CHICAGO—Ruth Edelman, deputy chair of Edelman parent group DJE Holdings and wife of deceased founder Daniel Edelman, died yesterday at the age of 84.

Ruth was was married to Dan Edelman for 59 years prior to his death this past January. She passes away following a battle with leukemia.

While Ruth was only awarded a formal corporate title (deputy chair) upon Dan's death, she played an instrumental role in helping to build the world's largest PR agency. 

“Ruth was a part of Edelman from day one,” said Edelman CEO Richard Edelman. “My parents created our business and established our culture. My mother had the poise and grace of a sought-after hostess, with the wit and wisdom of a savvy businesswoman. She charmed many a guest into becoming a client.”

Ruth Edelman was also a noted supporter of numerous health organizations and nonprofits, such as the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association. In 1994, she became the first individual outside of the medical community to receive the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association’s Jan Fawcett Humanitarian Award.

Ruth Edelman is survived by her three children Richard, Renee and John Edelman; as well as three granddaughters Margot, Victoria and Amanda Edelman.