89-year-old woman whose friendship with 31-year-old roommate warmed hearts, has died

Norma Cook, the 89-year-old woman whose friendship with her neighbor, 31, melted hearts across the world, died in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning. (Read here) The retired interior designer was diagnosed with leukemia 10 years ago, and decided to stop treatment last fall. After doctors said she could no longer live on her own without a caregiver, she moved in with her neighbor and best friend and actor Chris Salvatore.

 He announced her passing on Facebook, writing

Norma is now resting peacefully in the eternal and while she may no longer physically be with us, her spirit will continue to fill the hearts of so many people,

'This year Norma has helped the world see the true meaning of Valentine's Day. To love another is not about living struggle free or never experiencing hurt or loss, but to fully and deeply open our hearts to one another without fear,'

Salvatore first met Cook when he moved across the hall from her apartment four years ago, and the two bonded immediately.