Quote: Sally Ride died peacefully July 23, 2012 after a courageous 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Sally lived her life to the fullest, with boundless energy, curiosity, intelligence, passion, commitment, and love. Her integrity was absolute; her spirit was immeasurable; her approach to life was fearless.

Sally was a physicist, the first American woman to fly in space, a science writer, and the President and CEO of Sally Ride Science. She had the rare ability to understand the essence of things and to inspire those around her to join her pursuits.

Sally's historic flight into space captured the nation's imagination and made her a household name. She became a symbol of the ability of women to break barriers and a hero to generations of adventurous young girls. After retiring from NASA, Sally used her high profile to champion a cause she believed in passionately—inspiring young people, especially girls, to stick with their interest in science, to become scientifically literate, and to consider pursuing careers in science and engineering.

In addition to Tam O'Shaughnessy, her partner of 27 years, Sally is survived by her mother, Joyce; her sister, Bear; her niece, Caitlin, and nephew, Whitney; her staff of 40 at Sally Ride Science; and many friends and colleagues around the country.

Quote:Sherman Hemsley Dies at 74
By Maggie Coughlan

Tuesday July 24, 2012 04:40 PM EDT

Sherman Hemsley, who played George Jefferson on The Jeffersons, has died at 74, according to police.

The actor played Jefferson in All in the Family and its successful spin-off, The Jeffersons.

He also played Deacon Ernest Frye on Amen.

Hemsley died at his home in El Paso, Texas, police tell TMZ. El Paso TV news station KVIA also reports the actor died there, citing a friend.

Hemsley had no wife or children.