Elisabeth Murdoch, mother of News Corp. tycoon Rupert and a famed philanthropist, has died at the age of 103, Australian news reports said yesterday.
Murdoch, who was appointed a dame for her charitable work by Queen Elizabeth in 1963, passed away at her home in the suburbs of Melbourne, the Australian Associated Press news agency reported.
"We have lost the most wonderful mother but we are all grateful to have had her love and wisdom for so many years," her son Rupert Murdoch said in a statement quoted by AAP.
"Throughout her life, our mother demonstrated the very best qualities of true public service. Her energy and personal commitment made our country a more hopeful place and she will be missed by many."
The widow of Australian journalist and newspaper publisher Keith Murdoch, she was admitted to hospital in September after a fall in her home in which she broke her leg.
"Dame Elisabeth was a philanthropist of the old school, quietly helping dozens of causes and charities with minimum fanfare," the Sydney Morning Herald said.
"She was interested in everybody and everything, equally comfortable with a gardener in overalls as she was with a governor-general in full regalia," it added.