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Elisabeth Murdoch
Elisabeth Murdoch
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Elisabeth Murdoch Obituary
News Ltd., the Australian media company headed by her son, confirmed her death.
She died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by family members in her garden estate outside Melbourne. She had been hospitalized in September after a bad fall in which she broke her leg.
"We have lost the most wonderful mother but we are all grateful to have had her love and wisdom for so many years," Rupert Murdoch said in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
Rupert Murdoch, 81, has said that his mother's long life was evidence that he would be able to continue leading News Corp., the global media company which he founded, for many years.
Dame Elisabeth was a patron of the arts and contributed to an estimated 100 charities annually. She was the wife of Sir Keith Murdoch, a journalist and newspaper publisher, and the mother of four children - Rupert Murdoch, Anne Kantor, Janet Calvert-Jones, and Helen Handbury, who died in 2004.
She has 77 direct descendants, including 50 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Her family said arrangements for a memorial service were still being decided, but that the funeral was expected to be private.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
534 Entries
Sharyn Lucas
March 10, 2015
Such a wonderful woman
Chrissy Stewart
December 23, 2013
One year has gone since you left us i still think of you often as i drive passed Cruden Farm daily. Your never far from my thoughts.R.I.P beautiful lady....
Jan Skillen
September 16, 2013
What a wonderful and inspiring person she was! She seemed to have all and only the best of human qualities. If only there were more people like her in public life!
January 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
How you can show support
paul white
January 9, 2013
To this day and everyday I will always remember the kindness of Dame Elisabeth and Janet cj
Sharon Anne Davies
January 5, 2013
Many lives enriched-those who knew her, those who knew OF her, but having known her either way, she will be the spirit at the edge of memory until our own end. Bless you lovely Dame Elisabeth.
Carla & Steve Miller
January 1, 2013
A great lady at rest, will be greatly missed by all.
Jane Denny
December 30, 2012
you will be truly missed
Lisa Maxfield
December 29, 2012
Rest in peace ???gracious lady
Rachel Quarrell
December 28, 2012
Rest in peace my dear.This country thanks you for what you have done for it.
December 25, 2012
Victorians , Australians and the world has been blessed to have had such a wonderful gracious lady, may she rest in peace with her beloved Keith. My passed away 3 years ago she was 97 and a huge fan of Dame Elisabeth, she had piles of cuttings from the news papers of Dame Elisabeth she true.y loved her and her visits to Vrusin farm. RIP
Julie Musgrave
December 23, 2012
What a wonderful lady who was loved by all. I remember going to Cruden Farm when I was a young child. Thankyou for allowing us to have our wedding photos in your beautiful garden and for having your stables cleaned because the weather wasn't very kind to us. I will also treasure the hand written letter you wrote to us telling us we were welcome to have our photos taken in your gardens.You were "one of a kind." Also a mention to your wonderful friend Queenie who I had the pleasure of meeting.Love Julie xx
Rhonda Fawcett
December 22, 2012
What a wonderful Lady, a true inspiration to all.
Dame Elisabeth lived a life of graciousness,integrity, honesty,
a true role model to the planet!
Lorraine Buck
December 22, 2012
A true inspiration. A wonderful lady.
Vale. Will be at Cruden Farm on Christmas Eve for the carols in memory of her.
Ian Smith
December 20, 2012
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
December 20, 2012
Rest In Peace Australia's beautiful angel, please watch over us all.
Vale Dame Elisabeth
Robyn Rich
December 20, 2012
An inspiration, with her garden and her life.
Janice Reid (nee Dinsdale)
December 19, 2012
Australia has lost a wonderful lady and we now look forward to seeing a bright star above. Celebrating a life well lived and loved by all. I will cherish the memories of Dame Elisabeth and my childhood spent at Cruden Farm, forever.
