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A non-commissioned intelligence officer during the War of Attrition and the Suez crisis, Sharon was also an accomplished artist and ornithologist.

Born in Romania and having studied at the Avni art institute, she excelled in portraiture, loved music and helped many young musicians who immigrated from the former Soviet Union.

She also created decorative gardens and took much pleasure in developing the family's Negev farmstead, Havat Hashikmim, where she was buried Sunday.

Ariel Sharon and their sons, Omri and Gilead, were by her side until she died at 7 a.m. Saturday morning in Sheba Hospital. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Rotem and Danya.

Prime Minister Ehud Barak and his wife Nava expressed their deep sorrow and wished the family comfort at this time.

She was an "outstanding figure and loved by the Israeli public," said Barak, who described her as a "role model" for many people.

Journalists had been aware for some months of Sharon's very serious condition.

However, both at the request of her husband, and using their own discretion, most of the media decided not to detail her visits to the United Sates for treatment.

Ariel Sharon's sometimes lengthy absences from the Knesset were explained as being for "personal reasons."