Lili Smith, activist was 15

Former president Bill Clinton wrote this week that "Lili Smith was a beautiful girl...taken from her family and friends far too soon." Smith is the daughter of political consultant Ace Smith and Democratic fundraiser Laura Talmus and had helped on Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Lili died in her sleep this week. Carla Marinucci in her San Francisco Chronicle blog:

Born with a rare condition, Apert's syndrome -- a congenital disorder characterized by malformations of the skull, hands and feet -- Lili Smith required extensive and often painful surgeries at birth and at regular intervals during her life.

Undaunted by her physical challenges, Smith -- with the strong encouragement of her parents and older brother, Abram, 19 -- became an energetic activist in social and political issues and a seasoned campaign insider, working with her father in Texas on Clinton's behalf during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Ace Smith has been deeply involved in Los Angeles politics, primarily as the chief strategist for Antonio Villaraigosa's campaigns for mayor. Villaraigosa told The Chronicle that Lili was "a source of strength and inspiration'' who was "poised and mature beyond her years...and a blessing to everyone who came in contact with her."