Socialite, Philanthropist, Preservationist, Daughter of Lawrence Lewis Gillespie; a banker; and Irene Muriel Sherman, a descendant of Roger Williams. Widow of John J. Slocum (d. 1997); a prominent coin collector and diplomat. Grand doyenne of Newport "Old Guard" and Republican party stalwart. Educated at Miss Hewitt's Classes on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, she learned to be precise in vocabulary and diction. "If you have to use your hands when you speak, you're not communicating well enough in words" she would say. Engaged to marry John Jacob Astor VI (d. 1992); son of John J. Astor IV, who perished on the sinking of the Titanic; she broke off the engagement, later marrying John J. Slocum in 1940. An exotic traveller during her early married years, she spent a duration of her time in Egypt, where her husband served as diplomat. Purchasing in 1961, from her aunt, the family's historic residence on Bellevue Avenue at Newport, Rhode Island, she developed a notable collection of early American art and family oil paintings. Upon her husband's retirement from public service in 1970, she was free to pursue her own political interests, attending as a delegate from Rhode Island the Republican National Convention in 1972 at Miami Beach, Florida. Serving with her cousin, Mrs. John Drexel (Noreen Stonor Drexel), as co-committeewoman of the Rhode Island Republican National Committee, she held annual republican fundraising galas at her Bellevue Avenue home, often entertaining past and present presidents when they visited Newport; her fundraising efforts earning her numerous honors. Passing away quietly in her ninety-second year, her silk-lined casket was placed in the pink drawing room of her Bellevue Avenue residence, being displayed and opened to the public, just as she had requested.
Bio by: Bobby Kelley
Bio by: Bobby Kelley
Socialite, Philanthropist, Preservationist, Daughter of Lawrence Lewis Gillespie; a banker; and Irene Muriel Sherman, a descendant of Roger Williams. Widow of John J. Slocum (d. 1997); a prominent coin collector and diplomat. Grand doyenne of Newport "Old Guard" and Republican party stalwart. Educated at Miss Hewitt's Classes on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, she learned to be precise in vocabulary and diction. "If you have to use your hands when you speak, you're not communicating well enough in words" she would say. Engaged to marry John Jacob Astor VI (d. 1992); son of John J. Astor IV, who perished on the sinking of the Titanic; she broke off the engagement, later marrying John J. Slocum in 1940. An exotic traveller during her early married years, she spent a duration of her time in Egypt, where her husband served as diplomat. Purchasing in 1961, from her aunt, the family's historic residence on Bellevue Avenue at Newport, Rhode Island, she developed a notable collection of early American art and family oil paintings. Upon her husband's retirement from public service in 1970, she was free to pursue her own political interests, attending as a delegate from Rhode Island the Republican National Convention in 1972 at Miami Beach, Florida. Serving with her cousin, Mrs. John Drexel (Noreen Stonor Drexel), as co-committeewoman of the Rhode Island Republican National Committee, she held annual republican fundraising galas at her Bellevue Avenue home, often entertaining past and present presidents when they visited Newport; her fundraising efforts earning her numerous honors. Passing away quietly in her ninety-second year, her silk-lined casket was placed in the pink drawing room of her Bellevue Avenue residence, being displayed and opened to the public, just as she had requested.
Bio by: Bobby Kelley
Bio by: Bobby Kelley
