Judy Araneta-Roxas, mother of Mar Roxas, passes away at 91
Judy Araneta-Roxas, the mother of former senator and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, has passed away. She was 91.
Mar confirmed the news on Tuesday evening, August 26, through a social media post, stating that his mother passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones in her final moments.
"We are very sad to share that our mother Judy Araneta Roxas passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family and loved ones," he wrote in a Facebook post. "Please include her in your prayers."
Further details regarding the wake and interment arrangements have yet to be announced.
A philanthropist and civic leader
Judy, born in 1932, was a prominent Filipina philanthropist, civic leader, and matriarch of the Roxas clan.
She hailed from the prominent Araneta family of Bago City, Negros Occidental—one of the most influential landowning clans in Negros and Iloilo. The family's legacy extends to Manila, where they developed a big land in Cubao, now known as Araneta City. There, she served as the vice chairperson of the Araneta Centre Corporation.
In 1955, she married the late Senator Gerardo "Gerry" Roxas Sr. The couple had three children: Maria Lourdes, Gerardo Jr., and Mar.
Judy was also familiar with the world of politics, serving as an active supporter throughout the political careers of her husband and son, Mar.
A pivotal moment in her life was the Plaza Miranda bombing on Aug. 21, 1971. She was on stage with her husband when a grenade was thrown at the campaign rally. Both of them were injured, and she lost her kneecap in the attack.
Outside politics, Judy served as President of the Gerry Roxas Foundation. This non-profit organization works nationwide on leadership development, community service, and health programs.
Judy championed educational and social welfare programs and led the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, the social development arm of the Araneta Group, as its President. They assist indigent individuals, non-profit organizations, religious institutions, and local government units.
Years ago, Korina Sanchez described her mother-in-law as a "very down-to-earth woman" who was connected to people from all walks of life. According to Sanchez, she was "equally gracious in her conduct towards the prominent and the obscure."
