It was a bittersweet moment recently on hit comedy 'The Big Bang Theory' when most of the main characters sat together and lifted their glasses to a character who had passed away. Even more heartbreaking was the knowledge that it was actually the cast members saying good-bye to an actress who had died of cancer.

Carol Ann Susi played Mrs. Debbie Wolowitz on 'The Big Bang Theory.' Mother to mama's boy Howard, Mrs. Wolowitz was only portrayed once on the show, and that was a quick 'walk through the background' shot of her from the neck down. But her booming voice endlessly yelling at Howard became a staple on the show.

On November 11th, Carol Ann Susi lost her battle with cancer, and producers decided the best way to deal with it on the show was for Mrs. Wolowitz to also pass away. They could have made it funny or silly, but decided to treat the character with the respect they had for the actress. Debbie Wolowitz passed away peacefully in her sleep while visiting relatives in Florida.

In the final scene of a recent episode, most of the cast members gathered around the table in Sheldon and Leonard's living room and raised their glasses in a toast. Howard and Bernadette were missing, as they were said to be on a flight to Florida. As I watched the scene, it brought tears to my eyes. See, it wasn't Leonard saying good-bye to Mrs. Wolowitz. It was Johnny Galecki bidding farewell to Carol Ann Susi. Sweet and sad.

One final note; in future episodes, pay attention to Sheldon and Leonard's fridge. You'll notice a picture of Carol Ann Susi on the side. Producers said it's a way that she can always be with them.

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