Endon Mahmood was a very popular person among the many high commissioners' and ambassadors' wives in Kuala Lumpur. She was always fair to everyone, and she was respected by all.

She took care of each one of us, no matter what country, and she was such a great asset not only to her husband, but to her beloved Malaysia.

How sad it is to learn that she is no longer with us.

She was so courageous and inspirational in her fight against cancer. During her last visit for treatment in Los Angeles, my husband and I got in touch with her, and she told us of her strong hope that she would be free of her cancer one day.

She was so positive and cheerful that we truly believed that it would be so. That is all the more reason why we are saddened to learn that her struggle has come to an end.

Endon will remain in the hearts and memories of the many foreigners who came to know and love her over the years. We will all miss her, too.

The writer is the wife of the former US ambassador to Malaysia, John R Malott, both of whom are now based in Alexandria, Virginia.