I never liked Pat at all. She was far too camp and over the top to be taken seriously. At least both Lou and Pauline seemed like a actual people rather than some ridiculous caricature that spouts words of wisdom.
Current matriarchs could be Shirley Carter / Sharon Mitchell / Kathy Beale (if the characters become more faaaaaamily driven)
I'd also say Gail Platt in Corrie, Rita would have been a great matriarch if she had a family.