Desperate Housewives Actress Kathryn Joosten Dead At 72 (DETAILS)

As the show's 8-year run came to an end, the life of one of the Desperate Housewives stars did as well.

Kathryn Joosten, also known as Karen McCluskey on Desperate Housewives lost her battle with lung cancer yesterday at the age of 72.

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Kathryn's battle with cancer was written in to her character's plot on the ABC sitcom and on the show's finale last month, her character Mrs. McCluskey also died from cancer complications. 

As told by The Hollywood Reporter:

Joosten won two Emmy awards for her portrayal of Mrs. McCluskey, the cranky but loveable senior who kept a close eye on her Wisteria Lane neighbors on Desperate Housewives. 

The hit show ended its run on ABC last month with a series finale in which Joosten's character passed away. Her character's battle with cancer was a story line in the show.She also appeared on NBC's The West Wing as Mrs. Landingham, the president's trusted secretary. Over the years, she had roles in a number of other popular shows, including a recurring one on Dharma & Greg and guest spots on shows including Ally McBeal  and Scrubs.

Active in animal rights causes, she appeared with other celebrities at a 2008 news conference in Los Angeles to ask the city to abandon a project for a $40 million elephant enclosure at the Los Angeles Zoo.

May she rest in peace.