Just two weeks after Angelina Jolie announced that she underwent a double mastectomy to prevent the spread of the cancer carrying BRCA1 gene, the Oscar-Award winning actress' aunt, Debbie Martin, passed away after her own battle with breast cancer.

Jolie's uncle Ron Martin told E! News the mother of two died on Sunday after being admitted to Palomar Hospital in Escondido, Calif. on Wednesday. She was 61.

"Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day," Martin told E! News.

"They both loved Debbie very much and although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice."

Debbie' younger sister and Jolie's mother, Marcheline Bertrand, passed away after her own seven-year battle with ovarian cancer back in 2007. Jolie has expressed plans to have her ovaries removed as another preventative measure.

"We have seen Angelina a number of times since Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer and Debbie and I were both very proud of her recent decision to have the double mastectomy and to do everything she can to keep her family from having to go through what we've been through," Martin added.

"Angelina's father Jon Voight has also been tremendously supportive-he came down to see Debbie last Sunday and spent the whole day, talking with her and sharing his love and I know Debbie really enjoyed seeing him and talking with him."

According to the American Cancer Society's 2013 projections, 232, 340 news cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. To find out what you can do to take your own preventative steps visit the ACS's website for Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention.