Notable deaths of 2013 (35 images)

Van Cliburn, famed classical pianist died of bone cancer on February 27. He was 78. Among his accomplishments were winning the gold medal in Moscow's Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in 1958. UPI/Pat Benic

Puppeteer and philanthropist Jane Nebel Henson died at her home in Connecticut on April 2 after a long battle with cancer. She was 78. The New York native met her future husband, Jim Henson, at a puppetry class at the University of Maryland and soon became an integral creative and business partner in what would become the Muppets. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

Former chairman and chief executive officer of McDonald's Corp. Fred Turner died at age 80 from complications from pneumonia. Turner is pictured in this undated UPI file phtoo with McDonalds founder Ray Croc. File/UPI

Edward Koch, the three-term New York mayor died at 88 on April 3. Koch was remembered as a man who transformed the city, saving it from the brink. Koch is pictured here waving to crowds as he rides in a car during the ticker-tape parade where the New York Yankees are honored for their 2009 World Series win. UPI Photo/Monika Graff