Kent Somers

azcentral sports

Nancy Bidwill, wife of Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill, died Wednesday morning after fighting breast cancer for many years, the team announced.

Nancy Bidwill was 84. She and Bill had been married almost 56 years and were the parents of five children.

On the team's website, azcardinals.com, team President Michael Bidwill posted this message:

"With sadness, I am passing along the news that my mother has lost her long and valiant battle with breast cancer. She passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by close family members.

"She was blessed with a long life of 84 years and we were all blessed to know and love her, particularly my dad to whom she was married for nearly 56 years."

Bill Bidwill, 85, remains the Cardinals owner, but has not worked daily for the club in several years. Michael Bidwill became the team’s vice president/general counsel in 1996 and took over as team president in 2007.

Three other Bidwill children, Bill Jr., Nicole and Tim, have worked for the team in some capacity over the years. None are currently listed as staff members.

A fifth child, Patrick, has been involved in private business.

Michael Bidwill became a trusted aide to his father several years before joining the team in an official capacity and was chosen by his father to run the team.

Nancy Bidwill’s passing raises the question about what happens to ownership of the team after Bill Bidwill dies. Over the years, the Bidwill family has consistently declined to answer that question.

Michael Bidwill was not available for comment on Wednesday.