Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meredith Lynn Auld (professionally known as Meredith Brokaw) |
| Birth Date | December 25, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Yankton, South Dakota, USA |
| Education | Cottey College (Nevada, Missouri) |
| Occupations | Author, entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known For | Founder of Penny Whistle Toys; children’s and family books; long-standing marriage to journalist Tom Brokaw |
| Miss South Dakota | 1959 |
| Spouse | Tom Brokaw (married August 17, 1962) |
| Children | Jennifer Jean Brokaw (physician), Andrea Brooks Brokaw, Sarah Auld Brokaw (psychotherapist and author) |
| Grandchildren | Five |
| Notable Books | Penny Whistle series; Big Sky Cooking (2006, co-author) |
| Philanthropy | Conservation International (leadership roles); WNET (trustee) |
| Residences | New York City; Montana |
Early Life and Education
Born on Christmas Day in Yankton, South Dakota, Meredith Lynn Auld grew up in the kind of community where neighbors knew your name and character mattered as much as accomplishment. She pursued higher education at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, a women’s liberal arts institution that sharpened her poise, public speaking, and sense of purpose. In 1959, at age 18, she was crowned Miss South Dakota—an early signal of the grace and discipline that would define her decades ahead. That pageant crown wasn’t a destination; it was a compass, pointing her toward service, creativity, and family life.
Marriage and Family
Meredith met Tom Brokaw in high school—she as student body vice president, he as president—two spirited leaders whose partnership would span more than six decades. They married on August 17, 1962, and their enduring bond has been marked by mutual respect, laughter, and resilience. Together they raised three daughters, each charting her own path: Jennifer became an emergency physician; Andrea chose a more private professional life; Sarah became a psychotherapist and author. The family’s core is tight-knit and values-driven, with five grandchildren who gather for holidays and summers under big skies.
Life unfolded between an apartment in New York City and a ranch in Montana, blending urban energy with the contemplative cadence of the American West. When Tom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, Meredith became both anchor and navigator—steadying the ship while their eldest daughter, Jennifer, provided essential medical insight. In 2020, the couple safely escaped a New Year’s Day apartment fire, another instance of weathering the unexpected together.
Entrepreneurship and Authorship
In 1978, Meredith founded Penny Whistle Toys, a New York City shop (with an additional location in Bridgehampton) dedicated to imaginative, educational play. The toy business was less about trendy gadgets and more about sparking curiosity, creativity, and family interaction. She served as president for nearly two decades, stepping down in the late 1990s, leaving behind a loyal customer base and a recognizable brand ethos.
Her writing mirrored that mission. Under the name Meredith Brokaw, she authored the Penny Whistle series—practical, playful guides for parents and kids. Titles like Penny Whistle Party Planner, The Penny Whistle Halloween Book, and Penny Whistle Traveling-with-Kids Book offered activities, crafts, and strategies that turned ordinary days into small celebrations. In 2006, she co-authored Big Sky Cooking, a cookbook steeped in Montana’s flavors and rhythms, where recipes are paired with stories that feel like warm kitchen conversations.
Philanthropy and Public Engagement
Meredith’s public contributions extended beyond storefronts and bookshelves. She served in leadership roles with Conservation International, reflecting a commitment to protecting wild places and the communities who depend on them. As a trustee of WNET, New York’s public television station, she supported educational, cultural, and civic programming. These positions fit the arc of her life: a blend of local action and global awareness, of family focus and community-minded impact.
Recent Mentions and Media
Meredith’s name surfaces sparingly in recent coverage, typically in family contexts or biographical retrospectives. In 2024–2025, references are often connected to Tom’s health updates or longform profiles revisiting their marriage and shared life. She maintains no active public social media presence, with occasional historical tributes appearing from admirers. On video platforms, mentions of Meredith are usually indirect—Tom’s interviews about family and resilience frequently allude to her steady support and formative influence.
A Timeline Measured in Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1940 | Born in Yankton, South Dakota (Dec 25). |
| 1959 | Crowned Miss South Dakota at age 18. |
| Early 1960s | Attends Cottey College; strengthens public speaking and leadership skills. |
| 1962 | Marries Tom Brokaw (Aug 17). |
| 1960s–1970s | Welcomes three daughters: Jennifer, Andrea, Sarah. |
| 1978 | Founds Penny Whistle Toys in New York City (Bridgehampton location follows). |
| 1980s–1990s | Authors the Penny Whistle series of family and children’s books. |
| Late 1990s | Steps down as president of Penny Whistle Toys. |
| 2006 | Co-authors Big Sky Cooking. |
| 2013 | Supports Tom through multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatment. |
| 2018 | Family sells a New York getaway; continues time-split between NYC and Montana. |
| 2020 | Safely escapes New Year’s Day apartment fire with Tom. |
| 2024–2025 | Appears in retrospectives; limited direct media presence. |
Family Snapshot
| Family Member | Relationship | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Brokaw | Spouse | Iconic journalist; married Aug 17, 1962; honors include Presidential Medal of Freedom; diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013. |
| Jennifer Jean Brokaw | Daughter | Emergency physician; instrumental in family health decisions during Tom’s treatment; based in California. |
| Andrea Brooks Brokaw | Daughter | Maintains a lower public profile; married with children; participates in family gatherings. |
| Sarah Auld Brokaw | Daughter | Psychotherapist and author; wrote Fortytude (2011); based in New York. |
| Grandchildren (5) | Extended family | Enjoy time between the city and Montana; names generally kept private. |
FAQ
Who is Meredith Lynn Auld?
She is an American author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for her Penny Whistle books and for her decades-long marriage to journalist Tom Brokaw.
When and where was she born?
December 25, 1940, in Yankton, South Dakota.
What is her educational background?
She attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, a women’s liberal arts school.
What did she found in 1978?
Penny Whistle Toys, a shop focused on imaginative, educational play.
Which books is she known for?
The Penny Whistle series and the cookbook Big Sky Cooking (2006, co-authored).
How many children does she have?
Three daughters: Jennifer, Andrea, and Sarah.
What philanthropic roles has she held?
Leadership at Conservation International and trusteeship at WNET.
Where does she reside?
She divides time between New York City and Montana.
Is she active on social media?
No, she maintains a minimal public digital footprint.
Has she appeared on YouTube?
Indirectly—she is often mentioned in interviews featuring Tom Brokaw discussing family and resilience.