On behalf of my mother (Mrs Joan Dinsdale) who worked at Cruden Farm 1970/80
December 19, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Anita Earle
December 19, 2012
Dame Elisabeth we have been deeply touched by the Great Love with which you have Lived your Life, thereby touching all who were within its sphere.
That supports the statement made by your son Rupert, on how your influence stretched over a century, and pretty much across Planet Earth.
You are a truly remarkable Lady, and of all the wonderful gifts with which you blessed this world, the one that touches me most deeply and personally, is the point re-iterated by Rupert:
the most satisfying aspect of your life, was your marriage to Keith.
Keith was 42 and you were 19.
The society hostesses said it was preposterous.
With true grace you sloughed off the negativities.
The fulfilment of this Love has blessed us all, and should inspire all men and women to Love each other so well, that when the person has passed on, the Love continues to enrich and nourish.
RIP to the most inspiring, loving and gracious woman I have ever had the privilege to encounter, albeit vicariously, through the media.
Love is Eternal.
Marilyn Perry
December 19, 2012
A wonderful role model who led a full and satisfying life privately as well as publicly until the day she died. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
Vale Dame Elisabeth
Amanda Lewis
December 19, 2012
A Truly magnificent lady. You will be sadly missed. You touched and will continue to touch our hearts forever
cissy lee
December 18, 2012
R.I.P, good person always blessed by god.
K KAPADIA
December 18, 2012
You have been a great source of inspiration for many of us, Dame Elisabeth!
Pamela Goy
December 18, 2012
Australia has lost a shining star, who will be sadly missed.
Wendy Harris
December 18, 2012
What a beautiful lady, her lovely face says it all.
Jo Sinclair
December 18, 2012
God Bless a Great Dame. What a wonderful human, loved by all!
Jo Sinclair
December 18, 2012
What an amazing Lady, you were a true inspiration to all people and although I did not know you I will miss you! RIP
Pete Learmonth
December 18, 2012
You were a gem in the universe. You gave so much of yourself and helped so many. You will never be forgotten.
Steve Colman
December 18, 2012
It should be compulsory for people like her to live to at least 103.
December 18, 2012
thank you for helping society.you will allways be rememberd will love.
Jo Wallace
December 18, 2012
Dame Elisabeth understood her responsibility that came with financial advantage and shared that advantage with an open heart and generous spirit. I didn't know her personally but she seemed grounded and warm. A truly selfless lady who will always be in our hearts.
Kerry Cooper
December 18, 2012
The last of the Great Dames.
She lived her life with such grace and generosity.
An inspiration to all.
R.I.P Elisabeth.
Thyra
December 18, 2012
An amazing lady, who was able to enrich and inspire the lives of so many, for me by just being ??
Judi Lucas
December 18, 2012
Gone but never forgotten in the hearts of so many people. You were an inspiration to us all. Your love of nature and your beautiful home and garden will always remain with me. We have lost a true Australian treasure. Rest In Peace dear lady, you have done so much for so many.
Jenny Wall
December 18, 2012
Such a beautiful positive lady who showed so much kindness, compassion to so many and was a good friend to many people as well. Not only was she helping different charities she was much more than that, she was a mother, a wife and a very good gardener.
Johnh Minogue
December 18, 2012
Abeautiful lady rest.
Margaret Jennings
December 18, 2012
A person to be admired and commended for her contributions to so many elements of life. Thank you .
JULIE JOHINKE
December 18, 2012
Thank you for your inspirational, generous work and your kindness, wisdom, hard work and tenacity, using your wealth for good. You were an inspiration and fantastic role model. Thank you.
Nanette Fox
December 18, 2012
An amazing lady. A life well-lived. Dame Elisabeth has left a legacy of great works that benefit many, particularly with the Children's Hospital and the Arts. An inspiring to many.
Diana Tannhauser
December 18, 2012
Farewell to a very special and gracious lady, who gave so much to others and was a true inspiration. Dame Elisabeth, you will be truly missed. Rest in peace.
