Eileen Bond, the first wife and “soul mate” of one of Australia’s biggest corporate criminals and America’s Cup-winning hero Alan Bond, has died.

Affectionately known as “Red”, Bond passed away in Perth on Wednesday night.

The ABC reports she died surrounded by family, days after suffering a stroke on Sunday. She was 87.

Bond’s son John told ABC Perth his mother had “lived life to the fullest” and was supportive to any family members in need.

“She had an extraordinary ability to just relate to people,” he said.

Eileen and Alan Bond were married for 37 years and had four children before their split in 1992.

They were together when her husband became a national hero by funding Australia’s winning tilt at the America’s Cup in 1983.

Alan Bond was a British-born Australian businessman in the 80s and 90s. Photo: AAP

Alan Bond was a controversial businessman and one of Australia’s richest men. He dominated the 1980s, before he went bankrupt and had several stints in jail.

He was considered one of the country’s worst corporate criminals after being found guilty of Australia’s then biggest corporate fraud in 1996.

Alan Bond died in 2015 days after undergoing heart surgery in Perth.

Their son John at the time said his parents were “soulmates”.

Gold Coast-based Bond University vice chancellor and president Professor Tim Brailsford extended “deepest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences” to the Bond family and Eileen’s “many, many friends”.

“Red was a great friend and fierce supporter of the university since its establishment,” he said.

“She was a regular visitor to campus and attended many events, always bringing her own style and grace.

“The room was always brighter once Red had entered, and her cheeky sense of humour entertained many a crowd.

“The many students, alumni and staff who had the good fortune to meet Eileen will be deeply saddened by her sudden passing but forever grateful for the positive impact and joyous memories that she left with them.

“Our thoughts are with John, Craig and Jody, their spouses and Eileen’s grandchildren.”