Former State Representative Kate Ebli died yesterday after a recurrence with breast cancer.
The Democrat served 56th District of Michigan (Monroe County) for two terms. She lost her bid for a third term in the November elections to Republican Dale Zorn.
The Monroe Democratic Party released a statement:
"We are extremely saddened with the news that State Representative Kate Ebli has lost her courageously fought battle with cancer. It is a sad day for Kate's family and also for everyone that knew her."
The Detroit Free Press reported that Ebli was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 after a routine mammogram. The cancer went into remission after treatments, but recurred recently.
She is survived by her husband, Nick Ebli, and by her 22 year-old daughter, Victoria.
Officials of the Monroe Democratic Party say they will post funeral arrangements on their website when they are finalized by Ebli's family.