The Hughes Family
December 18, 2012
A beautiful and gracious lady
A truly proud Australian
A kind and caring human being
A wonderful example of a life well lived.
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, thank you for all you have done for Victoria, it is now your time to rest in peace, with our thanks.
Colleen Schneider
December 18, 2012
Australia has lost a beautiful icon who had the voice of an aristocrat and the heart of an angel. Lady Elizabeth Murdoch was one of a kind, a unique individual whose kindness and caring will be hard to replicate.
Robyn Nelson
December 18, 2012
What a beautiful euoglogy from Rupert, and what a DAME. Australia will miss her. There will be no other like her
Vanessa
December 18, 2012
Thanks for opening Cruden Farm to so many charities and for your support of music in Melbourne. You will be missed.
December 18, 2012
Your beautiful smile shall live in my heart forever. Susan
Tamara Waters
December 18, 2012
A wonderful person who was and is totally inspirational - my condolances to the family - Tami
Rita
December 18, 2012
So sad she has gone,but so so glad she was here RIP
Christopher Knox
December 17, 2012
Vale Dame Elisabeth, I was honoured to meet you once, & I will never forget your gentleness and sense of humour
Joshua Brooker
December 17, 2012
I called Cruden Farm 5 years ago to get support for a campaign I was about to start. I almost fainted when Dame Elisabeth Murdoch answered the phone. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch spoke to me at length and I could feel her love and compassion radiate down the line. She was such a kind, loyal and generous Lady. Lots of Love Joshua Brooker <3
December 17, 2012
Surely one of the most inspirational women of our time. May Dame Elisabeth rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her.
Louise McLaren
December 17, 2012
A life well spent. Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Robyn Benfer
December 17, 2012
The beauty of her soul shone through her eyes and smile. How blessed we are to have such a women grace our earth.
Michael Hewitt-Gleeson
December 17, 2012
One of Australia's longtime examples of chivalry par excellance, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE.
Recently I was watching Andre Denton interview Dame Elisabeth on his television series Elders when she was in her 100th year. He was asking her about famous last words of wisdom by people who have lived many years. She reached into her handbag and fossicked until she found the piece of paper she was looking for. Then she read a quotation she had written down. She read it twice: “No personal god need be worshipped for us to live in amazement at the beauty and immensity of creation”. She then added with a twinkling smile, “I think that's good!”
Danielle Gray
December 17, 2012
I have only admired a few other people (2 family members of mine) as much as I have admired Dame Elisabeth. I met her at Cruden Farm at an open day a month after her 100th birthday and despite not saying much as I was very nervous to be meeting my hero, I was absolutely thrilled to have briefly spoken to her. She embodied every quality I admire and I was very saddened to hear of her passing. I have often thought that the Murdoch family are extrordinarily lucky to have such a family member.
Maybe she rest in peace with Sir Keith. My condolences to the Murdoch family on their loss of such a special and irreplaceable person.
Maggie
December 17, 2012
Dame Elizabeth - a gracious lady. of an age that has now passed Australia by. We shall not see their like again. Rest in Peace thou good and faithful servant.
Rhonda Baker
December 17, 2012
Inspirational
Selena Walker
December 17, 2012
An Amazing life lead by and Amazing woman, ann inspiration to us all!
Terri Culkin
December 17, 2012
I have never seen such kindness and compassion as Lady Elisabeth had in her face and eyes. Makes me proud to share my nationality with her. Sympathy to the family.
Ann Day
December 17, 2012
I really really admired you, you are an eternal inspiration, with values the emodern world should reflect upon. I will plant a "Dame Elizabeth" rose in your memory.
Maureen Kealy
December 17, 2012
May you rest in peace special lady , Dame Elisabeth Murdoch , no words could describe how special a lady you were .....
December 17, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christine Birmingham
December 17, 2012
Rest in peace beautiful lady. May your legacy live on.
