Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards, died on Tuesday 6 November 2010 at the age of 61 at North Carolina after her six year battle to cancer.
She is the author of the best-selling book Resilience ( about her husband extramarital affair, written in 2009 ) .
In 2006, after her initial cancer diagnosis, she also wrote
Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers which chronicled the aftermath of her son's death and her battle with the disease. Statement from the family said: "Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but she remains the heart of this family. We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life."
There are also some other statements from present and formerpolitical people :
President Barrack Obama :
"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. This afternoon I spoke to Cate Edwards and John Edwards, and offered our family's condolences. I came to know and admire Elizabeth over the course of the presidential campaign. She was a tenacious advocate for fixing our health care system and fighting poverty, and our country has benefited from the voice she gave to the cause of building a society that lifts up all those left behind.
"In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain. Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up. But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. America has lost a passionate advocate for building a more humane and just society, for reforming our health care system, and for finding a cure for cancer once and for all. But the Edwards family and her legion of friends have lost so much more -- a loving mother, constant guardian, and wise counselor. Our thoughts are with the Edwards family at this time, and with all those people across the country who met Elizabeth over the years and found an instant friend--someone who shared their experiences and offered empathy, understanding and hope. She made her mark on America, and she will not be forgotten."
Former President Bill Clinton:
"With the passing of Elizabeth Edwards, America has lost a symbol of strength, hope, and humanity, a tireless advocate for health care for all Americans, and determined crusader for cancer cures. Her children have lost a loving mother, her friends a wise counselor. My prayers are with them. She was a remarkable woman who dealt with the challenges her life dealt her with courage and grace."
the Bethel Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, N.C. where Elizabeth and John Edwards married on July 30, 1977:
"It saddens our hearts to hear of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. She was a great mother and a strong leader whose life impacted the world. As a church, we pray that the presence of Christ will be real to the family as they grieve her loss."