Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and an advocate for science education, died Monday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61.
"Sally Ride died peacefully on July 23, 2012 after a courageous 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer," according to a statement on the Sally Ride Science Web site. "Sally lived her life to the fullest, with boundless energy, curiosity, intelligence, passion, joy, and love. Her integrity was absolute; her spirit was immeasurable; her approach to life was fearless."
Ride died at her home in the San Diego suburb of La Jolla, said Terry McEntee, a spokeswoman for her company, Sally Ride Science. She was a private person and the details of her illness were kept to just a few people, she said.
In a statement released by the White House, President Obama said "Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sally Ride. As the first American woman to travel into space, Sally was a national hero and a powerful role model. She inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars and later fought tirelessly to help them get there by advocating for a greater focus on science and math in our schools.
"Sally's life showed us that there are no limits to what we can achieve and I have no doubt that her legacy will endure for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sally's family and friends."
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, a former shuttle commander: "Sally Ride broke barriers with grace and professionalism -- and literally changed the face of America's space program."
Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and an advocate for science education, died Monday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61.
"Sally Ride died peacefully on July 23, 2012 after a courageous 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer," according to a statement on the Sally Ride Science Web site. "Sally lived her life to the fullest, with boundless energy, curiosity, intelligence, passion, joy, and love. Her integrity was absolute; her spirit was immeasurable; her approach to life was fearless."
Ride died at her home in the San Diego suburb of La Jolla, said Terry McEntee, a spokeswoman for her company, Sally Ride Science. She was a private person and the details of her illness were kept to just a few people, she said.
In a statement released by the White House, President Obama said "Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sally Ride. As the first American woman to travel into space, Sally was a national hero and a powerful role model. She inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars and later fought tirelessly to help them get there by advocating for a greater focus on science and math in our schools.
"Sally's life showed us that there are no limits to what we can achieve and I have no doubt that her legacy will endure for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sally's family and friends."
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, a former shuttle commander: "Sally Ride broke barriers with grace and professionalism -- and literally changed the face of America's space program."
She retired from NASA in 1987,but continued to work in the sciences, founding her own company Sally Ride Science, its purpose to motivate young students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math.
She retired from NASA in 1987,but continued to work in the sciences, founding her own company Sally Ride Science, its purpose to motivate young students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math.
