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SYDNEY - Retired cricketer Glenn McGrath says he wants the memory of his wife Jane, who died after a decade-long battle with breast cancer, to be used as inspiration for women suffering from the disease.
"Jane would want those women who are battling breast cancer to stay strong,"
McGrath said Monday in a statement.
"She would want them to draw strength from the fact she didn't only 'survive' breast cancer for 11 years, but during that time she lived life to the fullest and found pleasure in the simple things so many people take for granted."
The English-born Jane McGrath, 42, died Sunday.
"It is with deep sadness that the family and friends of Jane McGrath, beloved wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn and loving mother of James and Holly, must announce she passed away at her home this morning," a Cricket Australia statement said.
"With Glenn and their two children by her side, Jane's wonderful life ended peacefully after a sudden decline in her health over the past week."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in Parliament on Monday that Jane McGrath was an inspiration to all Australians.
"In particular to those personally affected by cancer," Rudd said. "She will be remembered with great fondness for her work to help women and their families, and that work will continue."
Jane McGrath had surgery earlier this year and was recovering before complications set in, the statement said. She began treatment in February 2006 for a third bout of breast cancer which included secondary cancer in her hip in 2003.
Glenn McGrath, the most successful fast bowler in cricket history, played his last test match in early January of 2006, the fifth and last test of the Ashes series that Australia swept 5-0. He took 542 wickets in 119 test matches.
The retired cricketer said he was devastated by his wife's death, and called her his "best friend."
"I would like to think Jane will be remembered as an extraordinary person whose courage and determination humbled me and inspired so many people," McGrath said.
Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting, with the team in the West Indies, said Jane McGrath "maintained grace and dignity during her long-term illness."
"She was an exceptionally friendly and lovely person who displayed great courage and stoicism during her illness," Ponting said. "Jane will be very fondly remembered by all of us."
All Australian players will wear a pink ribbon in honor of her breast cancer charity, the McGrath Foundation, and use bats with pink grips in Tuesday's opening limited-overs match against the West Indies.
"This gesture by the players is one they were all very keen to do," said team manager Steve Bernard.
A memorial service has been scheduled for the Garrison Church in Sydney on Wednesday. It was the church where the couple was married.