Story highlights Marcy Borders, 9/11 survivor recognized as the "Dust Lady," died Tuesday after a battle with stomach cancer

"We lost our very own hero," her cousin said

New York (CNN) Many remember the haunting photograph: A woman wearing business attire and pearls is covered head-to-toe in white dust, her hands held out helplessly before her, as she makes her way out of the World Trade Center's damaged North Tower on September 11, 2001.

Marcy Borders survived that day, getting out before both towers of the trade center crumbled and killed 2,753 people in the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.

But the woman in the photos, known to most as the "Dust Lady," died Tuesday, her family said. She was 42.

JUST WATCHED 2002: Story behind 9/11 'Dust Lady' photo Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH 2002: Story behind 9/11 'Dust Lady' photo 02:24

She had been battling stomach cancer since last year, daughter Noelle Borders told CNN.

"My mom fought enemies in battle and I just loved her so much," Borders said in a phone interview. "She will always live through me."