Barbara Daly Baekeland

Barbara Daly Baekeland
Born	Barbara Daly September 28, 1921 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died	November 17, 1972 (aged 51) London, England, United Kingdom
Cause of death	Homicide
Nationality	American
Occupation	Socialite
Spouse(s)	Brooks Baekeland (m. 1942; div. 1967)
Children	Antony Baekeland

Barbara Daly Baekeland (September 28, 1921 – November 17, 1972) was an American socialite who was murdered by her son, Antony Baekeland. She was the wife of Brooks Baekeland, the grandson of Leo Baekeland, the inventor of Bakelite plastic.

Early life

Barbara Daly was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a wealthy family. Her father, who was a successful industrialist, committed suicide when she was young, leaving her and her mother in a precarious financial situation. Despite this, Barbara and her mother moved to New York City, where Barbara became a prominent figure in high society.

Marriage to Brooks Baekeland

In 1942, Barbara married Brooks Baekeland, the heir to the Bakelite fortune. The couple had one child, Antony Baekeland, born in 1946. The marriage was tumultuous, marked by infidelity and mental health issues. Barbara's mental health deteriorated over the years, and she was known for her erratic behavior.

Relationship with Antony Baekeland

Barbara had a close and complex relationship with her son, Antony. She was highly protective and controlling, which strained their relationship. Antony struggled with his own mental health issues, and their relationship became increasingly volatile.

Murder

On November 17, 1972, Barbara Daly Baekeland was murdered by her son, Antony, in their London apartment. Antony, who had a history of mental illness, was charged with her murder and subsequently institutionalized.

Legacy

Barbara Daly Baekeland's life and death have been the subject of numerous books and films, including the 2007 film Savage Grace, in which she was portrayed by Julianne Moore.

See also

• Bakelite
• Leo Baekeland
• Savage Grace