Marcia Wallace, known best for her portrayal as Edna Krabappel - Bart Simpson's ever-tormented 4th grade teacher - has died. According to a TMZ report, Wallace died following a long battle with an unspecified illness at her home in Los Angeles, surrounded by her family.

The news of Wallace's death was reportedly obtained by TMZ through her caregiver, who was unwilling to give away any details as to how the Emmy-winner passed away. The caregiver did reveal that Marcia had been suffering with an illness for several months now and also said that she died in relative comfort in the company of her loved ones. Our thoughts are with them in this difficult period.

It is believed that her passing was caused due to complications arising form a long-fought battle with breast cancer, according to Deadline. Marcia was a staunch campaigner for breast cancer, having been diagnosed with the disease in 1985.

In addition to her well-known role on The Simpsons, Marcia also featured frequently on The Bob Newhart Show throughout the 1970's and featured on such shows as Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, Murder She Wrote and Full House.

"Cheers to the hilarious, kind, fab Marcia Wallace, who has taken her leave of us. Heaven is now a much funnier place b/c of you, Marcia," wrote Yeardley Smith, who voices Lisa Simpson, on Twitter on Saturday morning. Television writer Cathryn Michon also joined the online mourning, writing, "Devastated 2nite at passing of #Marciawallace dear friend 1 of the stars of my @MuffinTopMovie. She was my hero, cheered 4 me. Grrl Genius."

Marcia Wallace
Marcia Wallace: 1942 - 2013