Last week, Congressman George Radanovich’s wife, Ethie Weaver Radanovich, passed away after a long and courageous, three-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 50.

“Ethie was the love of my life. Her smile would light up a room and her boundless energy brought joy and beauty to everyone she met. Ethie truly lived life to the fullest— always thinking of King and me and those she loved,” George said in a statement issued by his office on Feb. 4.

“Last night surrounded by our family and friends she passed peacefully to be with God. Her tenacity and perseverance throughout her battle with cancer was evidence of her love of life and a commitment to the ideals she believed in.”

Weaver Radanovich was a former political consultant. She had been undergoing hospice care at the family home in Virginia.

Because of his wife’s medical condition, George announced in late December that he would not seek reelection. He has held the 19th Congressional District seat since 1995. Prior to that, he served as a Mariposa County Supervisor.

Weaver Radanovich was known for her “larger than life” personality. Radanovich’s former chief of staff and former Mariposa County Administrative Officer John McCamman called her the “perfect politician’s wife.”

California State Senator Dave Cogdill, who also represents Mariposa County, offered his condolences to the family. “Stephanie and I send our heartfelt prayers to George and King and hope they find comfort and strength during this difficult time,” he said.

The congressman and his wife were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Mariposa in November of 1996. In 1998, they welcomed their only son, King. Weaver Radanovich was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in January, 2007, and had undergone a difficult three years of treatment.

“ King and I so appreciate all the kind words and prayers from everyone— they kept our spirits buoyed throughout. She was a most wonderful wife and mom—we’ll miss her every day,” George said.

Memorial services have been set in Virginia and Mariposa. The Virginia service was held yesterday. The local service will be held Sunday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at Sierra Meadows Country Club, 46516 Opah Drive in Ahwahnee.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mariposa Bears Football League, c/o Dave McNally, P.O. Box 2098, Mariposa, CA 95338 or to Mariposa Parks and Recreation Department for the Mariposa Little League, c/o Shannon Hansen, P.O. Box 732, Mariposa, CA 95338.