Abby Aldrich was born on October 26, 1874 in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1893, Abby spent four months in Europe, where she began a lifelong interest in art collecting. Upon her return in 1894, she made the acquaintance of John D. Rockefeller Jr. whom she married on October 9, 1901.

Throughout her life, Abby was actively involved in a number of organizations and activities at the Riverside and 5th Avenue Baptist Churches, as well as other groups, such as the American Red Cross, the YWCA, the Building Committee of International House, the Mayflower Descendents, and the Garden Club of America.

Throughout the years, Abby's interest in art flourished and in 1929, largely through her time and effort, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was established. In addition to donating from her private art collection, she also contributed her time. Between the years 1929 and 1945, she held a number of positions in the museum, including the post of First Vice President. She also supported the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Ludwell-Paradise House at Colonial Williamsburg. Abby died in New York on April 5, 1948.