CHAPEL HILL — Elizabeth Edwards, who rose to national prominence as the wife of a presidential candidate but will be remembered here as an author, mother and advocate for health care reform, died Tuesday morning at her home in Chapel Hill surrounded by friends and family.
Edwards, who used her own experience with cancer to educate and inspire others, had recently stopped treatments and her family announced over the weekend that she was in hospice. She was 61.
On her Facebook page Monday, she posted the following note:
“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.â€
After moving to Chapel Hill, Edwards spent much of her time in the national spotlight, first in assisting the political efforts – including two runs at the presidency – of her husband, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, then in dealing with the very public breakup of her marriage.
She chronicled her life and her determination to live her last days to the fullest in three books.
In more recent times, she had become more of a local, opening a small furniture store on Rosemary Street and volunteering at McDougle Middle School.
A graduate of the UNC School of Law, she was a passionate Tar Heel fan and often attended basketball games at the Smith Center.
Her passing was noted with profound sadness throughout the country as well as her adopted community.
“My thoughts and prayers will continue for Elizabeth’s family as they go through this very difficult time,†said state Sen. Ellie Kinnaird. “She will be very much missed.â€
At Tuesday night’s Carrboro Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Mark Chilton offered condolences on behalf of the people of Carrboro to the Edwards family, saying they had the sympathy of the whole town.
Her family and friends have set up a website – elizabeth-edwards.org – where individuals may leave their remembrances.
In announcing her death, the family issued the following statement:
“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.
“On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family.â€
Services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church on Edenton Street in Raleigh
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wade Edwards Foundation, which benefits the Wade Edwards Learning Lab at wade.org