RIP, Deborah Orin-Eilbeck

A great journalist has passed away. Longtime New York Post readers will always remember her as Deborah Orin, one of the more savvy Washington correspondents, and always a straight shooter.

I had no idea she was battling cancer, though I noticed a lengthy absence until she recently returned to the Post. I found this out via a Drudge link from the White House.

President and Mrs. Bush Saddened by Death of Deborah Orin-Eilbeck

Laura and I were saddened to learn of the death of Deborah Orin-Eilbeck. Deb had a distinguished, decades-long career as a journalist, covering every Presidential campaign since 1980 and joining the New York Post's Washington bureau in 1988. Deb fought a valiant battle against cancer with the same tenacity, devotion, and determination that she brought to her work in the White House briefing room through numerous Administrations.

Laura and I send our condolences to Deb's husband Neville Eilbeck, and to her family, friends, and colleagues. She will be missed by all of us at the White House who cared deeply for her.

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin pays tribute. NY Post story here.