Gokongwei matriarch dies a week after her husband

Elizabeth Yu Gokongwei—the matriarch of one of the country’s wealthiest families—passed away on Saturday, exactly a week after the death of her husband of 61 years, John Gokongwei Jr.

This was announced in a statement by their son, Lance, who said that their 85-year-old mother “passed away peacefully” on Nov. 16, a day after his father was laid to rest.

Sources close to the family said Mrs. Gokongwei was tired from the five-week hospitalization of her husband, and subsequently suffered a stroke for which she was put on a ventilator. She had previously expressed her desire to decline life support machines, another source said.

The couple are survived by their children Robina, Lance, Lisa, Faith, Hope and Marcia.

Details of the private wake details will be shared with friends and family.