Irene Astor, Baroness Astor of Hever facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lady Astor of Hever
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| Born |
Irene Violet Freesia Janet Augusta Haig
7 October 1919 |
| Died | 12 August 2001 (aged 81) |
| Spouse(s) |
Gavin Astor, 2nd Baron Astor of Hever
(m. 1945; died 1984) |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) | Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig Dorothy Maud Vivian |
| Relatives | Hussey Vivian, 3rd Baron Vivian (grandfather) George Haig, 2nd Earl Haig (brother) |
| Family | Astor family |
Irene Astor, also known as Baroness Astor of Hever, was an English woman who helped many people. She was born Irene Violet Freesia Janet Augusta Haig on 7 October 1919. She was known for her work as a philanthropist, which means she gave a lot of her time and money to help others. She was part of the famous Astor family.
Irene Astor led the Sunshine Fund for Blind Children for many years. From 1947 to 1989, she helped raise over £14 million for this charity. She also served as a vice president for the Royal National Institute of Blind People from 1977 until she passed away in 2001.
Early Life and Family
Irene Astor was born Lady Irene Violet Freesia Janet Augusta Haig. She was born on 7 October 1919. She was the youngest of four children. Her father was Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig, a famous military officer. Her mother was Dorothy Maud Vivian.
When Irene was just 12 days old, her father became an Earl. This meant she was given the title "Lady." Her older siblings were Lady Alexandra, Lady Victoria, and George Haig, 2nd Earl Haig.
Helping Others During Her Career
During World War II, Irene Astor worked for the British Red Cross. The Red Cross helps people who are hurt or affected by wars and disasters. She also helped with the Girls' Training Corps. This group helped train young women during the war.
Irene's most important work was helping blind children. She was the chairman of the Sunshine Fund for Blind Children. She held this role for 42 years, from 1947 to 1989. During her time, she helped raise more than £14 million. This money helped many blind children.
She was also a vice president for the Royal National Institute for the Blind. She held this position from 1977 until her death in 2001. She dedicated much of her life to supporting people with visual impairments.
Personal Life and Family
Irene Haig married Gavin Astor, 2nd Baron Astor of Hever on 4 October 1945. Gavin later became the 2nd Baron Astor of Hever. When her husband inherited his title in 1971, she became Lady Astor of Hever.
They had five children together:
- John Astor, 3rd Baron Astor of Hever (born 1946)
- Bridget Mary Astor (1948–2017)
- Elizabeth Louise Astor (born 1951)
- Sarah Violet Astor (born 1953)
- Philip Douglas Paul Astor (born 1959)
Irene Astor passed away on 12 August 2001.
