Betty Jane France, wife of the late Bill France Jr. and mother of racing executives Brian France and Lesa France Kennedy, died Monday night.

Though her husband and children were involved in making NASCAR what it is today, France was perhaps best known for her charitable efforts. She founded the NASCAR Foundation in 2006 and was its chairperson for many years, helped establish a children’s “Speediatrics” unit at two Florida hospitals and has her name on the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented annually by NASCAR.

France, whose age was not known publicly, saw her children become the key decision-makers in stock-car racing. Brian France is chairman and CEO of NASCAR, and Lesa France Kennedy is the CEO of International Speedway Corp., which owns tracks like Daytona International Speedway.

“Last night, the NASCAR family lost a mother, a grandmother, a friend and the light that guided the sport’s charitable arm,” Brian France said in a statement Monday. “My mother taught us incredible values, that of love, patience, compassion and joy. She embraced life every day, and nothing fueled her passion more than children. Her unmatched efforts in building The NASCAR Foundation improved the lives of millions of children throughout this country. And because of that, her legacy will live forever.

“My father leaned on my mother throughout his life, relying on her wisdom and calming demeanor to help grow the sport of NASCAR. She was there, every step of the way. When we lost my father, her positive presence remained, as she used her immense skill to grow NASCAR’s heart and soul, The NASCAR Foundation.”

Lesa France Kennedy, who was named the most powerful woman in sports by Forbes last year, said her mother was her “inspiration.”

“Beyond her greatest community service, her starring role was that of mother to my brother Brian and me,” France Kennedy said in a statment. “She was an incredible role model, cherished friend, and someone who demonstrated limitless possibilities that helped so many people pursue their dreams.

“Her legacy will be treasured and she will forever be missed not only by her loving family and close friends, but by the many lives she touched along the way.”

Grandson Ben Kennedy races in the Camping World Truck Series and won his first career race earlier this month at Bristol Motor Speedway.

He tweeted Monday night: “We all miss you grandma. Thank you for being you still can’t believe it #neverforgotten”

France grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C., and met future husband Bill France Jr. there when she was working as a lifeguard and entered a pageant to try and become Miss NASCAR.

“I was a finalist, but I did not win Miss NASCAR,” France told the Daytona Beach News-Journal in 2013. “His (Bill Jr.’s) father tells the story that I didn’t win Miss NASCAR, but I won NASCAR.”

The Frances moved to Daytona Beach, where she spent most of her life. She helped with accounting in NASCAR’s early days and later became NASCAR’s executive vice president and assistant treasurer. France Jr., the former NASCAR CEO and a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s inaugural class, died in 2007.

Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty praised France as someone who “did just as much as anyone to build the sport and help it grow.”

“They say behind every strong man is a very strong woman,” he said. “In this case, Betty Jane stood just as tall as Bill Jr.”

Current drivers also weighed in on France’s death.

Jimmie Johnson tweeted he and his wife “loved visiting with Betty Jane” and would “deeply miss her.” Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and Joey Logano were among others who tweeted their condolences.

“Thoughts & prayers with the France family today,” Logano wrote. “Betty Jane France helped make the sport what it is today & impacted many w/ her foundation.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Follow Jeff Gluck on Twitter @jeff_gluck.