Local retail pioneer Luisa Lim Ong passed away at dawn on Saturday. She was 95.
Ong, who co-founded Bohol Quality Corporation in the 1960s, died at the Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City, two days after she celebrated her natal day on Thursday.
She and her late husband, Antonio Ong Guat, founded Tagbilaran City’s first department store—BQ which later flourished and evolved into a multi-business enterprise.
Ong was also known for her civic-mindedness.
Her remains are expected to arrive in Bohol from Cebu on Sunday.
She is survived by children Fred and Babs Gonzaga, Lourdes, Ben and Atie Huan, Tessie and Tony Tan, brothers Felimon (Monique) Young, Marciano and (Consorcia) Magtajas; sisters Natividad Lim, and brother-in-law Melchor Go.
Ong has 19 grandchildren: Ritzie and Mat Tiu, RG and Ebone Cimafranca, Chen-chen and Alab Chenglay, Tetel, Mysa and Jong Arcay, Joy Go, Giselle and Eric Ang, Jeffy and Jenny Uy, Benedict, Annbee and Silver Sun, and Sarah Tan and Stephanie Tan.
She has 11 great grandchildren; Fritz, Nina, Bea, Cosette, Basti,Enri, Lulu, Chanel, Mik-mik, Hanna, Nika and Bella.
Her remains will lie in state at the Ong Guat residence along Gallares Street in Tagbilaran City. Interment will be announced later.
Those who intend to offer flowers are requested to instead donate cash to the family’s chosen charities.