Beatriz Zobel de Ayala passes away at 88

Ayala family matriarch Beatriz Zobel de Ayala has passed away at the age of 88.

Ayala Corporation, one of the oldest and biggest conglomerates in the country, confirmed the death of Beatriz, also known as Doña Bea, on Sept. 23.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beatriz Zobel de Ayala,” the company said in a statement, adding that the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

Born in Madrid on February 29, 1936, Beatriz is the wife of Ayala Corp. chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala. She was a philanthropist active in the Catholic Women's League.

She is survived by her husband and their children Jaime Augusto, Fernando, Bea, Patsy, Cristina, Monica and Sofia.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m. at the Santuario de San Antonio Church, Forbes Park in Makati City.

The Ayala Group said that in lieu of flowers, donations to Beatriz's favorite charities Friends of Elsie Gaches and Tuloy Foundation, would be highly appreciated.

Elsie Gaches Village is a home for children with developmental disorders in Muntinlupa City. Meanwhile, the Tuloy Foundation is a charitable organization focusing on marginalized youth founded by Marciano G. Evangelista of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Another organization, Care Share Serve Give Philippines paid tribute to Beatriz in a social media post.

“Despite her family’s success and status, Doña Bea kept a low profile and devoted much of her time doing philanthropy through her active participation in the Catholic Women’s League and her support for the charities at the Bilibid Prison and Tala Leprosarium. May she and all the faithfully departed rest in peace,” it said. (with reports Richmond Mercurio)