Posted by 
Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, a respected epidemiologist who became a familiar face on TV as she provided reliable advice to Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic, has died aged 70.
The University of New South Wales health expert was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year, months before she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
On Sunday evening, her husband, Richard Flook, said she had passed away in her sleep on Saturday night.
READ MORE: Suspected mushroom poisoning victim critical but stable as locals offer transplant help
"She had been so well cared for by the nurses and doctors at Wolper Hospital in Woollahra and had enjoyed the visits of her many friends who have been so supportive of her and our family," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"We will be planning her funeral service at Emmanuel Synagogue in the next few days."
McLaws regularly provided commentary on the pandemic in the media, but also worked on the COVID-19 frontline as a scientist.
She was a member of the World Health Organisation Health Emergencies Program Experts Advisory Panel for Infection Prevention and Control Preparedness, Readiness and Response to COVID-19, according to UNSW.
She was also a member of the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission COVID Infection Prevention and Control taskforce.
In January 2022, she revealed she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a severe headache.
"Thank you media for helping me spread knowledge," she said.
"Now it is time with my family. Best wishes to you all.
Welcoming her Order of Australia honour in 2022, McLaws repeated calls for Australians to get a booster shot.
"It has been my privilege, with the help of the media, to assist Australians during the pandemic through infection control," she said, on Twitter.
"Thank you for your support and for looking after each other."
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
