Emmy winner Kathryn Joosten died of lung cancer Saturday. She was 72.
The actress, best known for her role on Desperate Housewives as plucky neighbor Karen McCluskey and as The West Wing's secretary Mrs. Landingham, was surrounded by family and friends in Westlake Village, Calif., at the time of her death.
"Kathryn passed away this morning after a valiant fight against her cancer," Nadine Jolson, Joosten's rep, told E! News. "Her family was with her. Funeral arrangements are pending. This is a terrible loss, and she fought as hard as she could."
She is survived by her two sons, Jonathan (and his wife Jeremy and their son Jon Henry) and Timothy (and his wife Karissa and their son Evan James), who released this statement: "The family of Kathryn Joosten, two-time Emmy winner, long-time Governor of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, lung cancer advocate, and so much more, regrets to announce that Kathryn succumbed to her 11-year battle with lung cancer today, June 2, 2012, surrounded by love and humor til the end. Thanks to everyone for their love and support. We are laughing through our tears. We love you, Kathy, thanks for everything."
Her costar Felicity Huffman Tweeted Saturday, "All my prayers and love to Katherine (sic) Joosten's family. Rest in peace, she was an amazing woman and a wonderful actress."
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