Myra Kraft, wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft passed away this morning after what was described as a "courageous battle with cancer."

The franchise released this statement today:

“Words cannot express the deep sorrow that we feel in learning of the passing of Myra Hiatt Kraft. Myra passed away early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. We are all heartbroken. The global philanthropic community and the New England Patriots family have suffered a great loss.”

Myra Kraft was part of the Patriots organization and was described as "the No. 1 volunteer in New England" by her husband at the Community MVPs banquet last month. She served as the president and director of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation as well as being part of the boards of directors of the American Repertory Theatre, United Way of Massechussetts Bay and Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and Brandels University.

Robert Kraft has been a key member of the collective bargaining discussions that have been taking place in anticipation of an upcoming deal. He is one of the most respected owners in the league which has led to current and former Patriots to express their condolences publicly.

Vince Wilfork tweeted, "...Myra was a wonderful woman who my wife and I loved dearly #somuchmorethanfootball." Wilfork also blasted the lockout for restricting him from reaching out to the Kraft family and expressed just how much respect he had for her by saying "Luv ya Myra "momma"."

A rookie on the team last year in Devin McCourty asked his followers to give their thoughts and prayers to the Kraft family but it was the sentiments of two former players that really spoke to Mrs. Krafts impact as a person.

Former Patriots fullback Heath Evans tweeted, "What made Myra Kraft special? Strong but Tender-hearted/Proud but Humble/Bold but Soft-spoken/Extremely blessed but lived to be a blessing.”

Lawyer Milloy, a former defensive captain with the team, added "I’m truly heartbroken today. Myra Kraft has passed away. With my Brisk departure from Boston, she is the one person that I regret not saying goodbye too. As a young player/man she was a gr8 example of how a woman stands beside, not behind, a man of power!”

Services will be held Friday at 10 a.m at Temple Emanuel in Brookline.

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