Campbell Soup Heiress Mary Alice Dorrance Malone Passes Away at 75

Wellington, Florida, USA - On June 16, 2025, Mary Alice Dorrance Malone, aged 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Wellington, Florida. A vital part of the Campbell Soup Company legacy, Malone was not only a billionaire heiress but also a passionate horse breeder who founded Iron Spring Farm, renowned for its thoroughbred performance and breeding initiatives. Her life intertwined with business, philanthropy, and the equestrian world, leaving an indelible mark in all three spheres.

Mary Alice was the granddaughter of John T. Dorrance, the visionary behind the condensed soup formula and Campbell’s president from 1914 to 1930. Following in her family’s footsteps, she served on the Campbell board for 35 years, making her the longest-serving director in its history. When her father, John T. Dorrance Jr., passed away in 1989, she and her two brothers inherited a significant stake in the company, positioning her as the largest shareholder with about 18% of the company valued at over $1.7 billion, as reported by Courier-Post.

Business Legacy and Impact

It’s worth noting that Malone’s connection to Campbell’s went beyond her financial stake. She was deeply involved in the company, even after it waived rules preventing board renomination past the age of 72, recognizing her status as a descendant of the founder. Today, the board includes two members from the Dorrance family, signaling a continued commitment to maintaining the family’s influence within the company. Her passion for Campbell’s was underscored by the significant net sales of $9.6 billion last year from its Meals & Beverages and Snacks units.

Besides her corporate ties, Malone had a deep appreciation for equestrian sports, which led her to establish Iron Spring Farm in 1976. Spanning both Pennsylvania and Florida, the farm not only bred horses but also provided performance centers, reflecting her dedication to the sport. In 2023, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from KWPN-NA, showcasing her contributions to horse breeding.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Mary Alice’s life was multifaceted. She held a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and had two children with her former husband, Stuart Malone, from whom she divorced in the mid-1990s. Living in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, she maintained a significant presence in both her local and equestrian communities. The lifestyle she led, buoyed by a net worth estimated at approximately $3.9 billion as of late 2024, allowed her to support a variety of philanthropic causes, especially in arts and community development.

Despite her public persona, she faced challenges, including an extortion attempt from a former cook who threatened to expose her private life. Such incidents, however, did not diminish her resolve or capacity to influence both the business and equestrian realms effectively.

As the Campbell Soup Company begins discussions on electing a new board member in light of her passing, the legacy of Mary Alice Dorrance Malone is sure to resonate. Her contributions to both the soup giant and the equestrian world represent a significant chapter in the intertwined stories of business and passion. With her death, the worlds she cherished lose a fierce advocate, yet her impact will undoubtedly persist for generations to come.