Friends in Los Angeles confirm that after a long inspiring fight with cancer, Cathy Seipp passed away this afternoon. What a blessing she was in so many lives. God bless her daughter, Maia, and grieving family and friends.

A close friend of hers relays in an e-mail circulating: “Cathy took enormous comfort … in the incredible outpouring of support from all of you, and the thousands of complete strangers who sent best wishes her way.”

That this news is not a surprise makes it no less sad. We lost a fresh, honest, funny voice today and a great woman.