LOS ANGELES (AP) – Betsy Bloomingdale, the widow of a department store heir who hobnobbed with the world’s elite and was best friends with former first lady Nancy Reagan, has died. She was 93.
Her daughter-in-law says Bloomingdale died Tuesday at her Los Angeles home from congestive heart failure.
Bloomingdale was married to Alfred S. Bloomingdale for about 36 years.
A socialite and philanthropist, she was renowned for her high-fashion style – she once was fined for a customs violation while bringing Dior gowns into the country.
She also was known for holding charity parties and entertaining Hollywood stars and world leaders.