Socialite. The wife of former New York Governor and the 41st Vice President of the United States Nelson Rockefeller, she held the distinction as being the Second Lady of the United States from 1974 until 1977. Born Margaretta Large Fitler, into a wealthy family, she was raised on Philadelphia's Main Line in luxury with privileges. She received her education at the Shipley School and during World War II, she was a driver for the Women's Volunteer Service located in Philadelphia. Happy was previously married to a physician (a friend of the Rockefeller family), prior to her union with Nelson. She had served as a campaign volunteer, when their relationship evolved into a scandalous romance. Rockefeller (who ran an unsuccessful campaign for president in 1960) divorced his first wife of more than thirty-years in 1962. Rockefeller (eighteen years her senior) married Happy in 1963 and their union produced two sons. She traveled and campaigned with Rockefeller during his unsuccessful bid to secure the Republican nomination in 1964, which went to Barry Goldwater. Many believe his divorce as a result of their affair cost him the primary. She became the Second Lady of the United States, when Rockefeller became the Vice President under President Gerald Ford. Not long after Rockefeller became Vice President, Happy was diagnosed with breast cancer which required a double mastectomy. Due to her high profile status, the concept of breast cancer awareness and early detection was brought to the national forefront. Ironically, the First Lady Betty Ford was also dealing with breast cancer during this time period. After Rockefeller's death in 1979, she maintained the family's philanthropic causes.
Socialite. The wife of former New York Governor and the 41st Vice President of the United States Nelson Rockefeller, she held the distinction as being the Second Lady of the United States from 1974 until 1977. Born Margaretta Large Fitler, into a wealthy family, she was raised on Philadelphia's Main Line in luxury with privileges. She received her education at the Shipley School and during World War II, she was a driver for the Women's Volunteer Service located in Philadelphia. Happy was previously married to a physician (a friend of the Rockefeller family), prior to her union with Nelson. She had served as a campaign volunteer, when their relationship evolved into a scandalous romance. Rockefeller (who ran an unsuccessful campaign for president in 1960) divorced his first wife of more than thirty-years in 1962. Rockefeller (eighteen years her senior) married Happy in 1963 and their union produced two sons. She traveled and campaigned with Rockefeller during his unsuccessful bid to secure the Republican nomination in 1964, which went to Barry Goldwater. Many believe his divorce as a result of their affair cost him the primary. She became the Second Lady of the United States, when Rockefeller became the Vice President under President Gerald Ford. Not long after Rockefeller became Vice President, Happy was diagnosed with breast cancer which required a double mastectomy. Due to her high profile status, the concept of breast cancer awareness and early detection was brought to the national forefront. Ironically, the First Lady Betty Ford was also dealing with breast cancer during this time period. After Rockefeller's death in 1979, she maintained the family's philanthropic causes.
Bio by: C.S.
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