New Delhi, Dec. 5 -- Simone Tata, 95, mother of Noel Tata and stepmother of former Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata, passed away early Friday.

Tata had been recovering from an illness and was brought to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital earlier this August after receiving initial treatment at King's Hospital in Dubai.

Tata is survived by her son Noel, his wife Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah.

With her positivity and deep resolve she overcame many challenges in her life. Tata leaves behind a strong legacy as a business leader, having guided Lakme through its formative decades before its eventual sale to Hindustan Unilever in the 1990s.

"She will always be remembered for her contribution to the growth of Lakme as India'...