Judy Araneta-Roxas, silent Liberal Party stalwart, dies at 91

When Judy Araneta-Roxas quietly passed away on the morning of August 26, 2025, her family—gathered around her—lost more than a mother. They lost a matriarch whose life quietly shaped a legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering love. Former Interior Secretary and senator Mar Roxas shared the news on social media, writing, “We are very sad to share that our mother Judy Araneta-Roxas passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family and loved ones.”

Born on July 31, 1934, into the influential Araneta clan, Judy was the eldest child of Ester and Jesus Amado Araneta, the founder of the Araneta Group. She belonged to a family whose name is tied deeply to Philippine history, business, and public life.

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In 1955, she married Senator Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas, a rising figure in national politics and a beacon of democratic ideals. Together, they raised children who would grow to continue public service themselves. Judy’s son, Mar, followed in his father’s footsteps and served in several key government roles. Her other son, Gerardo Jr., served as Capiz Representative before his death in 1993.

But Judy’s role extended beyond motherhood and support of her husband’s career. She held leadership positions across civic endeavors: vice chair of the Araneta Group, president of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, president of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, and leader of the President Manuel A. Roxas Foundation.

Her tireless work earned her national recognition. Pope John Paul II awarded her a Papal Award in 1987, adding a spiritual and global dimension to her honors. She was also the first recipient of the Benigno S. Aquino Award for Nationalism — a tribute not just to her family’s legacy, but to her own commitment to the nation’s welfare.

Judy Araneta Roxas - POLITIKO

Friends recall Judy’s humble strength—balanced by a firm belief in service and unwavering loyalty to her principles. She was described by many as a “quiet force” who preferred working behind the scenes, letting her deeds speak louder than words.

Her death prompted an outpouring of condolences across generations. Colleagues from the business world praised her wise leadership. Public servants remembered her generosity and encouragement. Citizens grand and small expressed gratitude for her contributions to health, education, and governance.

Her passing also comes at a moment when the values she embodied—public service, integrity, compassion—carry renewed significance in public life. Her peaceful departure at 91, surrounded by family, stands as a testament to a life well-lived, grounded in love and purpose.

Details of her wake are yet to be announced, though the nation already begins to celebrate her legacy through memories, shared stories, and reverence.

In the quiet corners of foundation offices, in corridors of public service she helped mold, and in households that benefit from her philanthropic vision, Judy Araneta-Roxas’s impact endures. While the matriarch may be gone, the values she lived by remain deeply embedded in the institutions and hearts she nurtured.