Edith Mack Hirsch was an American humanitarian and the wife of Desi Arnaz, a famous Cuban-American actor, musician, and television producer. She was known for her philanthropic work and her devotion to her husband, who was the founder of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra and the co-star of the popular sitcom I Love Lucy. Edith and Desi had a happy marriage that lasted for 22 years, until her death in 1985. What was Edith Mack Hirsch’s cause of death and how did it affect Desi Arnaz?
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Edith Mack Hirsch’s Early Life and First Marriage
Edith Mack Hirsch was born on April 15, 1917, in Illinois, Chicago. Her birth name was Edith Mack McSkimming. There is not much information available about her parents, siblings, or education. She had a passion for traveling and helping people in need, and she became a respected humanitarian.
Before she met Desi Arnaz, Edith was married to Clement L. Hirsch, an American businessman. The details of their marriage and divorce are not public, but it is known that they had no children together. Clement died in 1999 in Newport Beach, California.
Edith Mack Hirsch and Desi Arnaz’s Love Story
Desi Arnaz was one of the biggest names in Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s. He was best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in I Love Lucy, alongside his first wife, Lucille Ball. They had two children, Lucie and Desi Jr., but their marriage was troubled by Desi’s alcoholism and infidelity. They divorced in 1960, after 20 years of marriage.
Edith Mack Hirsch and Desi Arnaz met in 1963, three years after his divorce from Lucille. They fell in love and got married on March 2, 1963, in a ceremony at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Edith became the stepmother of Desi’s children, who accepted her warmly. Edith and Desi had no children of their own, but they shared a deep bond and a happy marriage. Desi reduced his involvement in show business and focused more on his family and his ranch in Corona, California.
Edith Mack Hirsch’s Cause of Death and Desi Arnaz’s Grief
Edith Mack Hirsch’s cause of death was cancer and its complications. The type of cancer she had was never disclosed, but it is believed that she suffered from it for a long time. She died on March 25, 1985, in Del Mar, California, at the age of 67. Her husband was devastated by her loss and never remarried. He said that Edith was the love of his life and that he owed her everything.
Ironically, Desi Arnaz was diagnosed with lung cancer on the same date, one year later, in 1986. He died on December 2, 1986, in Del Mar, California, at the age of 69. He was buried next to Edith at the Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Edith Mack Hirsch’s Legacy and Memory
Edith Mack Hirsch was a woman who dedicated her life to helping others and supporting her husband. She was involved in various charitable causes and organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the American Cancer Society, and the Girl Scouts of America. She was also a patron of the arts and a lover of animals. She left behind a legacy of kindness and generosity that touched many lives.
Edith Mack Hirsch is remembered by her family, friends, and fans as a beautiful, gracious, and compassionate person. She was the perfect partner for Desi Arnaz, who credited her for saving him from his demons and giving him happiness. She was a rare gem in Hollywood, a celebrity wife who stayed away from the spotlight and focused on her home and her husband. She was, in Desi’s words, “the best thing that ever happened to me”.
