Actress Estelle Getty, the wise cracking Sophia from Golden Girls, died at her Los Angeles home Tuesday morning, a few days before her 85th birthday. 

Surrounded by her family and caregivers, Getty  known the world over for her hilarious portrayal of the witty, dry  character Sophia Petrillo on the Golden Girls had been suffering from poor health over the years.The latest reports claim she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a progressive brain disease.

In 2005, her Golden Girls co-star Rue McClanahan told Entertainment Tonight when she called her on the phone, "the only thing she was able to say back to me was, 'Yes.'" Born in New York City, Getty launched her career in the Yiddish theater. She earned acclaim for her role as playing Harvey Fierstein's mother in Broadway's Torch Song Trilogy. She was best known, however, as the quick-wittted Sophia on The Golden Girls. She won an Emmy in 1988 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. (She earned a total of 57 nominations.)

Her longtime caregiver Paul Chapdelaine wrote on her Web site: "Sadly, today July 22, 2008 at 5:35 a.m. Pacific Time, we said our last good-byes to our little friend Estelle, who passed away and made her journey to the great beyond. Although it was a trip that she never wanted to take, she went gracefully, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her family and her very loving care-givers.

"Estelle's legacy will live on and on through the comedy and laughter she gave to us all, which will forever keep us laughing out loud."For us here, who have known and cared for her for so many years, we've lost our dear little friend who always kept us entertained by filling our days with joyful laughter. Estelle's fans across the globe have lost the feisty little lady known as Sophia Petrillo, whose quick wit, cutting remarks, and outrageous punch lines will forever be quoted and remembered.

"Estelle was a fighter. She always stood up for the underdogs, fought for equality for all, and always pictured a world filled with "Love and Laughter" her most favorite catch phrase.

"Estelle, we love you and will miss you dearly. We pray that you are met at the Pearly Gate with open arms and a warm welcome by all who have passed before you. If there's a stage over there, I know you'll be on it. If there's a thrift shop, I know you'll be shopping, and if there's a deli, I know you'll be eating there holding court with Rhoda and Sylvia ... and the laughter will be heard throughout the heavens.

"Goodbye, dear friend. Thank you for all the talent and love that you've shared with us during your time here on Earth. You have touched my life, and the lives of so many others who will never forget you."

In 2006, her caregiver told Entertainment Tonight, "Estelle would like them all to know that if she has made you laugh, encouraged you to think, and challenged your beliefs, then she has done her job."

She is survived by her two adult sons, Barry and Carl.

                                                                                source : usmagazine.com