Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, the year her husband ran for vice president with John F. Kerry. The couple’s marriage unraveled years later when it was revealed that John Edwards was having an affair with a campaign videographer. She was 61. Full obituary
President Obama’s emissary to Afghanistan and Pakistan -- a man the president called a “true giant of American foreign policy” -- was known for his ruthless negotiating style. He was 69. Full obituary
The former U.S. representative from Chicago was the powerful chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and a foe of President Reagan’s policies. He was forced from office in a corruption scandal and served time in prison. He was 82. Full obituary