'Kate & Allie's Susan Saint James's cause of death revealed
What's the story
Actor Susan Saint James, best known for her role in the TV series Kate & Allie, passed away on October 26 at the age of 80. The cause of death has been confirmed as metastatic pancreatic cancer, reported PEOPLE. The actor's family remembered her as a generous person who was "instinctively drawn to whoever needed lifting up."
Medical details
What is metastatic pancreatic cancer?
Metastatic pancreatic cancer is a Stage IV cancer that spreads from the pancreas to other organs.
The pancreas makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones such as insulin to control blood sugar.
Most pancreatic cancers are diagnosed late because they may not cause symptoms until the tumor grows large or spreads to other organs.
Family tribute
Family remembers her life and career
Saint James's family also described her as someone who was "generous with her time and energy, which she valued more than money."
They added that she "never met a stranger," and "every person she met became the most important person in the room at that moment."
The statement mentioned those left behind by the actor: her husband Dick Ebersol, four children, seven grandchildren, sister Mary Mercedes Dewey, and beloved service dog Lola.
Last days
More about her career
Saint James marked her 80th birthday in August, just months before she died.
She was last seen at a birthday party at her home in Los Angeles.
The actor was known for her roles in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, the latter earning her two Emmy nominations before it ended in 1989.
Personal history
Her marriages and children
Saint James was married thrice. Her first marriage was to Richard Neubert in 1967, which ended in divorce the following year.
She then married Tom Lucas in 1971, with whom she had two children: Sunshine and Harmony.
In 1981, she married Saturday Night Live co-creator Dick Ebersol; they had three sons together: Charlie, Willie, and Teddy.
Teddy tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 14 in 2004.