Jacqueline Mars facts for kids

Jacqueline Mars was born on October 10, 1939. She is an American heiress and investor. This means she inherited a lot of money and invests it. She is the daughter of Audrey Ruth (Meyer) and Forrest Mars Sr.. Her grandfather, Franklin Clarence Mars, started the famous American candy company, Mars Inc..

In November 2023, experts estimated her wealth to be around US$46.6 billion. This made her one of the richest people in the world. In 2023, Forbes magazine said she was the fourth richest woman in the world.

Early Life and Education

Jacqueline Mars was born in 1939. She went to Miss Hall's School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. When she was younger, she loved horses and took part in many horse shows.

In 1961, she graduated from Bryn Mawr College. She studied anthropology, which is the study of human societies and cultures.

Her Career and Wealth

Jacqueline Mars is a very important member of the Mars family. This family started and still owns Mars Incorporated. She owns shares in the company, which means she owns a part of it.

In April 2024, Forbes magazine said her wealth was about $38.5 billion. This made her one of the richest Americans. She was also on the list of "The World's Billionaires."

Jacqueline Mars worked actively for Mars, Inc. starting in 1982. She was the president of the food product group. She spent most of her time working for the Mars Foundation. This is a special group that helps others and is supported by the company. She stopped working in 2001.

In June 2019, Forbes said she was the wealthiest person living in Virginia.

Personal Life

Jacqueline Mars married David H. Badger in 1961. They had three children together. Their names are Alexandra Badger, Stephen M. Badger, and Christa M. Badger. She and David divorced in 1984.

Later, in 1986, she married Harold 'Hank' Vogel. They lived in Bedminster, New Jersey. They divorced in 1994.

Jacqueline Mars and her family are known for living a simple life. They try to stay out of the public eye.

She is a trustee for the United States Equestrian Team. This means she helps guide the team. She also owns an organic farm. This farm is protected forever by the Land Trust of Virginia.

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

Jacqueline Mars helps many organizations. She is on the board of directors for the Washington National Opera. She also helps the National Sporting Library and Fine Arts Museum.

She is part of the National Advisory Council for the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. This group helps to protect American history. It covers an area from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Monticello, which was the home of Thomas Jefferson.

Mars often gives money to the League of Conservation Voters. This group works to protect the environment. She has also given money to the National Air and Space Museum. She supports the Washington Performing Arts Society too. She received the first Heritage Award from the Foundation for the National Archives.

In 2021, she gave $1.25 million to help house a sculpture. The sculpture is called "Angels Unawares" by Timothy Schmalz. It is now at The Catholic University of America.