Rona Ramon, the universally beloved widow of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon and bereaved mother of pilot Asaf Ramon, died on Monday of pancreatic cancer, at the age of 54.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized Rona Ramon on Monday evening, saying her family had suffered a "tragedy of biblical proportions" but that she had refused to allow her losses to break her.
Ilan Ramon, Israel's first and so far only astronaut, was killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003. Six years later, the Ramons' eldest son, Asaf, who had followed in his father's footsteps to become an Israeli Air Force fighter pilot, was killed in a training accident.
In a 2013 interview, Ramon said she was still unable to discuss the loss of her son, but also tried to "look for meaning in life."
"My wife, Sara, and I express deep sorrow over the passing of Rona Ramon," Netanyahu said in a video message.
"Rona stood bravely after the deaths of her husband Ilan and her son Asaf, our beloved pilots, may their memories be for a blessing.
"She battled cancer with the same bravery, but to our sorrow, succumbed today. We will always remember her and her splendid family," Netanyahu said.
President Reuven Rivlin and his wife, Nechama, also expressed their grief.
"Rona has left us the way she lived, noble, pure, and full of faith. Ilan and Asaf touched the sky, and Rona touched our hearts. … We won't forget how you built something out of a tragedy and gave meaning to boundless pain, how you filled the lack with immeasurable creativity.
"We will lift our eyes and look for you all, three shining stars," the Rivlins said.
Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin said Rona Ramon was "part of the IAF family and stood by Ilan and Asaf in moments of joy and sorrow. The Ramon Foundation that she established has helped shape Israeli society in their image. The Ramon family has contributed greatly to IAF operations and its legacy. We will continue to embrace the Ramon family in these difficult moments. Rona, you will always be an inseparable part of the IAF family."
Politicians also expressed their sorrow over her death.
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon wrote: "Rona perpetuated the legacy of her husband and son by educating thousands about Zionism and excellence. Rona was the essence of Israeli-ness. In the face of terrible loss and pain, she chose the path of hope."
Yesh Atid party head Yair Lapid said, "The leadership program that she founded and her inspirational work will be with us for many years."
Education Minister Naftali Bennett said that "great sadness has befallen the people of Israel. Such love, Zionism, devotion, and contribution that woman and her family had. Rona was an example and a role model for work and giving, and because of a crisis. She left a legacy of optimism and benevolence."
Culture Minister Miri Regev said Rona Ramon had "inculcated the current generation and future generations with the legacy of excellence that characterized [her family]. Beloved Rona, be at rest. Your voice will always be heard."
Rona Ramon created the Ramon Foundation in memory of her husband and son, and counseled others coping with tragedies.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said, "NASA is deeply saddened by the passing of Rona Ramon, and we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Israel. Rona's courage and inspiration in the face of tragedy have helped inspire a new generation to build on the legacy of her husband, space shuttle astronaut Ilan Ramon.
"Throughout her life, she remained a friend of those who would pioneer space, encouraging worldwide dialogue through the Ilan Ramon Symposium, and a deeper awareness of the challenges and bravery of our astronauts.
"Through the Ramon Foundation, that work will continue to encourage the leaders of tomorrow to take up the mantle of exploration and inquiry. We stand on the shoulders of Rona and Ilan as we continue to reach for the heavens," Bridenstine said.
