Patty Duke passed away March 29, 2016 was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a mental health advocate and a cultural icon

Patty Duke, as a teen won an Oscar for The Miracle Worker and later played "identical cousins" in her own TV sitcom, has died. 

A representative released the news:

"Anna 'Patty Duke' Pearce passed away this morning March 29, 2016 at 1:20 am," his statement read. "Her cause of death was sepsis from a ruptured intestine. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a mental health advocate and a cultural icon. She will be missed."

Sean Astin (son) posted on FaceBook a heartwarming tribute -- and announce that he's launching a mental health initiative in her honor.

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Sean Astin

11 hours ago

I love you mom.

OUR FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF PATTY DUKE

This morning, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, matriarch and the exquisite artist, humanitarian, and champion for mental health, Anna PATTY DUKE Pearce, closed her eyes, quieted her pain and ascended to a beautiful place. We celebrate the infinite love and compassion she shared through her work and throughout her life.

Her work endures...
The Patty Duke Mental Health Project: https://www.crowdrise.com/patty-duke-mental-he…/…/seanastin1