Values
Mary was as important a mother as she was a career person. She shaped Bill Gates and his siblings to be who they are today. Bill would often talk about how his mother encouraged him to be curious and to follow his passions. She taught her children to be kind, thoughtful, and hardworking. Her love for her children and her guidance helped them succeed in many areas of life.
Bill often says that one of the reasons he was able to achieve much in life was because of his mother. Mary was a career woman, and yet she always had time for her family. She believed in education and community service and instilled these values in her children.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
One of the most important aspects of Mary Maxwell Gates’s life was her commitment to giving back. She and her husband supported many charities and causes. Mary helped found the William H. Gates Foundation in 1994. This foundation eventually became part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is still doing tremendous work in the world today.
As shown from her work, Mary’s efforts helped improve educational aspects, health, and generally, the lives of thousands across different lands. She believed that others could be helped, as is stated with doing so, and indeed was busy in her efforts toward improving people’s conditions within this world.
READ ALSO: Bill Gates Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Legacy and Impact
Mary passed away on June 10, 1994. But her legacy lives. Many are inspired by her work in philanthropy and as a mother and mentor. Even today, the University of Washington named a building, Mary Gates Hall, after her, as it symbolizes her efforts for education and service.
Even though she is no longer with us, her work lives on through her family. Her son, Bill Gates, is a leading philanthropist just like his mother. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that he founded with his ex-wife Melinda continues the work that Mary started. The foundation focuses on global health, poverty, and education, which are causes that Mary would have liked.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com