Barry, who most recently worked as the program director for the city health department’s HIV-AIDS Administration, was diagnosed with leukemia in late 2005. By February 2006, she was in remission after chemotherapy treatment.

In July, she told BlackAmericaWeb.com that she learned earlier this year the cancer had returned. “I had chemo but after another round, there was a fear I would relapse,” she said.

“Effi was a valiant fighter throughout her life, and she was a great role model for so many people,” said Claudia Corbin, a college roommate of Barry’s at Hampton University.

"She was upbeat, optimistic -- and at peace,” said author Patrice Gaines, who also is a contributor to BlackAmericaWeb.com. "She appreciated her good life, her blessings. When I last talked to her, about three months ago, she was still laughing."

Marion Barry praised his former wife in a news release Thursday, citing her success at securing city funding for AIDS awareness programs for the poor.

"The city is better off because of the great work she did in bringing hope to our neighborhoods," Barry said. "Effi was D.C.; we will all miss her."

http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/effibarry907