Elizabeth Edwards

Date of Birth: July 3, 1949

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 7, 2010

Biography

Elizabeth Anania Edwards was an American attorney, author, and health care activist born on July 3, 1949, in Jacksonville, Florida. She became widely known as the wife of John Edwards, the former U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential candidate. Elizabeth Edwards earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later obtained her Juris Doctor from the same institution. Elizabeth initially worked in the legal field, focusing on bankruptcy law, but her career took a significant turn when she became involved in her husband’s political campaigns. Throughout her life, she was an advocate for healthcare reform and actively promoted cancer awareness following her own diagnosis of breast cancer in 2004. Elizabeth authored two books, “Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers” and “Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life’s Adversities,” which touched many lives with their messages of hope and resilience. She passed away on December 7, 2010, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

5 Interesting Facts about Elizabeth Edwards

1. Elizabeth Edwards was a spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer organization.

2. She was a classmate of John Edwards at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

3. Elizabeth lost her first son, Wade, in a car accident in 1996, which profoundly affected her life and advocacy work.

4. She played a significant role in John Edwards’ presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008.

5. Elizabeth Edwards was praised for her transparency and openness about her struggles with cancer and personal challenges.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elizabeth Edwards

1. “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.”

2. “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before.”

3. “You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces – my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope.”

4. “I have, I think, a fairly realistic take on life. I think I have a fairly realistic take on what the world is like.”

5. “I don’t want my children to be afraid of anything, including walking in my footsteps.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her and John Edwards’ careers, their combined net worth was estimated to be around $55 million.

Children

Elizabeth Edwards had four children: 1. Wade Edwards (1979–1996) – Tragically died in a car accident. 2. Cate Edwards (born 1982) – An attorney and activist. 3. Emma Claire Edwards (born 1998) 4. Jack Edwards (born 2000)