Dame Elisabeth with her son Rupert in 2005. Photo / AP
Known for philanthropic deeds, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was remembered as a woman of "kindness and grace".
Rupert Murdoch, not known for his soft side, has thanked the Australian public for the appreciation that has followed the death of his mother yesterday at 103.
"Many thanks for condolences about my mum.
A great lady, wife, mother and citizen. 193 yo, but still a blow," the media mogul tweeted, before correcting her age: "No, 103 yo! There are limits!"
Described by Prime Minister Julia Gillard as a woman of "kindness, humility and grace" and by former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser as "without peer, without equal", Dame Elisabeth touched thousands with her generosity to the arts and medicine. She died at her Cruden farm home in Melbourne's outer southeast.
She had three children, 50 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. Her funeral is expected to be private, although Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu said she would be honoured with a state memorial service.
