She got her soap start as Faith Kipling, the wife of the evil Dr. Ivan Kipling on One Life to Live (1979-1980) and later came to Oakdale and As the World Turns as lawyer, Maggie Crawford (1980-1985), and now comes sad news that actress Mary Linda Rapelye has died from a battle with cancer.

Mary Linda actually passed away last month on April 5th, and according to The Booth Bay Register she was surrounded by her her brother Gardiner Rapelye Jr. and dear friends Julianna and Will Anderson by her side.  She was 76 years old at the time of her death.

Mary Linda started a long career of acting when she was only 5.  After her part in an outdoor production at The Starlight Theater in her home town, Kansas City, Missouri, she climbed off the stage and sat in her father’s lap. This was to be the beginning of her work spanning nearly eight decades on stage, screen and television. She is best known for her roles in Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, and of course, OLTL and ATWT.  She also made a memorable appearance in the role of Irina Galliulin in the Star Trek: The Original Series third season episode “The Way to Eden”.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life is being planned this July for MaryLinda in Booth Bay.

Below is a tribute video featuring clips and moments from Rapelye’s career.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Mary Linda in the comment section.

The upcoming Soap Con Live virtual event has announced that former The Doctors stars: Nancy Stafford (Felicia/Adrienne Hunt), Anna Stuart (Toni Ferra-Powers), Frank Telfer (Luke Dancy) and Marie Thomas-Foster (Lauri James-Iverson) will be on the panel representing the series on May 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.

“Classic television has been a great comfort during this challenging year,” said Joel Wertman, president of Retro TV and It’s Real Good TV parent company, Get After It Media, Inc. “Our team is honored that Retro TV has been a place audiences have turned to. We’re excited to be a part of Soap Con Live and are grateful to these stars from “The Doctors” for being a part of the event.”

Panels for other daytime soaps As the World Turns, One Life to Live and General Hospital will continue throughout the day during this free, inaugural virtual event.

The free live event will be simulcast on The Locher Room YouTube Channel, the It’s Real Good TV app, and SoapOperaDigest.com.

There will be a Q&A during the livestream events giving fans opportunities to interact with their favorite daytime stars.

Go to Soap Con Live.com for more information on the main event and virtual meet and greets and more.

So, what do you think about The Doctors panel participants? Comment below.