India, Dec. 5 -- Simone Tata, the mother of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata and the stepmother of late Ratan Tata, passed away on Friday morning at Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital after a brief illness. She was 95.

According to a statement from the Tata Group, the last respects for the founder of Lakme will be held on Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church, Colaba.

"She will always be remembered for her contribution to the growth of Lakme as India's leading cosmetic brand and for laying the foundation for fashion retail with the Westside chain. She also guided the work of many philanthropic organisations, including the Sir Ratan Tata Institute," a Tata Group spokesperson said in a statement.

"With her positivity and de...