Jane du Pont Lunger

Who was Jane du Pont Lunger?

Jane du Pont Lunger was an American heiress, philanthropist, and an owner/breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses. A sixth generation member of Delaware's prominent Du Pont family, her father, Philip Francis du Pont, was a major benefactor to the University of Virginia.

In 1934, Jane du Pont married Harry W. Lunger who worked at All American Aviation Company, a company founded by Richard du Pont and based in Wilmington, Delaware. During 1936-1937 the Lungers built "Oberod," a stone mansion on rural acreage at 400 Burnt Mill Road in the Brandywine River Valley about 8 miles from downtown Wilmington, Delaware. Oberod is now owned by the Wilmington-base LabWare corporation, who use it as a training facility and to host special events.

In 2005, the Jane du Pont Lunger Residual Charitable Trust donated $250,000 to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Inc. which underwrites veterinary research projects dedicated to the well being of horses. Her estate and family are major contributors to the Delaware Art Museum.