Anne McCaffrey has passed away at 85.

We are sad to report that Anne McCaffrey has passed away at 85. She was born in the United States and emigrated to Ireland in 1970 with her two youngest children. 
The author of almost 100 novels, the co-author of 30 more, and many short stories as well, she has been a legend in the genre.  She was the first woman to win the coveted Hugo award, served a term as Secretary-Treasurer of the SFWA from 1968-1970.
Her career started in 1952, with the short story 'Freedom of the Race' about women impregnated by aliens.  And followed it up with 'Lady in the Tower' (Which was later expanded into the bestselling novel 'The Rowan' many years later).
The inspiration for her first novel, 'Restoree' was, as quoted by her son Todd: "I was so tired of all the weak women screaming in the corner while their boyfriends were beating off the aliens. I wouldn't have been—I'd've been in there swinging with something or kicking them as hard as I could." It was published in 1967.
She started her most famous work, Pern in the short story 'Weyr Search in that same year, and it eventually grew into a sprawling collection of stories that detail the fall and reclamation of a future human colony fighting a generations long battle with the ultimate invasive species with the assistance of genetically modified telepathic dragons.
She was a beloved figure in the field, and an inspiration to many. She will be missed.