Palace mourns death of Gokongwei matriarch Elizabeth

“The Palace is saddened by the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Gokongwei yesterday, November 16, just one week after the death of her husband, John,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Sunday. (File Photo: Malacañang/Website)

MANILA — Malacanañg mourned the death of Gokongwei matriarch Elizabeth Yu Gokongwei, just a week after the death of her husband of 61 years, tycoon John Gokongwei Jr.

“The Palace is saddened by the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Gokongwei yesterday, November 16, just one week after the death of her husband, John,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Sunday.

“We express our deep condolences to — and relay our commiseration with — the family, particularly her children, Robina, Lance, Lisa, Faith, Hope and Marcia, friends, colleagues, employees, and loved ones, Mrs. Elizabeth left behind,” he added.

Panelo recalled the advice given by Mr. Gokongwei to “marry a good person for a spouse as she would be an ally in happiness and not a source of misery.”

To Panelo, Elizabeth fit the bill because she “helped in realizing the vision and dream” of one of the greatest business leaders in the country.

“She fully supported the conviction of the businessman who dared. She was founding member of the Robinsons Department Store and headed its Merchandising Department from 1980 to 1992,” he added.

Like her husband, Panelo said Elizabeth was also known for her philanthropy, being a member of the Board of Trustees of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF).

Quoting the couple’s son, Lance, Panelo said she was “the heart and soul of the Gokongwei family.”

Panelo also noted Lance mentioned how his mother would be dearly missed, but found comfort knowing that his parents are together now.

As member of GBF Board of Trustees, the Gokongwei matriarch helped provide education to underprivileged youth.

One of her projects was the awarding of high school scholarships at her alma mater, St. Stephen’s High School to gifted students in 2012.

She also published the coffee table book “My Angkong’s Noodles” which is a compilation of heirloom recipes wherein the book’s profits went to GBF’s scholarships and educational endowments.

On Saturday, Lance confirmed that Elizabeth passed away peacefully at 85-years-old. Details of the private wake were shared only with friends and family.