On April 17th, 1998 Linda McCartney died of breast cancer at the age of 56. Her husband, Paul McCartney, made no public display of strength. He was heartbroken that his wife of 29 years -- a wife he still referred to as "his girlfriend" -- was no longer by his side.

Linda's sweet nature and easy smile were an unlikely complement to the ferocity and passion she brought to animal rights and the issue of vegetarianism. PETA awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, we can still enjoy the delicious legacy of her culinary experiments with vegetarian recipes. Thanks, Linda.

See also

• The memory wall
• Facing end of life issues
• Giving back
• Supporting someone with cancer