Shirley Lowy, the woman behind Westfield, dies in Israel

In a touching tribute to his wife of 68 years late last week, billionaire Westfield founder Sir Frank Lowy said at her funeral that her life’s agenda was to look after him and their three sons. Never herself.

Shirley Lowy, who died in Tel Aviv at the age of 86 on December 9, was dedicated to her role as wife and mother and believed in traditional marriage. Even when she studied an arts degree at UNSW when her three sons, David, Peter and Steven, had grown up, Lady Lowy ensured she arrived home before any of the men so there was no disruption to the household and dinner would be ready.

Equally, Lady Lowy was determined to help those less fortunate than herself.

In the name of her parents, in the late 1990s she offered to establish a scholarship at Moriah College, a private school in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The plan was to award a child a full scholarship every year to cover 13 years of their schooling. When the school said it would be perfect for gifted children, Lady Lowy replied: “Wait a moment. There are plenty of opportunities for the gifted. I want this for ordinary students.”

The Lowy family in a statement said: “Her care and concern extended beyond her growing family to the wider community where she quietly launched philanthropic initiatives to help those in need. Having come from humble beginnings, she searched for new ways to improve the lives of others.”

Read the article by Sally Patten in the Australian Financial Review.