Angela Castro, Fidel's sister, dies at 88

HAVANA -- Angela Castro, the eldest sister of Cuban revolutionary leaders Fidel and Raul Castro, has died following a long illness, another sibling who lives in exile confirmed Wednesday.

At 88, Angela was the first of the seven Castro brothers and sisters to die, and her passing served as another reminder of the looming mortality facing the entire clan. Fidel Castro, who stepped down in 2006, is 85; brother Raul, who took his place as president, is 80.

Angela's death was confirmed by Juanita Castro from her home in Miami. She said her elder sister, known to close friends and relatives as "Angelita," had suffered from Alzheimer's for years. Though her two older brothers became the most powerful men in Cuba, Angela led a quiet life out of the public eye. She was divorced, and is survived by five children, as well as grandchildren.

There was no confirmation of the death in Cuba's state-run media, and officials did not respond to requests for comment.