MANILA -- Rustan's Commercial Corporation Chair Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco has passed away, the Rustans Group said in a statement.

The company said Tantoco died peacefully on Thursday night, February 8. She was 77.

Nedy was the eldest daughter of Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco, who founded the luxury retail company in 1952.

"Although known in the industry for her astute professionalism, Nedy will always be better remembered as a nurturing force in fostering family empowerment and unity," the company said.

"These, she believed, were key for their family’s future generations to thrive."

Nedy was also a philanthropist and a patron of the arts, the company said.

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The wake will be held at the 25B Tamarind Avenue, Forbes Park Makati City, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from February 10-12, then at Heritage Park, 9 a.m to 9 p.m. from February 13-14. The funeral mass will be held on February 15, 9 a.m at Santuario de San Antonio Parish. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

She is survived by partner Patrick Jacinto; her three children: Anton with wife Nina and daughters Nikki and Isabelle; Michael with wife Kathy and children Kenzie and Kameron; and Catherine with husband David Endriga; and her family of dogs Sabrina, Tricia, Tessa, Katlinka, Skippy, Bocelli, and Tequila.