Noted for her charitable works. Brought up in London, the daughter of Alexander Brodie of Arnhall, a merchant who had grown wealth trading with India. She married George, the 5th Duke of Gordon, in 1813 and the couple maintained homes at Huntly Lodge, Gordon Castle and in Edinburgh's Old Town. She became Mistress of the Robes to Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV, in 1830.
Without a family of her own, the Duchess became deeply concerned for the welfare of children. She gave generously to projects involving schools, known as the 'Gordon Schools', and to the church, earning her the soubriquet of 'the good Duchess'.