Estelle Getty, the lovable actress from the Golden Girls has passed away.  She was 84 years old.

More pictures after the jump…

Estelle Getty had been suffering from dementia for many years.  Her last public appearance was back in 2000, but her co-stars Bea Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan kept in touch with her.  They say she didn’t remember who they were on the phone or in person. 

Estelle won an Emmy award for her portrayal of Bea Arthur’s mother in the Golden girls, the sitcom that ran from 1986 until 1992.  She was also in several movies including Tootsie, Mask, Mannequin and Stuart Little.  She leaves behind two sons.  Her husband predeceased her in 2004.

Photos: Estellegetty.com