Denise Dowse, ''Beverly Hills, 90210' ' and ''Insecure'' Actress, Dead at 64: 'She is Watching Over Us'

Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty

On Saturday, her sister Tracey announced her passing viaInstagram.

“I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all of the love and prayers,” she began her heartfelt note, which included a glowing picture of Denise, flashing a big smile on her face.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life,” she shared. “Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. She was my very best friend and final family member.”

Tracey continued, “Denise loved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the love she has. I ask for privacy and your continued prayers. I will provide, at a later time, her Celebration of Life information. I will update you here.”

Expressing gratitude for the support she and her family received, her sister concluded, “Again I am so grateful for all the calls, text messages, direct messages, and silent prayers for my sister.”

“We could not have made it so gracefully and painlessly without all of the prayer warriors around the world,” she added. “Thank you for giving so selflessly. I love you, Tracey.”

Greg Doherty/Getty

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Denise’s representatives did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.

The announcement came after her sister shared earlier this week that the late star had beenhospitalized and was in a comadue to “a virulent form of meningitis.”

“She is a vibrant actor and director that should have many years ahead of her. Thoughts, prayers and support are greatly appreciated,” Tracey added then of her sister.

Aside from her roles onBeverly Hills, 90210and HBO’sInsecure,Denise also played Judge Rebecca Damnsen on the CBS dramaThe Guardianfrom 2001-2004.

Denise also directed the upcoming historical biopicRemember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, which stars Keith David,Corbin Bleu,Vanessa WilliamsandColumbus Short.

source: people.com