Barbara Piasecka Johnson

Polish immigrant wed Johnson & Johnson heir John Seward Johnson; inherited 36 million J&J shares when he passed away in 1983. Stock up 6% since January; fortune up $300 million this year thanks to slew of previously uncounted dividends. Waged bitter battle with stepchildren over late husband's estate in 1986; incurred $17 million in legal bills. Converted Princeton, N.J. estate Jasna Polana into lavish golf course in 1996. Now travels around Europe. Renaissance, Baroque art collector recently sold Gentileschi painting at Christie's for $5 million.