UPDATE: RUPERT Murdoch has paid an emotional tribute to his mother Dame Elisabeth at her memorial service in central Melbourne.
The News Corporation chairman and chief executive told the scores of dignitaries and community representatives at St Paul's Cathedral that his mother's deep love for her husband and children shaped the family from the very start, the Herald Sun reports.
"However you came to know her, what you remember is her strength of character that defined Elisabeth Murdoch's life," Mr Murdoch said.
"(But) Mum would never forgive me if I did not start by acknowledging a truth she repeated constantly throughout her long life. The most satisfying thing I ever did, she always said, was to marry my husband, that was my father, Keith Murdoch.
"On their 10th anniversary, my father put it this way in a note to her: 'It is an amazing piece of luck for me, that you were just you. Because I could not have been happy with anyone else'.
"Mum lived entirely for him. I know it is not fashionable to say that these days but mum was not the type of person to let fashion get in the way of what she loved."She always made it clear that he would come first and people who do not understand that about my mother do not understand her at all.
"There is a reason she never remarried... to her last breath this beautiful woman never considered herself anything but absolutely in love with my father. We children were part of that love."
He said Sir Keith had come to fatherhood late and often indulged his children.
"So mum took it upon herself to be the family disciplinarian. Just let me say that mum assumed that role with none of the angst or self doubt of that consumed so many modern parents," Mr Murdoch said.
"For mum, love wasn't something soft or mushy. It was strong and reliable, something that brings you comfort and peace when you are lonely and troubled.
"When you have it, as we have it, you know you have the greatest comfort you will ever find in this life."
Mr Murdoch said his mother, born eight years after Australia's federation, represented the best in the national character.
"In many ways she grew up with this nation - through its youthful beginnings, the hardship of war, all the way through to the vibrant society we behold today," he said.
"In her spirit and her energy, she embodied the finest qualities of this country."
Former Victorian premier and family friend, Jeff Kennett, said Dame Elisabeth had been a constant in so many lives.
"She was always there," Mr Kennett said.
"It's rarely in life that you meet a person outside the family who has a profound influence on yourself.
"She was always optimistic, always full of beans."
Hundreds of people filled St Paul's Cathedral, including 100 family members and representatives from the many charities and arts organisations Dame Elisabeth supported.
Many more watched the service on screens at nearby Federation Square.
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has also joined mourners to remember a life that changed countless others through enormous philanthropic gestures.
Attorney-General Nicola Roxon represented the Federal Government, while former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Fraser also attended.
Also among dignitaries were four former state premiers and the wife of former premier Steve Bracks.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce delivered a reading, as did Victorian Governor Alex Chernov.
Other guests included Barry Humphries.
Flowers at the service were specially cultivated Dame Elisabeth roses.
The service was led by Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier and the Very Reverend Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne.
Just after 10am, the rhythmic chimes of the cathedral bells could be heard echoing across the city, heralding the approaching service.
Dame Elisabeth died this month aged 103.
Royal Children's Hospital chief executive Prof Christine Kilpatrick said Dame Elisabeth, a life-long advocate for health services, would be remembered as a dear friend.
"We will remember Dame Elisabeth and celebrate her outstanding dedication and overall commitment to the health and wellbeing of the children of Victoria," she said.
Flinders St has been closed between Russell and Queen streets, and Swanston St is closed between the Arts Centre and Flinders Lane until 2pm.
Instead of flowers, the Murdoch family has requested donations to the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.
Read more at heraldsun.com.au
