Former Brazilian president Lula's wife dies of stroke

Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva, wife of Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, died on Thursday morning, from complications of a stroke.

According to the doctors of the Sirio Libanes Hospital, where Mrs. Lula was being treated, the family authorized the donation of her organs for transplants.

Through Facebook, the Lula family issued an official statement thanking the public for all the good wishes and prayers for Mrs. Lula in the past 10 days since her stroke.

"The Lula da Silva family thanks for the manifestations of affection and solidarity received in the past 10 days for the recuperation of former First Lady Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva. The family has authorized the procedures for organ donations," the statement said.

Mrs. Lula's death was announced in the Congress and representatives made a minute of silence in her memory.

Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva was 66 and married to former President Lula in 1974. Lula was her second husband - her first husband passed away in 1971. She is survived by five children and several grandchildren.

source: Xinhua