Sue Allister
December 17, 2012
Remarkable woman. May you rest in peace with the angels
Leanne
December 17, 2012
RIP Dame Elisabeth. The world needs more people like this, she will be deeply missed by all. Rest in Peace lovely lady.
Lawrence Hardie
December 17, 2012
Australia has lost a truly wonderful human being. She will be sadly missed by us all.
Leanne S
December 17, 2012
A more gracious, caring and inspiring woman would be hard to find. So much can be learnt from the legacy that Dame Elisabeth created and nurtured for so long. God Bless You.
Dot Tasi
December 17, 2012
A grand lady whose inner beauty shone through her permanent smile -may she be reunited with Keith and rest in eternal happiness:-)
aaron zawadzki
December 17, 2012
hi,all Dame elisabeth murdoch was a great woman and a great mother, wife, and advocate and her death was a shame. She will be missed by all.
June Murray
December 17, 2012
Dame Elizabeth was a truly remarkable woman and was so inspiring. She had such a caring heart and an amazing insight to life. The world has farewelled an angel but she will always be remembered for her dedication and kindness.
Esther Bay
December 17, 2012
May the blessings of Buddha be with you always Dame Elisabeth Murdoch..
All your good deeds and great virtues will be a shinning example for many genrations to follow.. Thank You!! With Loving Kindness Esther Bay
Donald Garton
December 17, 2012
An inspiration to the world!
Cheryl Green
December 17, 2012
What a beautiful lady. Love her house too. They don't make people like they use to. RIP Dame Elisabeth. XO
Geraldine Gonsalvez
December 17, 2012
We convey our heartfelt sympathies and respect to all of Dame Elizabeth's family, loved ones, friends, and well-wishers. Though neither of us in our family knew Dame Elizabeth personally, together we admire and respect her for being a truly remarkable, caring and loving person of immense good will. Her life has been a testimony of loving commitment worthy of note to her family, as a loving wife, mum, grandma & great grandma and beyond her family to that of her local community, country, nation and the world at large through her good will and generous spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we pray for the peaceful repose of her soul and that she may rest forever in Peace in the garden of Eternal Life. Remembering that to live on in the hearts of those we love is never to die.
In Sympathy,
Geraldine & Jude Gonsalvez and all our children and Familiy.
Patricia Ng
December 17, 2012
A truly remarkable woman.
Fredericus Verschuren
December 17, 2012
A beautiful lady!
December 17, 2012
What an inspirational individual Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was, someone who totally deserved a place on this earth. If only everyone on this earth could learn something from this woman, perhaps it would be a better place for us all to live. You are my inspiration Dame Elisabeth
Clare De Kok
December 17, 2012
A true lady an inspiration to all. Her strength kindness and generosity will not be forgotten
Anne Walker
December 17, 2012
With love.
Wendy Muller
December 17, 2012
A great lady, a wonderful Australian. She will be forever remembered by her good deeds, big and small, and we are all the better for her having lived among us. Reunited with her beloved husband in Heaven.
H Stagg
December 17, 2012
Remembering a wonderful Australian woman who let her light shine on so many. A truly remarkable person. RIP.
Cecilia Trandang
December 17, 2012
We love you Dame Elisabeth. Thank you for everything you've done to bring happiness to so many human beings. God bless you
JJ Edmondson
December 17, 2012
Dame Elisabeth will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched. A dear lady with such poise, generosity and kindness in all she did.
I was fortunate to meet her many times through her Patronage of the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne and her memory for faces and names never ceased to amaze me.
Her memory will live on in the townships of Clyde and Langwarrin and her life will be celebrated by the CFA, Royal Botanic Gardens and many other community groups and charities she touched.
My sincere condolences to her family. May her legacy live on in her beautiful gardens of Cruden Farm.
Terry Siefken
December 17, 2012
The like of her will not pass our way again. R.I.P. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
Narelle Moorhouse
December 17, 2012
Beautiful, wonderful woman - an example to us all. She will be missed but I hope her memory and legacy lives on and she continues to influence us all.
