House of Cards Actress Elizabeth Norment Dies

Elizabeth Norment in House of Cards

Netflix

By Alexis L. Loinaz

@alexisloinaz

10/28/2014 AT 05:25 PM EDT

Elizabeth Norment, the seasoned TV actress who most recently starred as an unflappable Beltway secretary on Season 2 of House of Cards , has died at the age of 61.

Norment's death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by her sister, who said the actress passed away at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on Oct. 13.

On the hit Netflix series, Norment played steely, steadfast Nancy Kaufberger, who worked for ruthless soon-to-be president Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and remained firmly by his side amid his conniving and devious political machinations.

"Everyone at House of Cards is deeply saddened by Elizabeth’s passing," producer Beau Willimon said in a statement. "She was a talented actress, a warm soul and a good friend to us all."

Throughout a career that spanned both stage and screen – the Yale School of Drama grad was a founding member of the American Repertory Theatre, THR reports – Norment appeared on a slew of TV shows, including L.A. Law, E.R. and Party of Five.

She also had recurring role as a judge on Law & Order from 2002 to 2008.