Deborah "Debi" Austin, a Californian who became a symbol of the anti-smoking movement for her powerful role in advocacy and education, died last week. She was 62.

Austin, of Canoga Park, is perhaps best known for her role in a public-awareness television ad in the mid-1990s and later spots she filmed after being diagnosed with cancer of the larynx and receiving a laryngectomy.

"They say nicotine isn't addictive," Austin says in one ad, taking a drag of her smoke. "How can they say that?"

Her raspy voice, poised demeanor in the face of adversity, and dark hole in her throat are unforgettable.

In recent years, Austin continued filming advertisements for anti-smoking groups and died Friday after a two-decade bout with cancer, according to a statement from her family.

"True to Debi's spirit, she was a fighter to the end and leaves a big hole in our hearts and lives. Debi will be remembered fondly by who those who love her to be caring, courageous, very funny and always there to offer advice or lend a hand," according to the statement from the family provided by Allison+Partners.

"She was passionate and outspoken about what she believed in and deeply touched all who knew her or heard her story."