Ayala matriarch Bea Zobel de Ayala dies

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

Bea Zobel de Ayala, wife of Jaime Zobel de Ayala and matriarch of one of the country’s oldest and most influential business conglomerates, died yesterday, Sept. 23, her family announced. She was 88.

Unlike her husband, Bea wasn’t directly involved in running the family’s diverse business interests. A devout Catholic, she devoted her time instead to philanthropy work by being active in such organizations as the Catholic Women’s League. She also supported charities directly involved in uplifting inmates at Bilibid Prison and patients at Tala Leprosarium, as well as wards of Elsie Gaches Village and Tuloy Foundation.

Born in Madrid, Spain on Feb. 29, 1936, the former Beatriz Miranda Barcon is survived by her husband Jaime and their children Jaime Augusto, Fernando, Bea Jr., Patsy, Cristina, Monica and Sofia, as well as the couple’s children-in-law and grandchildren.