Brooke Astor marks 105th birthday

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y., March 31 (UPI) -- The family feud over the care of New York philanthropist Brooke Astor apparently took some of the cheer out of her 105th birthday party.

Astor celebrated quietly with a few friends and family members, the New York Post reported. But her son, Anthony Marshall, was not at the party.

The widow of Vincent Astor, who inherited one of New York's great fortunes, was recently involved in a legal battle between her son and grandson. Philip Marshall claimed that his father neglected Astor and had been using her money for his own purposes.

Philip Marshall was at the party at Astor's estate in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., the Post reported. His daughters sang "Happy Birthday" and his twin brother was also in attendance.

David Rockefeller and Annette de la Renta were among the guests.

Anthony Marshall visited his mother earlier in the day, bringing her pink azaleas.