A true lady
Helen Clement
December 17, 2012
What a wonderful lady Dame Elisabeth was. Although I do not personally know any of the family, I have seen her many times on TV. I absolutely loved her home and garden. A truly remarkable lady.
David McDonald
December 17, 2012
Wonderful lady, just look at that smile....!!
Leanne Knights
December 17, 2012
I did not know you personally but your caring and love shone through everyone and everywhere you went, may you rest in peace, deep sympathy to all her loving family, God Bless.
william ross
December 17, 2012
a remarkable woman the world will miss
Pamela Smith
December 17, 2012
What an inspiring women, just loved your passion. You will be sadly missed.
Dave Nicoletti
December 17, 2012
Dame Elizabeth is one of those rare stars too seldom seen by human eyes. It is a huge loss for all of us.
Sian Rossjohn
December 17, 2012
Dame , you have helped and inspired millions of people around the world .
You have changed the lives of many and your legacy will live on .
I am so greatful for all that you have done and the royal children's hospital wouldn't be where it is today without you ! It has helped many children including myself . Thank you
May you rest in peace
Jane Robinson
December 17, 2012
God's blessings on a life so well lived. May your legacy continue to do good in a world in so much need of people just like you. Thank you!
Therese Beggs
December 17, 2012
I am a great admirer of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. I have taped her interview with Andrew Denton when she was 99 and every time I feel down I watch it to make be feel better. She was a remarkable woman.
Ingrid Hickman
December 17, 2012
A truly remarkable lady, one of Australia's most inspirational women. 103 amazing years, may your legacy live on for all Australians, for the next 103 years and beyond. Condolences to the Murdoch family.
Stephanie M
December 17, 2012
What a truly remarkable and inspiring lady. Through my involvement with the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute I have grown a greater understanding of the importance of ongoing research, and its impact on clinical outcomes around the world. Your commitment and dedication not only to the MCRI but to the RCH is truly outstanding. You will always be remembered.
Georgina Molesworth
December 16, 2012
I have always admired you and had the greatest respect for you since seeing you for the first time at Clyde, what a most amazing woman you were, loved by all and so generous with your time and giving. You were truly someone to look up to and be inspired by. There is no one who could replace you.
James Fife
December 16, 2012
Australia has lost a generous and kind human being. God Bless you Dame Elisabeth, and may your memory live on forever.
John Cox
December 16, 2012
A truly gracious Lady,
Fly with the Angels Dame Elisabeth
Annie H
December 14, 2012
The world has lost a wonderful inspiring and amazing Lady. A Lady who captivated your attention and listened intently and had a great sense of humour. The most charming unassuming loving and caring person you could ever meet. I was asked to do a charity day at Cruden Farm and jumped at the opportunity. I was awestruck by her property and was taken in by her garden and lemon scented gum trees. I decided to send a card of thanks and mentioned her garden and gum trees. The card had images of Lemon scented gum trees on the front. She was 93 at the time. Several months later I was doing a charity day at the McClelland Gallery and looked up and saw a lady walking briskly up the road and the nearer she got I realized it was Dame Elisabeth. I couldn't believe it. She smiled at me as she approached me, asked me something and I added and asked her ' Dame Elisabeth,I want to introduce myself to you, if you remember...... I said,' I am the person who sent you a card a few months ago thanking you for allowing me to come to your house and help raise money for X charity.' She lit up, smiled broadly, her eyes twinkled and to my astonishment said to me, 'Oh.. yes Dear! The card you sent was the card with lemon scented gum trees on the front?' I said 'Yes!!! she said,'My dear, you should write and get published, you write beautifully!' I was awestruck or dumbstruck really. I am one of her biggest fans. I returned home and decided to paint her and did. An awesome Lady who has inspired me to help others. Bless her, She will be missed by just so many people. We will never forget such a Grand Lady.
My thoughts are with Dame Elisabeths family.
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