Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, the mother of News Corp. Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch and a woman renowned in Australia for her tireless philanthropy, died yesterday. She was 103.
Dame Elisabeth, who leaves three surviving children, passed away at her home at Cruden Farm, south of Melbourne, surrounded by loved ones.
She left a legacy as an energetic supporter of more than 100 charities and causes, from health and education to the arts. When she turned 100, then-Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described her as “a centenarian on wheels with turbo charge.’’
In a statement, Rupert Murdoch said, “We have lost the most wonderful mother, but we are all grateful to have had her love and wisdom for so many years.
“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.’’
Elisabeth Joy Greene was born in Melbourne on Feb. 8, 1909.
When she was 18, a photo of the debutante in the gossip magazine Table Talk caught the eye of Keith Murdoch, the 42-year-old bachelor editor of The Herald.
They married in June 1928. She was widowed in 1952.
Dame Elisabeth is survived by her son, Rupert, and daughters, Anne Kantor and Janet Calvert-Jones. Her eldest daughter, Helen Handbury, died in 2004.
News Corp. owns The Post.
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