Elizabeth Edwards, 61, wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, died at her home today after battling cancer for the last six years.

Edwards passed away at her Chapel Hill, North Caroline home after deciding to end treatment for her breast cancer just less than two weeks ago when doctors told her there would be no further benefit from continuing treatment. ABC News reports a family friend told the news outlet John Edwards was at his wife's side during her final moments and that the environment in the house was "warm and peaceful" and that "the mood was sad, but also full of warm feelings too."

Edwards was first diagnosed with cancer in 2004 - during the final weeks of her husband's vice-presidential campaign. The cancer went info remissions after months of treatment but resurfaced in early 2007. The cancer had moved into her bones by then and she was told she could no longer be cured but could be treated.

Then within a year, the Edwardses were fighting another battle -- John's reported infidelity and the subsequent revelation he had fathered a child with another woman, Rielle Hunter. The scandal caused the couple to separate but they never divorced.

The couple had four children -- their oldest, Wade, was killed in a car accident in 1996 at the age of 16. She is survived by her three remaining kids - 28-year-old Cate, 12-year-old Emma Claire and 10-year-old Jack.

Edwards posted this message on her Facebook page yesterday, as a final farewell:

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces – my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope," she wrote. "These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined.

The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human.

But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful."

Elizabeth Edwards says a paternity test will settle the question of whether her husband, former Senator John Edwards, is the father of a child a former lover claims is his.

Appearing on CNN's Larry King Live, Elizabeth was asked if the little girl, named Frances, would be given a test to determine if her husband was the father.

"My expectation is that, at some point, something happens," she said. "And I hope for the sake of this child that it happens ... in a quiet way."

Seems like Mrs. Edwards is handling the situation fairly well - despite reports that she's packed up her bags and moved out - but of course, as she courageously continues to battle breast cancer, we'd expect nothing less from her!

As for her husband, don't you think he should man-up and admit the truth and focus on doing what's best for the child?